The Chicago Bears drafted Dillon Thieneman

Summary

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Forward Progress – "The Chicago Bears Drafted Dillon Thieneman"

Episode Date: April 24, 2026 | Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola break down the Chicago Bears’ 25th overall selection of safety Dillon Thieneman in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Broadcasting live as the pick unfolded, they offer their candid reactions, analyze Thieneman’s fit and draft profile, and reflect on what the choice means for the Bears’ roster and future. The hosts deliver their characteristic blend of dry humor, measured skepticism, and deep Bears fandom, providing both insight and entertainment for listeners following Chicago’s latest first-round move.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Draft Night Atmosphere & Lead-Up

• Both hosts noted the current state of the NFL Draft coverage: overproduced, often lacking real answers from draftees, and filled with sponsor-driven segments.
  • [01:50] Dan Bernstein: "Players are so managed now... they go up there almost with prepared statements instead of actually answering the questions."
• Early reactions to other draft picks; surprises such as Ty Simpson (Rams at 13) sparked conversation about quarterback situations and communication etiquette with veteran QBs like Matthew Stafford and Kirk Cousins.

2. Bears on the Clock: Pre-Pick Speculation

• The Bears’ top needs were debated, with potential options at safety (Thieneman), tackle (Caleb Lomu), defensive tackle (Kaden McDonald), and wide receiver.
• Both hosts express moderate to low excitement regarding most available prospects.
  • [04:39] Matt Abbatacola: "The only thing that... I didn't expect Carnell Tate to be the first Ohio State guy selected."
  • [10:42] Dan Bernstein: "I’m not excited about any of these names."
• Running jokes about taking a white safety ("When do you want them? Never."), kicking, and the anticlimactic feeling of this draft slot (mid-to-late first round).

3. The Selection: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

• Live reaction as the Bears make their pick:
  • [13:46] Dan Bernstein: "I’m an idiot. Okay. The Chicago Bears select—"
  • [13:50] Matt Abbatacola: "I bet you it's Dylan... it is. They selected Dillon Thieneman. That's exactly who they took, buddy. They got exactly what you wanted. White safety. When do you want them? Never."
• Brief rundown of Thieneman’s resume:
  • 2025 Second Team AP All-American
  • Noted for his versatility, durability, and hybrid capabilities (robber, deep middle, nickel).
  • Productive collegiate career at Purdue (post safety, two years), then a transfer to Oregon, consistently high tackle numbers, and a reputation for instinct and anticipation.
• They read Dane Brugler’s draft profile, emphasizing his versatility, starting potential, and football IQ.
  • [14:43] Dan Bernstein: "He collected more than 300 combined tackles in three college seasons and averaged 7.9 tackles per start... he has a lot to offer the NFL because of his versatility..."
• NFL.com Prospect grade: 6.37 (“Will eventually be a plus starter”), likely a day-one starter for the Bears.
  • [17:10] Matt Abbatacola: "His Prospect grade from NFL.com: 6.37, will eventually be a plus starter... he walks in, starts at safety for day one."

4. Strengths & Weaknesses of Thieneman

Strengths

• Impactful at various alignments (back end, near box, as nickel)
• Instinctive playmaker with reliable tackling production
• Football character and leadership (team captain)
• [18:29] Dan Bernstein: "Sorts through route movements quickly to match, redirect, and close space... can set your watch by his tackle production: seven plus tackles in 29 of 39 career starts."

Weaknesses

• May be physically maxed out (adequate size, muscular but limited further potential)
• Not elite in suddenness or fluid hip transitions in downfield coverage
• At times, takes inconsistent angles as a tackler or “catches” contact rather than delivering hits
• [19:44] Dan Bernstein: "Adequate size with a muscular frame but appears maxed out physically... mediocre burst and hip turn when covering downfield..."

5. Bears’ Roster Context & Expectations

• The selection means Thieneman likely starts next to Ja'Quan Brisker (Kobe Bryant reference is a mistake, likely meant Ja'Quan Brisker given Bears’ actual depth).
• Both hosts agree: Thieneman “makes the unit better,” fulfilling the minimum draft-night expectation.
  • [22:31] Matt Abbatacola: "The standard was get a guy that’s a day one starter that makes the unit he’s part of better. And that’s what they did."
• The hosts, while jokingly underwhelmed, note this is how solid teams draft: it’s not about saving the franchise, but sustaining quality.
  • [23:30] Dan Bernstein: "It's fine. This is what... when you're good, this is part of the Bears being good. This is how it used to be."

