The Kansas City Chiefs enter this offseason with clear defensive needs after a disappointing 6–11 campaign. With the No. 9 overall pick in the upcoming draft, Kansas City is positioned to make a statement.
And one name rising fast after the NFL Scouting Combine?
Dillon Thieneman.
🚀 A Combine Performance That Demands Attention
Thieneman didn’t just show up in Indianapolis — he dominated.
Reported testing numbers:
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🏃♂️ 4.35-second 40-yard dash
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🦘 41-inch vertical jump
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📏 10’5” broad jump
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💪 18 bench press reps (225 lbs)
Those numbers scream elite athletic profile for a safety. But what truly stood out was how fluid and disciplined he looked in positional drills — matching the explosiveness seen on his college tape.
🧠 More Than Just Measurables
Thieneman’s résumé already carried weight before the Combine:
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Six interceptions as a true freshman at Purdue
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Immediate impact after transferring to Oregon
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Strong ball skills and range in deep coverage
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Physical run support and secure tackling
Kansas City has a history of valuing high-IQ safeties — from Eric Berry to Tyrann Mathieu. The blueprint is clear: versatility, leadership, and playmaking ability.
Thieneman checks many of those boxes.
🏈 Is No. 9 Too High?
At ninth overall, some analysts believe drafting a safety could be considered a reach — especially with other premium positions in play.
However:
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A trade-back scenario could add draft capital
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If top prospects like Caleb Downs are off the board, Thieneman becomes more intriguing
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Kansas City needs a tone-setter in the secondary
If the Chiefs want a safety who can evolve into their version of a do-it-all defender — someone in the mold of a modern hybrid playmaker — this might be the moment to strike.
🔍 Breakout Star in the Making?
Combine hype doesn’t always translate to NFL dominance. But when elite testing aligns with strong tape and production, scouts take notice.
For a Chiefs team looking to reestablish its defensive identity, Thieneman could be more than just a prospect.
He could be the foundation of the next era in Kansas City’s secondary.