Oregon's Dillon Thieneman, a versatile defensive force, lands high on Mel Kiper's board. His development and impact are turning NFL heads.
The Oregon Ducks sent numerous prospects to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana, in February.
However, it's likely that tight end Kenyon Sadiq and safety Dillon Thieneman will be the only two Ducks taken in the first round of the draft.
Thieneman started his career with Purdue, but transferred to Oregon to better prepare for the league under head coach Dan Lanning's staff. It's fair to say his career looks the better for joining the Ducks.
ESPN's Mel Kiper recently released his update big board ahead of April's draft. He ranked Thieneman as the No. 22 best athlete available this spring.
"After two seasons at Purdue -- including a six-INT campaign in 2023 -- Thieneman transferred to Oregon and made an immediate impact," Kiper wrote. He moves all over the defense, lining up as a deep safety, in the box, split wide and over the slot.
"Thieneman reads the QB well and can close in a hurry. He's a savvy player, and he can be a force against the run, too."
The six-foot, 201-pound athlete finished the 2025 campaign with 86 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, one sack and three run stops.
Thieneman told reporters at the combine that he felt like he improved his open field tackling at Oregon, something he struggled with at Purdue.
"One huge one was open field tackling coming from that second year at Purdue, wasn't the best that year," Thieneman said, via USA Today. "It was something that I really worked on during the offseason with my coaches doing extra drills.
"It's something I feel like I really excel at now."
Thieneman was recently projected to land with the Minnesota Vikings with the No. 18 overall pick. He'd be an intriguing pickup for the Vikings as the team has to plan for Harrison Smith to eventually depart the defense.
No. 18 might be a reach for the Vikings based on Kiper's projections. But if defensive coordinator Brian Flores wants him, Minnesota could get a dynamic defender in the draft.