Dillon Thieneman, SAF, Oregon
If the Bengals can’t get Caleb Downs in the first round, there are some fine second options in the next round. To start, Dillon Thieneman, out of Oregon. There is an obvious need at safety one way or another. Geno Stone is very likely going to be let go this offseason, but there is not much behind him. Jordan Battle has had flashes, but he’s underwhelmed. Daijahn Anthony and Tycen Anderson must not have the confidence of the coaching staff, either. However, Thieneman could be a good answer.
Thieneman made his mark early with Purdue. As a true freshman in 2023, Thieneman led the Boilermakers with 106 tackles, two tackles for loss, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and a whopping six interceptions. He backed that up with 104 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and seven pass breakups in 2024. Offenses finally figured out that number 31 was good at football, because they avoided him in coverage, hence his lack of interceptions.
I’m tweeting about one prospect every day before the 2026 NFL Draft. If I miss a day, I shake ass for the TL
Oregon SAF Dillon Thieneman
+ Versatility
+ Ball skills
+ Coverage instincts
+ Downhill speed
– Consistent physicality vs. blocks
– Ankle biter pic.twitter.com/vkHdbycJnS— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) November 29, 2025
Then, he jumped into the portal and landed at Oregon. Thanks to the upgrade in talent in support, his tackle numbers fell to 86 as he prepares to play in the Peach Bowl. Even then, he added 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, five pass breakups, and two interceptions.
If the Bengals want to use Battle closer to the line of scrimmage, Thieneman could be the answer at free safety. He’s a ballhawk and can crash downhill to respond to the ball carrier.
Theieneman jumps off the tape when you watch. He has star potential.
