Rookie Safety Forced Into Uncomfortable Role | Chicago Bears News

Rookie safety Dillon Thieneman is being thrust into a role he’s not ideally suited for—strong safety—due to injuries decimating the Bears’ safety depth chart. Despite his elite speed (4.36 40-yard dash), ideal for free safety, he’s now expected to play closer to the line, where his size and experience are less optimal. With teammates like Cam Lewis (5’9”, 183 lbs) and returning Elijah Hicks better suited for run support than coverage, the Bears have few alternatives. Thieneman, though adaptable and eager to learn, admits it’s far from ideal for his development—especially since he was previously being trained as a slot corner. GM Ryan Poles sees his intelligence as a key asset to help him master multiple positions quickly, but with no likely reinforcements on the horizon, Thieneman must rise to the challenge and become a vital piece of a defense in desperate need of answers. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/1d5a63443e45ed85