Dillon Thieneman

Draft Projection

Measurements

Athletic Testing

College Statistics

Scouting Report

Savvy three-year starter at 6'0", 201 lbs with NFL size, speed, and alignment versatility who posted an elite 90.8 PFF coverage grade in 2025. A combine standout with a 4.35 forty who solidified himself in the mid-first-round range based on team reactions. Excels playing the high post, poaching the middle as a robber, and aligning as a box safety; man coverage is a developmental area.

Player Comparison

Strengths

• Rare athletic profile with elite speed at 207 pounds translates to explosive closing burst when breaking on underneath routes or crashing downhill against the run.
• Elite diagnostic abilities paired with film-room obsession - consistently puts himself in perfect position before plays develop and rarely gets manipulated by quarterback eye discipline.
• Violent tackler with outstanding technique who brings bad intentions - rips through ball carriers with explosive hip rotation and consistently drives through contact point with proper leverage.
• Displays exceptional ball tracking and hand-eye coordination in coverage, showing natural receiver-like ability to adjust to the ball and high-point contestable throws.
• Remarkable processing speed allows him to trigger downhill immediately against screen game and outside runs - arrives with vapor trails and nasty intentions when he diagnoses quickly.
• Positional versatility to thrive in multiple roles - has shown effectiveness as deep third safety, split-field coverage, robber, and even handled slot coverage responsibilities against tight ends.
• True alpha mentality on the field who plays with contagious passion and aggression - brings the kind of dog you want from a defensive tone-setter.
• Demonstrated elite football character with obsessive preparation habits - first-in, last-out mentality with legendary workout and film study dedication that teammates consistently reference.

Areas to Improve

• Can get too aggressive in run fits, taking himself out of plays by overrunning angles or launching rather than breaking down in space against elusive ball carriers.
• Despite impressive testing and play speed, occasionally shows minor transition limitations when matched against elite athletes in man coverage situations.
• Sometimes relies too heavily on physical traits rather than technique when taking on blocks - needs to improve hand usage and leverage when engaged by bigger blockers.
• Has occasional moments of overconfidence in his instincts, making him susceptible to play-action or misdirection when quarterbacks manipulate him with their eyes.
• Body composition could use more functional muscle mass - while weight is solid, frame appears capable of carrying additional 5-8 pounds without sacrificing movement skills.