Why Dillon Thieneman Could Be a First-Round Target for the Chargers

With the Los Angeles Chargers re-signing veteran safety Tony Jefferson to just a one-year deal this offseason and star Derwin James set to turn 30 this season, investing in the safety position may quietly be a necessity for the Bolts.

Holding the 22nd pick in the first round, the Chargers could look to address the need through the 2026 NFL Draft, potentially targeting projected first-round safety Dillon Thieneman out of Oregon.

The 21-year-old appeared in 15 games for the Ducks in 2025, recording 92 total tackles (44 solo), five passes broken up, two interceptions and a sack. Thieneman earned a 91.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking sixth among 936 qualifying safeties, with a 91.1 coverage grade and a 75.9 run-defense grade. Additionally, he was named first-team All-Big Ten and first-team All-American for his junior season.

Before ultimately transferring to Oregon, Thieneman spent his first two seasons at Purdue. He was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, second-team All-Big Ten and third-team All-American in 2023 after posting 106 total tackles (74 solo), six interceptions, two passes broken up and two forced fumbles. In his final season with the Boilermakers, Thieneman recorded 104 total tackles (70 solo), six passes deflected and one sack.

After recently participating in the 2026 NFL Combine, Thieneman measured in at six-foot, 201 pounds, with 31 3/8’’ arms and 9’’ arms. He also ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash with a 1.52-second 10-yard split, a 41-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-5 broad jump and completing 18 bench press reps. His performance earned him an 81.0 total score from Next Gen Stats, ranking fourth among participating safeties, along with an estimated athletic score of 86 (first at the position) and a production score of 77 (seventh at the position). NFL analyst Lance Zierlein has compared Thieneman to fellow former Oregon star and New York Giants safety Jevon Holland.

Thieneman makes a lot of sense for Los Angeles given the uncertainty surrounding the position and the need for a long-term answer in the secondary. He brings versatility that would allow the defense to move him around pre-snap, whether playing deep or rotating down into the box. His instincts and high football IQ, along with his production, could prove valuable for the Chargers’ defense.

While he may not be a punishing presence near the line of scrimmage, his effort and range consistently show up in run support. Pairing that skill set alongside Derwin James would give the Chargers’ first-time defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary an intriguing duo to work with on the back end.