The Dallas Cowboys are widely expected to address their secondary early in the 2026 NFL Draft, and Caleb Downs is the No. 1 target for many fans. He is the consensus top safety in the draft, but this is a deep safety class, and there could be as many as three first-round safeties when it’s all said and done.
One of those safeties who could be in Round 1 discussions is Dillon Thieneman, a transfer from Purdue, who was outstanding for Oregon in 2025. He’s steadily risen up the rankings over the last few months and could end up being a target for the Cowboys in Round 1. So without further ado, here is our scouting report on Thieneman and his potential fit in Dallas:
Dillon Thieneman 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Height: 6002
Weight: 205 pounds
Expected 40 Yard Dash Time: 4.50
Recruiting: 3-star recruit, 988th ranked recruit nationally, 85th-ranked safety
College Production: 39 games, 306 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 8 INTs, 14 pass deflections, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
Positives:
Extremely versatile safety who has spent a significant amount of time in the slot, in the box, and as a deep safety.
- Does not miss very many open-field tackles. Tackle rate improved each season in college football.
- Shows range and instincts when lined up as a free safety. Arguably his best position.
- Quickly identifies screens and underneath routes and flies to the football.
- Digs at the football and has a knack for knocking the ball away at the last minute.
- Outstanding production with over 300 combined tackles and eight interceptions (six of which came during the 2023 season).
Thieneman checks every box you would want from a safety in terms of size, athleticism, production, and versatility. He was a three-year starter and improved each season despite a huge 2023 season. His calling card is his versatility, and defensive coordinators who like to move their safeties around will love him as a prospect.
Negatives:
- Not a physical tackler. Uses his body weight to drag down defenders and doesn’t possess much stopping power.
- Lack of power shows up when taking on blocks. Tight ends can overwhelm him in space.
- Prefers to avoid blocks instead of taking them on and that leads to some big plays.
- He’s a good athlete, but not a special athlete. And that could show up more in man-to-man coverage in the NFL.
Thieneman isn’t a special athlete and only has average NFL size, so expecting him to be a physical defender at the next level will be a stretch. He’s more of a complementary player rather than a defensive back that you build a defense around. And his ceiling might always be lower than some of the other safeties in this class.
Dillon Thieneman NFL Player Comparison: Xavier McKinney, S, Green Bay Packers
McKinney is a do-it-all safety whose best attribute is his versatility. There are some seasons where he really racks up the turnover numbers, but he is just a high-quality starter and part of a top-tier defense. He’s not in the elite tier of safeties, but he isn’t far behind either. McKinney has succeeded in multiple defenses and he’s at his best when quarterbacks don’t know where he’s lining up. And the same can be said about Thieneman, especially during his final season at Oregon.
Dillon Thieneman Fit With The Dallas Cowboys
Christian Parker wants defensive backs who are smart and versatile, so it’s not hard to see Thieneman fitting in well in Dallas. Thieneman has experience playing nearly every position and would be a Day 1 starter. Pairing him with Malik Hooker would greatly improve the safety room and would raise the floor of the secondary, as a whole.
Is it too rich for the Cowboys to select him at No. 20? Probably. But he could also be a potential target in a trade back scenario, considering how big a need safety is for Dallas this offseason.
Dillon Thieneman NFL Draft Grade: Late Round 1
Thieneman isn’t the most dynamic safety, and the measurables are good, but not elite. There is a big gap between him and Caleb Downs, but you won’t have to spend a top-10 selection to grab him, either. Instead, look for Thieneman to go somewhere between picks 20-40 and become an instant starter. His versatility is his calling card, and teams that like to mix up their coverages will love what he can provide right away.