6. Audience & Inside Jokes

• Running gags about:
  • The rarity (and Bears’ tradition) of drafting white safeties ("When do you want them? Never.")
    • [13:36, 12:06] Multiple exchanges.
  • Confusion and mispronouncing Thieneman’s name, ("No one will say his name correctly" [20:33])
  • Meaningless but fun speculation on positions like backup punter & kicker
  • Bogus or purposely silly comparisons, e.g., “Feinterman's coffee cake crumble” and name-mangling contributions from live listeners.
• Reference to a show contest (“name the Bears’ first selection”)—six selected Thieneman, one will win a steak dinner at RPM Steak. [20:48]
• Ongoing inside jokes about the NFL draft broadcast weirdness—hugs with the commissioner, sponsored segments, and general interminability of the process.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the draft hype & atmosphere

  • "These players are so managed now... they go up there almost with prepared statements instead of actually answering the questions."
    — Dan Bernstein, [01:50]

• On surprise picks elsewhere

  • "The selection of Ty Simpson at 13 by the Rams seemed to get the biggest reaction of any picks so far tonight."
    — Matt Abbatacola, [03:36]

• On the Bears’ pick

  • "The Chicago Bears select— I bet you it's Dylan... it is. They selected Dillon Thieneman."
    — Matt Abbatacola, [13:50]

• Comic relief

  • "White safety. When do you want them? Never."
    — Both hosts, multiple times (e.g., [12:06], [13:50])
  • "No one will say his name correctly this time in."
    — Dan Bernstein, [20:33]

• On Thieneman’s NFL comp

  • "NFL comparison: Javon Holland."
    — Matt Abbatacola, [21:30]
  • "Who?"
    — Both hosts laugh, admitting unfamiliarity

• On the Bears’ reality at pick 25

  • "It's fine. He’ll be... it’s fine. This is what... when you're good, this is part of the Bears being good."
    — Dan Bernstein, [23:30]
  • "That's the headline. He's probably good."
    — Matt Abbatacola, [30:37]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

| Time | Segment/Event | |--------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:50 | Opening observations on NFL Draft coverage and player interviews | | 03:36 | Biggest surprises of the draft so far (Ty Simpson/Rams) | | 07:08–10:42 | Bears on the clock, possible targets and debate | | 13:46–14:10 | Announcement & reaction: Dillon Thieneman is the pick | | 14:23–17:03 | Scouting profile and analysis of Thieneman | | 17:28–19:44 | Prospect grade, strengths, weaknesses | | 20:33 | Name-mangling jokes, draft contest results | | 21:30–22:02 | NFL comparison, hosts’ unfamiliarity | | 23:30 | Closing thoughts: "It’s fine" theme, perspective on the pick | | 30:37 | Joking headline: "He’s probably good." |

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Conclusion

Overall Tone:
Candid, wryly humorous, and honest—the hosts neither hype nor bash the pick but emphasize stability, versatility, and measured expectations. This is a draft for a "good team" looking to build depth, not a splash.

Final Takeaway:
Dillon Thieneman is likely a day-one starter at safety, a versatile, reliable presence with the tools and mindset to fit any scheme. While he may not inspire wild excitement, he fulfills a need and helps the Bears reinforce an already-solid roster—drawing responses from the hosts (and, by implication, the fan base) of cautious optimism wrapped in typical Chicago sarcasm.

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Transcript

[Dan Bernstein]

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[Dan Bernstein]

talked about it since I first moved to Oregon. The big one. The earthquake that trashed the whole West Coast. Total destruction. Officially calling it the largest natural disaster in American history. I just didn't know what would help me next.

[Matt Abaticola]

So I took it all.

[Dan Bernstein]

Even the gun. It was time cello see why American Afterlife is the number one fiction and drama podcast in America presented by pair of thieves. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your favorite shows available now. I mean, if you're a Bears fan, you're thinking Forward Progress. Come on.

[Matt Abaticola]

Forward Progress, a Chicago Bears podcast with Dan Bernstein and Matt Abeticola on 312 Sports.

[Dan Bernstein]

All right, let's do this. We have given you Forward Progress. We award you that. And now we await the, the Bears selection in a first round that has been kind of. I, I don't know. I don't know what to make of it. I, you know, it's, it's fine. I could do without the interludes of the various people coming up to do their things and all of the. These, these players are so managed now that they, they're even trained to not necessarily answer the questions they're asked. They go up there almost with, with like prepared statements instead of actually answering the questions. It's fine.

[Matt Abaticola]

Well, I'm not sure if they're.

[Dan Bernstein]

Everybody looks good. Everybody's happy. Yeah.

[Matt Abaticola]

I just that they, my, my wife put it as were watching that they're probably just overwhelmed because there was like half the time the questions aren't even answered. I think the 11 question was, hey, how do you mean?

[Dan Bernstein]

That's what I said. They're not answering the questions right.

[Matt Abaticola]

Like how do your skill sets translate to the NFL and he just stared into the camera and, like, this is a blessing. It's a. It's a blessing to. To be here. And then she's like, all right, well, thank you. And then I love every time. Then Greenie sends it down.

