In McShay’s Mock Draft 4.0, Chicago would send No. 25 and its No. 129 fourth-round pick to move up to No. 22 with the Los Angeles Chargers, landing Thieneman as a versatile starter and immediate defensive impact.
Thieneman is valued for his range and coverage ability, with experience at safety and the slot. He completed his college career with 306 total tackles and eight interceptions across Purdue and Oregon, and he’s noted for high football IQ and leadership that would help structure Chicago’s secondary.
The Bears face a shifting secondary after multiple veteran departures, including Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard, Nahshon Wright, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Even with the signing of Coby Bryant, Chicago still needs a reliable starter to anchor the back end, a role Thieneman could fill.
McShay’s scenario could fit Chicago’s defensive philosophy under head coach and system coordinator, leveraging Thieneman’s versatility to play safety positions or slot responsibilities within a coverage-oriented scheme.
From a draft-pick perspective, the move would tilt Chicago’s capital toward later rounds, but the Bears already own two second-round picks and a third-round pick, making aggressive moves in the first feasible if they believe Thieneman is the player to accelerate their defense. The market for top safeties could push Thieneman into range for other teams as well, potentially prompting Chicago to consider a move that positions them for a long-term impact on defense.
