Dillon Thieneman

NFL Draft Profile: Dillon Thieneman

Position: Safety | School: Oregon (via Purdue) | Class: Junior

Height: 6'0" | Weight: 205 lbs | Archetype: Hybrid / Single-High

College Career Summary

Dillon Thieneman enters the 2026 draft cycle as one of the most decorated and productive safeties in college football history. At Purdue, he authored arguably the greatest freshman defensive season in Big Ten history, recording 106 tackles and 6 interceptions, earning him FWAA Defensive Freshman of the Year honors. He followed that with a sophomore campaign in 2024 where he led all Big Ten defensive backs with 104 tackles.

Seeking to elevate his draft stock in a more diverse defensive system, Thieneman transferred to Oregon for the 2025 season. Under Dan Lanning, he transitioned from a primary "centerfield" role to a versatile weapon used in split-safety, slot, and box alignments. He finished 2025 as a First-Team All-Big Ten selection, proving that his elite range and processing speed translate to a championship-level defense.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 36 (Started every game of collegiate career)

• Total Tackles: 277 (67 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 7.5 (1.5 in 2025)

• Sacks: 2.0 (1.0 in 2025)

• Interceptions: 8 (2 in 2025)

• Pass Breakups (PD): 18 (4 in 2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Montana State	5 Tkl	B	Clean debut; Oregon played heavy rotation.
vs. Boise State	6 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	High Motor. Chased down Jeanty on a 40-yard breakaway.
@ Oregon State	4 Tkl	B	Technically sound; erased the deep third.
vs. UCLA	5 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	IQ. Sniffed out two screen passes for no gain.
vs. Michigan State	3 Tkl, 1 INT	A-	Star Impact. First INT as a Duck on a deep post.
vs. Ohio State	7 Tkl, 1 PD	A	Competitor. Played "downhill" against elite talent.
@ Purdue	4 Tkl	B+	Mental Toughness. Handled the "return home" with poise.
@ Illinois	5 Tkl, 0.5 TFL	B	Solid in run support; disciplined eyes.
vs. Maryland	6 Tkl, 1 PD	A-	Play Recognition. Broke up a TD in the corner of the EZ.
@ Wisconsin	5 Tkl	B	Reliable "eraser" on several breakout runs.
vs. Washington	8 Tkl	A	Tackling. Clinical open-field stops in a rivalry win.
vs. Penn State (B1G)	5 Tkl, 1 INT	A+	Clutch. Game-winning INT in Overtime to win the Big Ten.
vs. Texas Tech (Bowl)	4 Tkl, 1.0 Sack	B+	Athleticism. First sack of the season on a blitz.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Range: Thieneman covers ground like an NFL veteran. His ability to play as a single-high safety and reach the sideline before the ball arrives is a "Top 1%" trait.

• Instincts & IQ: He is rarely out of position. He reads the quarterback’s intentions and understands route combinations, often triggering downhill before the ball is released.

• Sure Tackler: Despite his leaner build, he is a wrap-up finisher. He led the Big Ten in solo tackles for two straight years because of his Pursuit angles and technique.

• Versatility: At Oregon, he proved he can play the "Star" (Nickel) position, cover tight ends, or step into the box as a run-supporter.

Weaknesses

• Physical Stature: While he meets the 6'0" / 205 lb threshold, he has a high-waisted, slender frame. He can struggle to disengage when 320 lb guards climb to the second level.

• Over-Aggression: Occasionally bites on double moves or "sluggo" routes because he trusts his recovery speed too much.

• Hit Power: He is an "effective" tackler rather than a "punishing" one. He won't consistently de-cleat power backs at the goal line.

Scheme Fit: Ideal Free Safety in a Single-High (Cover 1/3) or Split-Safety system (e.g., Seahawks, Packers, or Vikings).

NFL Comparison: Dax Hill (Bengals) / Jessie Bates III

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 20/20 | Physical Tools: 18/20 | Attributes: 17/20 | Athleticism: 19/20 | IQ: 19/20

Final Grade: 93/100

Dillon Thieneman is a "plug-and-play" starter at the next level. While Caleb Downs offers more bulk and "thumper" potential, Thieneman is the superior pure coverage safety. His 2025 tape at Oregon answered the only remaining question scouts had: "Can he do it in a pro-style defense?" The answer was a resounding yes. His ability to eliminate the deep ball while still contributing 60+ tackles makes him a cornerstone defender.

Draft Projection: 1st Round (Late) / High 2nd Round