With the 2026 NFL Draft just around the corner, many Oregon Ducks fans are excited to see where the program’s top prospects will land in the highly anticipated event.

While most of the attention surrounding the Ducks’ top players in the draft has been geared towards tight end Kenyon Sadiq, the extremely talented offensive weapon is not the only former Oregon star to receive first-round hype this offseason. Alongside Sadiq will be safety Dillon Thieneman, who is coming off an incredible season with head coach Dan Lanning in 2025.

According to NFL Mock Draft Database, Thieneman is projected to land with the Minnesota Vikings at the No. 18 pick in this year’s draft, with the hope that he could replace veteran safety Harrison Smith in 2026. However, while the young star makes perfect sense for defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ aggressive scheme, there could be another team that is better suited to select Thieneman in the first round.

Prior to joining Oregon for the 2025 season, Thieneman spent his first two years in college with the Purdue Boilermakers. Fortunately for the potential first-round pick, his one season at Oregon caught the attention of many NFL scouts, as he recorded 96 tackles, five pass deflections, 3.5 tackles for losses, and two interceptions as a junior with the Ducks.

Thieneman’s rare blend of athleticism and versatility on defense could easily make him a dynamic weapon at the NFL level. His ability to play within the box or as a deep safety makes him a threat in both the run and pass game, and his unique style of play perfectly aligns with the modern-day mold of a star at the safety position.

Clearly, there are multiple teams within the first round that could use an all-around defensive weapon like Thieneman, such as the Vikings or the Cincinnati Bengals. But the best landing spot for the 21-year-old may actually be in the NFC East with the Dallas Cowboys. Owner Jerry Jones did not make any significant moves this offseason to address the secondary unit, which means the struggling franchise could be on the hunt for Thieneman with the No. 12 pick.

The Cowboys have plenty of needs on the defensive side of the ball heading into next season, as the defensive back unit and the linebacker group need extra support. Luckily for Jones and company, Thieneman is exactly what Dallas needs this offseason, thanks to his skill set, making him a force within the box.

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