[Dan Bernstein]

Okay.

[Matt Abaticola]

He's like, let's go down to Mariette Bonvoy. And I'm like, her name is Marriott Bonvoy. That's interesting. Oh, no, it's sponsored by Marriott Bonvoy, and her name is Laura. Okay, thank you. I get it now. I was like, that's a really interesting name to have.

[Dan Bernstein]

I watch NFL. Yeah, I watch NFL Network. So they also go to Laura, but they don't say any of that stuff. I just. I much prefer NFL Network because it's less. It's less of everything. It's just like normal people talking about stuff without a lot of the screaming and the silliness and the stupid.

[Matt Abaticola]

Well, there's been really nothing of a huge surprise so far, with the exception just by the reaction of the people on the. On the panel. The selection of ty Simpson at 13 by the Rams seemed to get the biggest reaction of any of the picks so far tonight.

[Dan Bernstein]

And they went out of their way to say, well, Matthew Stafford's aware. He knows. He's not surprised. He doesn't give a shit. What does he care?

[Matt Abaticola]

Yeah, I think they're. They're making a point of that because the Falcons didn't let Kirk Cousins know when they selected Michael Penix. Yeah, that's why they're saying that.

[Dan Bernstein]

Fine. But this, you're talking to, you know, the mvp, and I. I don't think it bothers him that Ty Simpson is going to be carrying his pads.

[Matt Abaticola]

It was.

[Dan Bernstein]

Oh, you didn't tell me. You didn't inform me beforehand. Okay, fine. But there's. I did not think Simpson would go there, but he did. I was. I was pretty sure Arvell Reese was going to be number two, and then David Bailey was number two. But I don't know. I could make up a whole bunch of hot takes for you on this.

[Matt Abaticola]

No, we don't need that. We don't need to do that. I think the only thing that I was not even surprised about, but I didn't expect Carnell Tate to be the first Ohio State guy selected.

[Dan Bernstein]

No, I didn't either. Yeah, that. I certainly didn't. I'm looking right now. I'm gonna have to count on you to give me the pick here, because my TV's being weird. Best available players, at least according to Dane Brugler. Right now, he had Jermad McCoy, the second ranked cornerback, 14th ranked overall. Keldrick Falk, the fourth ranked edge rusher, he had 15th overall. And that's about the extent of his first round grades. That's it. Everybody else now who is available, at least on Dane Brugler's list was first or second or maybe these are all a lot of these names that we had talked about here. One guy who is on the board is tackle Caleb Lomu of Utah.

[Matt Abaticola]

He's still there. The safety, Warren.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yep.

[Matt Abaticola]

Yes.

[Dan Bernstein]

And then we want wide receivers. Boy, you've got Casey Concepcion. Omar Cooper is still there, but you, your, your tackle if you want him. Looks like it's going to be Caleb Lomu. We don't know where they have him graded, but you're the top defensive tackle. Kaden McDonald is indeed still on the board.

[Matt Abaticola]

Yeah, if, if it's Kaden McDonald that they select again, you know, if that's what they think is the best thing to do with this pick at 25. And that goes back to probably the, the original name, the name we saw the most mocked early, early, early on was Cade McDonald. If it ends up being Kane McDonald, like, it'll be like, oh, okay, okay.

[Dan Bernstein]

Well, it's gonna be that anyway. I predict, and I will say it

[Matt Abaticola]

like I mean it.

[Dan Bernstein]

It's gonna be that anyway. Now the. I thought you were going to say Zion Young, because that's the first name they want, an edge rusher who might be available for them and the whole process has gone through and it might end up being Zion Young.

[Matt Abaticola]

Yeah, it could be. And you know, again from the draft experts that I looked through and studied, they had him as like anywhere from the 8th to the 12th best edge rusher in this draft. So I kind of lost a little steam on that. That wasn't very exciting to me.

[Dan Bernstein]

But Sepion goes to the Browns.

[Matt Abaticola]

Okay, I love that name too. Just. Man, what a great name.

[Dan Bernstein]

And the Bears are on the clock.

[Matt Abaticola]

There's around the clock with pick number 25.

[Dan Bernstein]

This is it. This is the moment you've been waiting for.

[Matt Abaticola]

They're going to surprise us all and they're going to select Diego Pavia.

[Dan Bernstein]

Okay, if, if they do that, I'll get naked. Everybody's getting naked. That's.

[Matt Abaticola]

I'll log off and then. Yeah, you can finish the show.

