Steelers 2026 scouting report: S Dillon Thieneman

Oregon safety could be a first-round target for Pittsburgh in the 2026 NFL Draft

Mar. 27, 2026 at 9:08am

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As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, they may have their eyes on Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, a lightning-fast and well-rounded prospect who could be available with the team's first-round pick.

Why it matters

The Steelers have other pressing needs to address in the 2026 draft, but Thieneman's elite coverage skills, versatility, and game-changing speed could make him too talented to pass up if he's still on the board when Pittsburgh picks.

The details

Thieneman is a 6-foot, 201-pound safety who ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash. He's projected as a late-first to early-second round pick. His strengths include elite coverage instincts, great football IQ, ability to play the run with urgency, and versatility to line up at multiple safety spots. His concerns include needing to improve his man coverage skills and struggles against play-action.

  • Thieneman had 106 combined tackles, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles in 2023.
  • In 2024, Thieneman recorded 104 combined tackles, 7 passes defended, and no interceptions.
  • Thieneman's 2025 stats included 96 combined tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions.

The players

Dillon Thieneman

A safety prospect from the University of Oregon who is projected to be a late-first to early-second round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Pittsburgh Steelers

An NFL team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that is in need of defensive back help heading into the 2026 draft.

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What they’re saying

“While there are other pressing positional needs than safety ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers, there's one candidate who may be too talented to pass up with Pick No. 21.”

— Andrew Vasquez, Author

What’s next

The Steelers will continue to evaluate Thieneman and other top safety prospects as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, where they hold the 21st overall pick.

The takeaway

Thieneman's elite coverage skills, versatility, and game-breaking speed make him an intriguing first-round target for the Steelers, even if safety isn't their top priority heading into the 2026 draft. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways could be too much for Pittsburgh to pass up if he's available when they're on the clock.