Though many Buffalo Bills fans are hoping for a big swing in free agency, they are more likely to focus on the draft to fill one of their many holes. With needs at edge rusher and receiver as glaring issues, they certainly have their hands full. Safety is also a big area of need, and there is one fit in the draft that makes a lot of sense.
There are a few safeties that could make sense when the Bills pick 26th, but Dillon Thieneman from Oregon could be the right pick. It would certainly give new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard more versatility as he implements his system.
Oregon Safety Dillon Thieneman 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 200 lbs
Official 40-yard dash: 4.35
Recruiting: Three-star prospect, No. 988 nationally, No. 85 safety in the class of 2023
College Production: 188 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 14 passes defended, 8 interceptions in 39 career games
Strengths
- Perhaps the best coverage instincts of any safety in the class, reads route concepts well, always in position to take away throwing windows.
- Speed and size are elite, giving him the range to play sideline-to-sideline, closing with great burst.
- Great tackler using textbook technique, running downhill with real violence.
- Versatile, having lined up at both safety positions and in the slot during his college career.
- Legitimate ball skills make him a big play threat wherever he lines up.
Thieneman is the real deal, a great mix of size, speed, and instincts that make him a threat against the run and pass. He has fantastic versatility, giving a defensive coordinator the ability to line him up in numerous spots in order to maximize his effectiveness.
Weaknesses
- A bit weak against play action because of his aggressiveness as a downhill tackler.
- Pursuit angles need work, especially on runs to the outside.
- Needs to work on his recognition of more complex route combinations, though he is generally a good processor.
Thieneman’s weaknesses are things that can be worked on with proper coaching. Even his recognition is an overall strength that needs a bit of tweaking to make into a superior skill. He needs to add some size to hold up against blocks at the next level, but that is often a concern coming out of college.
Dillon Thieneman NFL Player Comparison: Kevin Byard
Thieneman is seen in a similar ilk to not only Byard but also Philadelphia Eagles DB Cooper DeJean. He showed exceptional speed at the NFL Combine, but also plays with a high football IQ and shows versatility to line up at several spots on defense, standing out in run support.
Dillon Thieneman’s Fit with the Buffalo Bills
The Seattle Seahawks have shown what a good safety room can do for a defense. Having someone like Thieneman to pair with emerging star Cole Bishop would give the Bills two legitimate playmakers on the back end of the defense. Thieneman could become more aggressive against the run, knowing that Bishop is there to take away the passing game.
Dillon Thieneman NFL Draft Grade: Late Round 1-Early Round 2
Though some mock drafts have them taking an edge rusher or receiver, don’t overlook the value that someone like Thieneman brings to the table. His presence, combined with Bishop's, could unlock several areas of the defense. Thieneman is the kind of player that defensive coordinators salivate over.