Dallas Cowboys Eyeing Oregon Safety Dillon Thieneman in 2026 NFL Draft
The Dallas Cowboys are actively seeking secondary reinforcements for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, with Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman emerging as a top target for their first-round pick. Analysts are connecting Thieneman to the Cowboys due to a positional need and coaching connections within the organization. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes Thieneman could be a potential pick for the Cowboys, possibly as early as the 12th overall selection, citing the relationship between Oregon’s Tosh Lupoi and Cowboys’ Derrick Ansley as a key factor.
Thieneman boasts an impressive college career with 39 starts at Purdue and Oregon, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 201 pounds, his 4.35-second 40-yard dash time has significantly boosted his draft stock, demonstrating the elite range required for an NFL safety. His ability to play multiple roles, including as a deep free safety, box defender, or nickel corner, aligns well with the Cowboys’ defensive strategy under coordinator Christian Parker.
With the Cowboys emphasizing players who can fulfill various roles on defense, Thieneman’s skill set makes him a valuable addition to a secondary that already includes Malik Hooker, P.J. Locke, and Jalen Thompson. As the draft approaches, Thieneman’s potential to contribute in different capacities on the field positions him as a strong candidate for the Cowboys’ first-round pick.