[Dan Bernstein]

No, because you're not going to see it. I'm sitting right. I'm not going to stand up and run around, but I don't know, maybe I will because it Won't be on the camera. I'll just say if they do that, whatever you want, I'll fulfill it. All the. The players on the board here ranked by the top names on Dane Brugler's list. Jermod McCoy, Keldrick Falk, Dylan Thieman, Omar Cooper Jr. Emmanuel McNeil Warren, cornerback Chris Johnson. I mentioned Caleb Lomu, receiver Denzel Boston from Washington, Avion Terrell, the cornerback from Clemson, Colton Hood, a corner from Tennessee, edge rusher, TJ Parker. Then Kaden McDonald, the defensive tackle from Ohio State, Chase Besantis, a guard from Texas A M. Okay. Peter woods, defensive tackle, Clemson, Zion Young, the edge from Missouri. My guy, D' Angelo. Puns.

[Matt Abaticola]

He's there. Did you mention T.J. parker? Did you say.

[Dan Bernstein]

I did. I said T.J. parker.

[Matt Abaticola]

Okay.

[Dan Bernstein]

I know that that had been on a bunch of the lists that we

[Matt Abaticola]

had done as of late. Yes.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah. Well, and then it's a bunch of people I'm. I don't ever really heard of or care about, but. Except here's a.

[Matt Abaticola]

Here's a good question for you on this.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah.

[Matt Abaticola]

Who's the best kicker still available?

[Dan Bernstein]

Do you really want to know that? No, because I can find out. I mean, I can look it up.

[Matt Abaticola]

I'm kidding.

[Dan Bernstein]

I think it was a joke. Okay. Yes.

[Matt Abaticola]

Okay.

[Dan Bernstein]

Because I'm happy to answer these questions. They have all this stuff. They can list it under specialists, but I've been busy working because you gave me my top 10 list for DBU tomorrow.

[Matt Abaticola]

Oh, did you? Okay. I'm glad you got that going.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah. Well, it's done. I got home and spent a good hour and a half on it, and just. That's not easy. Maybe.

[Matt Abaticola]

Maybe this pick will influence your top 10 list.

[Dan Bernstein]

No, no. When it's Diego Pavia, maybe you can pick us in.

[Matt Abaticola]

Okay.

[Dan Bernstein]

The Bears pick is in.

[Matt Abaticola]

And who did they pick? Who is it? What's your guess? What's your gut? Dan Bernstein.

[Dan Bernstein]

My gut is going to be something because everything is horrible in the world. It's going to be something I don't want. It's going to be a safety, and it's going to be.

[Matt Abaticola]

It's going to be Dylan Feederman. What's the one rule? No white safeties when you want them. Never. No white safeties when you want them. Never.

[Dan Bernstein]

Well, here we go. The. No, no. They says the pick is in is all it says.

[Matt Abaticola]

And we're waiting.

[Dan Bernstein]

I don't know. Whatever. It'll be fine. It'll be somebody. And the person. It'll be somebody. It'll be fine. The, they'll, they'll play well enough, but it's, it's just so nice to be in a situation where we know the Bears are probably good regardless of whoever this Mo is.

[Matt Abaticola]

Right.

[Dan Bernstein]

We don't have to say, oh, he better be good. He's going to be so important to what they do. He probably isn't this year, but that's okay. If it's your tackle, though. I'm going to be. If. If after all of this and your focus on tackle rewards you, I hope so.

[Matt Abaticola]

Well, you know, I wanted, I wanted Maxi Hanatur and he went. When did he want 25?

[Dan Bernstein]

You can't have him.

[Matt Abaticola]

He said.

[Dan Bernstein]

Already.

[Matt Abaticola]

I was right there. It's a guy I wanted.

[Dan Bernstein]

No. So I, I, I'm not excited about any of these names.

[Matt Abaticola]

I think we need a backup punter.

[Dan Bernstein]

You always need a backup punter.

[Matt Abaticola]

All right, come on. Make the pin. Okay. What are they doing now?

[Dan Bernstein]

The guy.

[Matt Abaticola]

Or they're going to trade down. We're not going to have anything to talk about.

[Dan Bernstein]

That would be hysterical. The Chicago Bears have left the building. They're, they're not answering. They're not interested in using the 25th overall pick. No, I know they are. Everybody's talking up this Jacob Rodriguez, the linebacker from Texas Tech. I know it's too early, and I'm, I'm already ahead. I'm thinking about the second round picks because those kind of interest me. Come on, polls.

[Matt Abaticola]

Why is it, how come 25 interests you less than 57 and 60?

[Dan Bernstein]

Because of where the value is in this draft. I want them to trade out of this pick.

[Matt Abaticola]

Yeah, they're going to. So we have nothing to talk about.

[Dan Bernstein]

Drive me off this picture. That's what I wanted. I want him to call in and just say, yeah, we're, we're gonna trade this for something next year and, and by then, it'll be the last pick of the first round because the Bears will have won the super bowl at that point, my friend.

[Matt Abaticola]

White safety. When do you want them? Never.

[Dan Bernstein]

Never.

[Matt Abaticola]

All right, here we go.

