This defense needs a true stabilizer on the back end, and that’s why I have landed on Dillon Thieneman as the 20th pick in the first-round for the Cowboys. Safety isn’t always the pick that excites people on draft night, but it’s the pick you appreciate a lot more once the season starts. I like safeties who win the mental side of the game and Thieneman does this on a regular basis. That alone has value late in the first round. I’d Be Comfortable Taking Thieneman Late in Round OneIf Dallas uses its first pick on a pass rusher or linebacker, I would have no issue following it up with Thieneman.

Source: thestar January 17, 2026 13:40 UTC