As expected, the Chicago Bears used their first-round pick to bolster their defense. While some mock drafts had them going with Zion Young or Peter Woods, they went with a reinforcement for their secondary.
Dillon Thieneman was always projected to be the second safety off the board. Not many people expected him to be available in the 20s, though, which may have forced the Bears to change their plans, considering that they were also tied to Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.
Landing a player after he slipped is obviously a great feeling if you're a general manager, but not so much if you're the odd man out. That's why Cam Lewis may now believe his stay in the Windy City won't be long.
Cam Lewis Might be Replaced Before Playing a Single Snap for the Bears
Earlier in the offseason, the Bears signed Lewis to a two-year, $6 million deal. He spent his entire six-year career with the Buffalo Bills, and he was projected to start next to the recently signed Coby Bryant. That may no longer be the case, given that Thieneman, unlike other rookie safeties, could be ready to roll and make an impact from day one.
Of course, it's not like the Bears always thought Lewis would be a long-term solution at the position. He's an average player who doesn't necessarily pop up in any aspect of the game. Perhaps his best trait is that he can also play cornerback.
Pro Football Focus gave Lewis an overall grade of 57.5 last season, which ranked 77th among 98 eligible strong safeties. He was solid against the run, but he has never been the most reliable guy when forced to drop into coverage.
Thieneman's instincts stand out on the tape. He's great at reading plays in real time and tracking the ball, and he has done a solid job in both single-high and two-high alignments. He's also a hard-hitting guy who won't give up on any play. Thieneman's high motor will help him compete on every down and chase guys from sideline to sideline like a linebacker.
The Bears' secondary underwent a major overhaul in the offseason, and Lewis was more insurance than hope for Dennis Allen's unit. Now, with the rookie out of Oregon, it wouldn't be shocking to see this be his only season in the NFC North, barring some unexpected breakthrough performance in 2026.
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