[Dan Bernstein]

What don't you want?

[Matt Abaticola]

That's right.

[Dan Bernstein]

White safety, white safeties.

[Matt Abaticola]

When don't you want them? Ever?

[Dan Bernstein]

Well, NFL Network is still showing weird things. Yeah, I don't know. Maybe they're not even bringing him out for this one.

[Matt Abaticola]

Here's a, here's a. This is a good little. This message. Trading with friends of the park for Soldier Field.

[Dan Bernstein]

Well, it might end up being fine.

[Matt Abaticola]

Oh, here's another one. Says, Jesus, Maddie, really looks like Vrabel. Who's Jesus? Maddie?

[Dan Bernstein]

It's the other Maddie. That's the other one.

[Matt Abaticola]

He's on the other show.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah, no, that's. That's the one who. When I walked in the sand, his footprints disappeared.

[Matt Abaticola]

Sorry, that's our other podcast where we talk about scriptures.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yes, but I. Yeah, that was Jesus, Maddie. He's different.

[Matt Abaticola]

I'm Danverstein alongside Jesus. Maddie.

[Dan Bernstein]

Hey, Maddie.

[Matt Abaticola]

What are you still doing here? Today? We're gonna read from 2 Corinthians.

[Dan Bernstein]

What? What are they waiting for? What's taking so long?

[Matt Abaticola]

Come on. I don't know. All right, I'm just gonna end this. We'll talk to you tomorrow.

[Dan Bernstein]

We're done. We're bored. That's it.

[Matt Abaticola]

It's over.

[Dan Bernstein]

Hold on. I gotta move my television. Hold on one second. This. Ow. I just stumbled.

[Matt Abaticola]

You all right? Yeah.

[Dan Bernstein]

Hold on.

[Matt Abaticola]

Here we go.

[Dan Bernstein]

Wait here. Okay.

[Matt Abaticola]

Wait. Why. Why wouldn't you have the TV move to begin with? Don't.

[Dan Bernstein]

I just. I can't explain it because everything's all messed up.

[Matt Abaticola]

Just say you're an idiot.

[Dan Bernstein]

I'm an idiot. Okay. The Chicago Bears select.

[Matt Abaticola]

I bet you it's Dylan. The. It is. It's. They selected Dylan Thman. That's exactly who they took, buddy. They got exactly what you wanted. White safety. When do you want them? Never. All right, well, congratulations.

[Dan Bernstein]

Okay. All right. Dylan Thieneman. Oregon 2025, second team AP All American. What?

[Matt Abaticola]

All right, read his measurable six.

[Dan Bernstein]

Six I'm all here.

[Matt Abaticola]

One. Dylan. Okay, here we go.

[Dan Bernstein]

A durable, versatile safety who could start in almost any coach's defensive scheme. Now, my goal by the end of reading the scouting report is that it's all. They traded. No, it's all going to be fine.

[Matt Abaticola]

Okay.

[Dan Bernstein]

All right. So. A one year starter at Oregon, three year starter overall, Thienaman was a hybrid safety in former defensive coordinator Tash Lupoise scheme and wore a variety of hats all at once. Caps for sale, deep middle, robber, nickel, etc. A productive post safety at Purdue for two seasons, he transferred to Eugene for his junior season and earned 2025. An arcanade for the Ducks with both his interceptions clinching victories late in a game. He collected more than 300 combined tackles in three college seasons and averaged 7.9 tackles per start. With his open field athleticism, Thieneman has a lot to offer in the NFL because of his versatility. Making plays over the top in coverage or downhill versus the run. He shows impressive range and anticipation from the deep half of the field as well. As the intelligence to understand what opponents are trying to do. Although he doesn't always play up to his testing numbers, he can guard both sidelines and sort through routes. He can clean up some things in the run game too. He has a nose for the ball. He doesn't hesitate flying to the contact point. Dean Brugler says. Thienaman reminds me of Justin Reed because of his scheme, friendly recognition skills and eagerness to get busy as a run defender. What?

[Matt Abaticola]

Bravel should have taken him.

[Dan Bernstein]

Wait, I'm not done.

[Matt Abaticola]

Okay.

[Dan Bernstein]

He projects as a durable NFL starter and has versatility that should appeal to a variety of defensive structures. You want strengths and weaknesses?

[Matt Abaticola]

Yeah. Of him?

[Dan Bernstein]

No. Just in general.

[Matt Abaticola]

Lifting heavy weights, crying at the sight of kittens. Weakness? No.

[Dan Bernstein]

That's a strength. Oh man. Well, at least the my my co host of organizations win championships loves this pick.

[Matt Abaticola]

Of course he does.

[Dan Bernstein]

He said. It's a lot of bums. It's a byard replacement. Surprised he was available. He's not a bum. He's good. I know.

