Overview
- At Friday’s rookie minicamp opener, Dillon Thieneman took most reps at strong safety as coaches cross-trained him on free-safety work and had him fix an early flat-zone error.
- Position coach Ben Johnson praised a “nose for the football,” quick acceleration to the catch point, and heavy finishes that show up when he arrives at the ball.
- Reporters on site said his straight-line speed and closing burst stood out, matching the 4.35-second 40-yard dash he posted at the NFL Scouting Combine.
- Analysts highlight his pairing with free-agent signee Coby Bryant, giving Chicago two safeties who can swap roles and disguise coverage from two-high shells.
- Dennis Allen pointed to Thieneman’s 306 tackles and eight interceptions in college and stressed that his scheme asks safeties to process curl/flat, hook, and deep-zone duties with clear pre-snap communication.