Tim Twentyman
Name:Dillon Thieneman
Position:Safety
School:Oregon
Ht/Wt:6-0, 201
40-yard dash:4.35 seconds (1.52 10-yard split)
Bench:18 reps
Vertical:41 inches
Broad:10-foot-5
3-cone:Did not run
20-yard shuttle:Did not run
How he fits:NFL teams are always looking for versatile players to deploy on defense and that's what Thieneman is. He played in the box, deep safety and slot cornerback for Oregon's defense last season. He's got terrific range, as his 4.3 speed would indicate, but also plays physical in the run game and isn't afraid of contact.
The physical traits match the production, which NFL evaluators love to see. He racked up 306 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and eight interceptions in three seasons starting his career at Purdue and ending at Oregon.
The Lions return startersKerby JosephandBrian Branchat safety, but both are coming off serious injuries. Joseph missed 11 games with a knee injury and Branch tore his Achilles in December.Thomas Harperand newly signedChristian Izienadd depth, but a player like Thieneman could play several different roles in Detroit's defense.
Key observations:Thieneman's 90.5 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus was the seventh best among all college safeties last season.
What they had to say about him:"Because of his open-field athleticism, Thieneman has a lot to offer in the NFL, including the versatility to make plays over the top in coverage or downhill against the run. With his impressive range and anticipation from the deep half, he can guard sidelines and sort through routes. He reminds me of Justin Reid." - Dane Brugler, The Athletic
How he stacks up:Brugler lists Thieneman as hisNo. 23 overall prospectin the class.
NFL media and draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah has Thieneman listed as his No. 17 overall prospect in his latest list of theTop 50 players. Only Ohio State's Caleb Downs is ranked higher among safeties.
ESPN's Field Yates has Thieneman as hisNo. 19 overall prospectand No. 2 safety behind Downs.
"Like the tight end class, there's good depth at safety," Yates wrote. "Thieneman stands atop as the best ball-hawking center fielder among them. He snagged six interceptions as a true freshman with Purdue in 2023 before two with the Ducks in 2025. He has a strong ability to diagnose plays and has great vision and hands that would grade out well if he were a receiver."
NFL lead draft writer Eric Edholm has Thieneman at No. 22 on hisTop 100 list.
"Instinctive ball finder with good size and athleticism, as well as the ability to play high or low. Thieneman looks like a possible Day 1 starter to me," Edholm wrote.
What he had to say:"I just bring that hard worker, discipline demeanor, consistent," Thieneman said at the Combine. "I feel like I'm the same guy day in, day out."