[Matt Abaticola]

He's his his his Prospect grade from NFL.com 6.37 will eventually be a plus starter. So as we we talked about this on the show, that means day one starter eventually will develop into a plus starter. And maybe that's by the end of the season. But he, he walks in, starts at safety for day one.

[Dan Bernstein]

Okay.

[Matt Abaticola]

And that's what we asked. That's what we asked. We asked that they, they, they draft a guy tonight at 25 that automatically makes whatever unit he's a part of a better unit. And that's what they did.

[Dan Bernstein]

Here are the strengths of new Bears safety Dylan Thienaman Versatile athlete who can make an impact from the back end, near the box or as a nickel. Are you okay?

[Matt Abaticola]

Yes.

[Dan Bernstein]

These things quickly. That's great. I hate those safeties that can't see car, bus, elephant. Attacks without hesitation. Has the ability to stay in phase and position himself in coverage to contest windows. Don't bring Russ Armstrong around.

[Matt Abaticola]

That's right. He'll replace him.

[Dan Bernstein]

Oh no, he'll replace. He's trying to contest the windows and he's busy replacing them. He has the let's see. Sorts through route movements quickly to match redirect and close space. Good hands and hand eye coordination to finish interceptions. Closes quickly in the run game when he hits his stride. Has a feel for navigating around traffic to find the ball carrier. You can set your watch by his tackle production. Seven plus tackles in 29 of 39 career starts. Reliable football character. Game captain four times in 2025. Developed toughness and maturity as the youngest of three boys.

[Matt Abaticola]

Well, wait, here's a question.

[Dan Bernstein]

Do we assume the other boys were making his life difficult?

[Matt Abaticola]

Do the Bears get an extra Rooney draft pick now because of this?

[Dan Bernstein]

Because they've. Well, white safety. Because you take a white safety and now you get an extra pick and you should. Well, they're still owed a couple of third round picks. Wait. He played on punt coverages all three years in college. It was often the first man down the field. Here are his weaknesses.

[Matt Abaticola]

Okay, let's go.

[Dan Bernstein]

Adequate size with a muscular frame but appears maxed out physically.

[Matt Abaticola]

Okay.

[Dan Bernstein]

Mediocre burst and hip turn when covering downfield corners and posts. Better stride acceleration than initial. Initial twitch when covering crossers. Arrives hot as a tackler, which leads to inconsistent angles from depth. And lastly, he gets in trouble when he plants and catches contact instead of driving through as a tackler. See the Indiana game.

[Matt Abaticola]

So, one great thing about his last name for our Chicago Bears fans, it's going to be perfect to mess up like that.

[Dan Bernstein]

No one will say his name correctly this time in.

[Matt Abaticola]

Yeah, like this. This message here from Max Studios who is listening to the show. Thank you. He says, I love Feinterman's coffee cake crumble is insane. So.

[Dan Bernstein]

Got it. By the way, in case. In case you are one of the people competing in our name the Bears first selection competition. Six of you. Six selected. Dylan Thieman. There will be a drawing for the winner of the six of you. One of you will win the $100 gift certificate to RPM Steak. One of the six of you will get the steak dinner. Boom.

[Matt Abaticola]

Our guy, Rodeo van. He messaged in and said I'd be more comfortable if he was the middle child. NFL comparison. Javon Holland.

[Dan Bernstein]

Okay.

[Matt Abaticola]

Okay. That's the reaction I had too. Can you help me out with that?

[Dan Bernstein]

No. Look him up.

[Matt Abaticola]

I have no idea who he is. Why am I forgetting Javon the great Javon Holland.

[Dan Bernstein]

Javon Holland. There he is.

[Matt Abaticola]

Javon Holland.

[Dan Bernstein]

Canadian, American, professional football safety. Also played for Oregon. He was a second round pick of the Dolphins in 2021. Okay, I don't remember him.

[Matt Abaticola]

Do you remember him?

[Dan Bernstein]

No. Yeah, I don't even remember him. For the last time I mentioned it, which was a sentence ago, I already forgot him.

[Matt Abaticola]

He ran a 43540 at a 41 inch vertical 105 on the broad jump bench. 18 reps of just the bar.

[Dan Bernstein]

No, that doesn't really help me.

[Matt Abaticola]

No, it doesn't.

[Dan Bernstein]

No.

[Matt Abaticola]

Again, I, you know, I just, I Sound a little underwhelmed by it. But again, the standard was get a guy that's a day one starter that makes the unit he's part of better. And that's what they did. So.

[Dan Bernstein]

So you can't really be unhappy.

[Matt Abaticola]

No, I'm not unhappy, but I'm not thrilled. I'm not excited.

[Dan Bernstein]

They didn't.

[Matt Abaticola]

I'm not unhappy. Yeah.

[Dan Bernstein]

They didn't go after some rando and pulled like a hipster move. Like, we know more because we found this guy. Okay.

