Dillon Thieneman Could Fill the Chicago Bears' Need at Safety

It is our pleasure at the Combine to bring in an actual player who, Dylan, we all think that you are going to be a Chicago Bear. You belong in Chicago. You grew up in Indiana. The Bears are probably going to move to Indiana. Actually, they're not doing that. Let's not talk about that. But congratulations on your success at Purdue and then at Oregon. What's it been like for you this week just to actually feel like, oh my, my dream is this close? It's been awesome. I mean, being back in my home city, been comfortable here. So it's been a great experience to go through. I want to give a behind-the-scenes, by the way. Greg has been following Dylan around for the last three hours. You've been very sought after on every media network. Great effort by you, Greg. Well, obviously, I do Boilers coverage on the side, and obviously a big fan. Congratulations on everything. Thank you. So I'm just curious. Obviously, you transferred to Oregon, and you had the opportunity to kind of play in some different things, in the slot, in the box, single high, right? And so I'm just curious from your perspective, what were you most comfortable with, and what was that like to go through some different kind of coverage looks and try to find what was best for you? I have the most reps probably at field safety or free safety. But, I mean, I feel really comfortable in all the spots. At Oregon, we're able to get so many reps. We do two spots, so I'm able to constantly get reps. We've got a ton of walkthroughs, and I feel like they just made me very comfortable. Go ahead I was just going to say you know obviously with Chicago you meeting with everybody so I sure Chicago come knocking And Dennis Allen defense I really feel like you a really good fit for that because they are looking for guys with versatility that can do those different things. Do you see it that way? I feel like I have a lot of versatility. I haven't watched the defense like super specifically in detail, but I feel like I can bring a lot to the table. What do they want to know when you talk with them? The Bears. It was more just talking through some ball and then just a few interview, like basic interview questions and just getting through the film. Your journey is super interesting to me because you have two older brothers, right? Yeah. And so they play at Purdue, right? And so here you are and you're getting recruited everywhere, but yet maybe I'll stay at home. You had a great opportunity to go to Northwestern. You passed on that. That's okay. But then ultimately you make this decision like, okay, I'm going to transfer. How hard was that for you? So, like, both those processes seem like difficult decisions. It was extremely hard. Making the decision to finally leave, like, that was my home. I grew up going there ever since I was a little kid. Like, before my brothers were even at college, my dad would take us to Purdue games. We'd just go walk to Purdue. Extremely grateful for my time there, but I felt that for my future, my development, I needed to go somewhere else. So, I've talked to a bunch of guys this week that are like, you know, some started community college and then they got to you know Kansas State But then they wanted to get to the SEC Like they felt like they needed to be on the biggest stage to get here Was that kind of how you looked at it Like I have to compete at the highest, highest level and show you that I can handle it from there so I can actually be legit to be drafted wherever you're going to go? Yeah, basically, yeah, what you said, kind of competing with the athletes and some of the bigger teams. I feel like that very helped me and set me up for the next level. It's like professional sports, man. Who was, like when you were, you know, the Big Ten's got a ton of talent, right? And who were the receivers, in your opinion, that you were having to spend the most time? I was listening to you at the podium talk about your process of tape evaluation throughout the week and you really break it down into different increments. Who was the ones that was the biggest challenge to really go over and make sure you were ready for game day? I would say USC. Real, like, pass heavy offense. Like, they're also great running the ball. I want to say that when they played us, they averaged over, like, 300-yard passing, 200-yard rushing. So, just great offense overall. And they got two elite playmakers, Jacoby Lane and Makai Lemon out there. So, we had to switch up some things we were doing on defense and just make sure to account for those guys. When did it feel like the light went on for you in terms of that kind of preparation that you talked about? I mean again you were really breaking down into the nuanced plays the cut ups of the quarterback you know the third downs And when did that light go on for you in terms of that pregame preparation It started in high school freshman year I mean, most freshmen don't watch that many film, and I didn't either. But I felt that the more film I ended up watching, the better prepared I was and the more confidence I had out there on the field to go out there and perform. So each year I've kind of added something new to what I'm doing. and kind of just kept developing over the years through Purdue and then arriving at Oregon, and that was the process I really settled on. Well, you got a hell of a process this week. I know you got medicals here coming up and a ton of things to go, so we got to let you go. But final thing, you did go to high school with Braden Smith. I did, yeah. What's it been like to watch him? He might have the all-time assist record. What's it been like to see him kind of rise through it? It's been awesome. I'm glad he's doing what he's doing. I mean, he's a dog out there just performing just like he did in high school. You ever play him one-on-one in high school? No, he would beat me. I'm not even going to try to lie. Act like I have a chance, but no, he's a great guy. Well, really appreciate your time. I know you're busy, but big fan of yours, and congratulations on all your success. And once again, thanks for coming over here with us. Appreciate you. Appreciate you having me. Who's your favorite pair, Dylan? Do you have one growing up? I didn't really have a favorite growing up, no. Okay. Devin Hester. Yeah. I watch him with my brothers. Watch his highlights. Appreciate you. Dylan Beateman. Yes, sir. Appreciate you. Thanks.