NFC Notes: Blake Miller, Dillon Thieneman, Bears, Lions, Vikings

Oregon Reveals How Dillon Thieneman Mirrors Brian Urlacher — And It Makes Sense

When the Chicago Bears drafted Dillon Thieneman in the 1st round of the 2026 NFL draft, the excitement was palpable. Many felt the team had just secured the next Harrison Smith, a dual-threat safety with elite intelligence. Others felt he was another Jevon Holland, a very good box safety who had the athleticism to play coverage as well. Every comparison centered on standout safeties for obvious reasons. However, coaches at Oregon used him in suc…

NFC Notes: Blake Miller, Dillon Thieneman, Bears, Lions, Vikings

Bears Bears GM Ryan Poles said after drafting rookie S Dillon Thieneman that having a strong secondary could help the team generate a stronger pass rush. “If you help the secondary, you know, they’re related to a degree,” Poles said after drafting Thieneman, via ESPN. “Obviously, the D-line helps the back end more often than not. But in this situation where we have good corners, good safeties, we can be in a position where maybe we can have the …