[Matt Abaticola]

Then the Texans selected a guard from Georgia Tech.

[Dan Bernstein]

A guard from Georgia Tech. Okay.

[Matt Abaticola]

Yeah. What's his name? Oh, Rutledge. What's his first name? Why am I blanking? Kaylin Rutledge.

[Dan Bernstein]

Kaylin Rutledge. It was Tate Ratledge last year, right?

[Matt Abaticola]

Okay.

[Dan Bernstein]

I think so. All right. I. Well, I don't really have a hot take on this one for you. It's fine. Yeah, it's.

[Matt Abaticola]

It's fine.

[Dan Bernstein]

It's fine.

[Matt Abaticola]

But it's 25 and what did you expect, 25, right? You expected fine.

[Dan Bernstein]

Right? Or I expected them to. To keep their powder dry and. And move down and do something for, you know, maybe get into next year's draft or something. I don't. Hey, it's fine. He'll be. It's fine. It is. This is what. When you're good. This is part of the Bears being good. This is part of the Bears being good with. This is how it used to be. This is how it was when. When. When we were kid. When I was a kid, and the Bears would take some schmo because they. They, you know, were winning stuff, and they'd be like, oh, okay, maybe. Yeah, maybe. That gotta be okay. All right.

[Matt Abaticola]

So this was. I mean, this was one of the names that we saw multiple times in the different early drafts. Yeah, early on.

[Dan Bernstein]

Early.

[Matt Abaticola]

Yeah. A couple of things.

[Dan Bernstein]

By the way, since. Since the time we've started this, I think there have already been six different drops of more Rossini Rabel photographs. Like, every time I look at my computer, there's a picture of them somewhere else.

[Matt Abaticola]

Yeah, there's one that just came out. They were at a TGI Fridays watching

[Dan Bernstein]

the draft right now. Tonight. Yes. There's a special cam. There's one of them in a casino. It's just ridiculous. We're going to get what it's going to be in a photo booth at a. You know.

[Matt Abaticola]

The Lions selected Blake Miller, offensive tackle from Clemson. The Vikings here within our division. Caleb Banks, the defensive tackle out of Florida.

[Dan Bernstein]

Okay.

[Matt Abaticola]

There were Some trades made. Just like the chief GM told us he was making a trade. He certainly did.

[Dan Bernstein]

Oh, people are gonna be surprised.

[Matt Abaticola]

I suspect there'll be some trades made on Thursday nights. I know this because I'm one of them.

[Dan Bernstein]

If he bet it on. On Cali or polymarket. Did you see that guy that made like half a million dollars apparently betting that the. The US Is going to invade Venezuela? And while he was making the plans for it,

[Matt Abaticola]

they.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah, they. They. They got him. I mean, they busted him. But it's still. I don't know if you. If you could probably do that. You could arbitrage some of this stuff. Have somebody put those bets in for you. Right.

[Matt Abaticola]

Okay, so a. 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15. So Reuben Bain Jr. Went 15 to the Bucks.

[Dan Bernstein]

Nobody expected him to last that long.

[Matt Abaticola]

Yeah, a lot of a. Lava Vega. Ione.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah.

[Matt Abaticola]

Owani Vega Alani, the guard from Penn State, went to the Ravens. Dolphins took Kaden Proctor. The Giants took Francis Malgoa. And also who else did they take? Arvell Reese. Yeah, that guy, too. Sonny Styles went to the Commanders. Jordan Tyson. I thought that was a little bit of a stretch there for the Saints. I thought they could have done something else at 8.

[Dan Bernstein]

Right. The Patriots are selecting, as we speak, the. The 28th pick of the first round. The Patriots pick is in.

[Matt Abaticola]

And what's Lomu?

[Dan Bernstein]

Ah. Okay. They just have to get this all done before Mike Vrabel has to leave for his. His. His wiener consultations or whatever he's doing.

[Matt Abaticola]

Oh, boy. All right, well, he's going in.

[Dan Bernstein]

The Bears have a safety, and we expect. You know what he's going to be. He's. Yodi's gonna be fine.

[Matt Abaticola]

Yeah, he's gonna be fine. He's not as excited as Fernando Mendoza was.

[Dan Bernstein]

Well, he's just very blessed because it was a blessing and it wasn't in disguise. He just walked right in.

[Matt Abaticola]

Jeremiah Love was third. Carnell Tate's Arvel Reese, Mansour Delane, Sonny Styles, Jordan Tyson, Spencer Fano. That was another guy we like. We knew he was gonna go way high. Yeah. You know what I'm tired of, too, and it's really annoying, is the hugs. All the hugging with the commissioner, but that's the bit. But it's stupid. And then all the booing of the commissioner and then the way he plays

[Dan Bernstein]

it, and then he's like, oh, you're

[Matt Abaticola]

not booing better than that.

[Dan Bernstein]

You're not booing me enough. Yeah, we'll do the hugs. Well, maybe. I mean, he's not Going to be commissioner that much longer. When.

[Matt Abaticola]

When.

[Dan Bernstein]

When Kevin Warren takes the Commissioner's job. I don't know if he's going to be doing. Handling business quite the same way. He'll have cranes in the sky at that point and he'll have his. His. His preacher coming out to do the invocation.

[Matt Abaticola]

Who's the commissioner? And in Gotham City with Batman. Who's that? Is that James Gordon?

[Dan Bernstein]

Gordon, yeah. Christian.

[Matt Abaticola]

Pretty stand up guy. Yeah.

[Dan Bernstein]

Well, I only know the version from the TV show. And he was. He was fine. He was a bit officious. That was his job. He was fine. All right, well, what do you want me to say? They screwed this up. I'm throwing my pen.

[Matt Abaticola]

Yes. He said no white safeties. And they did exactly what you did.

[Dan Bernstein]

That's just. Look, I've got a couple of policies, and that's one of them is don't use a late first round pick on a safety. I'm sure he's.

[Matt Abaticola]

They violated that.

[Dan Bernstein]

I know. I don't. I just. I think you can find safeties. I don't think you need to use first round picks on them. Unless. Unless it's game changing. Who?

[Matt Abaticola]

Jim Ryan.

[Dan Bernstein]

Who?

[Matt Abaticola]

Kevin Warren. Ryan.

[Dan Bernstein]

P.S.

[Matt Abaticola]

kevin Ryan.

[Dan Bernstein]

What's.

[Matt Abaticola]

What happened?

[Dan Bernstein]

Have you eaten or.

[Matt Abaticola]

Yeah, no, I. Actually, I. I had the big bowl of pasta today tonight. It's too much. I'm full and sleepy.

[Dan Bernstein]

All right, you know, I gotta go eat. I got a bunch of sushi and a bowl of udon noodles.

[Matt Abaticola]

Where'd you get sushi from?

[Dan Bernstein]

It was. It was the post 7 o' clock discount. Mariano's. Well, they mark everything down at the end of the day and I happen to be there and I said, that looks good. So I got a California roll and then I got some nigiri salmon and tuna. And then I got this bowl of udon with all these packets in it and I gotta put all this stuff in.

[Matt Abaticola]

California roll with Gary. Who's that? Who's Gary?

[Dan Bernstein]

Huh? Nigiri N I G I R I. Oh, the sushi with. It's the little ball of rice with a piece of fish on it.

[Matt Abaticola]

I got California rolls with Gary.

[Dan Bernstein]

Light him up. I think. I think this needs to end.

[Matt Abaticola]

The end before it started.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah, I know it did, but what do you want to do? Okay. They're only picking one. It's not like we're sitting here going over a bunch of names. They got a guy and he's. And he's probably good. He's probably fine.

[Matt Abaticola]

That's the headline. He's probably Good.

[Dan Bernstein]

He is. Isn't that the honest headline? Yeah.

[Matt Abaticola]

No. Again, that can start right away.

[Dan Bernstein]

He's going to start next to Kobe Bryant, and he's probably fine.

[Matt Abaticola]

Yeah.

[Dan Bernstein]

See? All right. What?

[Matt Abaticola]

That's it, then we're done.

[Dan Bernstein]

You sure?

[Matt Abaticola]

Yeah. And then The Bears have 57 and 60 and 89.

[Dan Bernstein]

Now those I'm kind of excited about now because now, now, now, now the action's really going to start. Now that they locked up. Now they've got Dylan. The. When is he going to come in for his press conference?

[Matt Abaticola]

He's on the plane right now. Headed here.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah, they're getting him.

[Matt Abaticola]

They're gonna drop Muffin Hammond, though.

[Dan Bernstein]

What. What happens here? Nothing. Just check it out there. You know, go over to Wolf Lake. Okay.

[Matt Abaticola]

Well, all right. So, hey, good job. This was great.

[Dan Bernstein]

Thank you. I. I knew it would be. I knew it would be. We waited all night and I sat there with my clipboard and. And I took copious notes and they have a safety who's fine. And I'm sure he's a perfectly nice enough guy. Did he say this was a blessing?

[Matt Abaticola]

I didn't hear his thing. I was doing the show with you, which is.

[Dan Bernstein]

I think the show has been a blessing, frankly. I think the show has been a blessing, and I think that. That. That both of us need to go to Mike Vrabel wiener counseling immediately. Okay. Immediately Sounds good. Yes. We're signing. We're signing up and we're gonna go there. Just stopped.

[Matt Abaticola]

Forward Progress a Chicago Bears podcast with Dan Bernstein and Matt Abeticola on three 1, 2 sports.

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