The SB Nation Community Mock Draft returned for another year, bringing together all 32 NFL sites to simulate the first round ahead of the actual 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 23–25.
Each site manager made their selections with detailed reasoning, followed by additional analysis from the editor. The draft simulation continued with the Carolina Panthers' turn at pick No. 19.
Walker Clement of Cat Scratch Reader selected Dillon Thieneman, a safety from the University of Oregon, for the Panthers.
Walker Clement’s Analysis of the Pick
"Thieneman is one of the more polarizing prospects in this class. Opinions and evaluations range from him being the second-best safety behind Ohio State’s Caleb Downs to being no better than a Day 2 pick."
Clement emphasized that evaluators often undervalue the safety position, especially when a player like Thieneman—who has been consistently productive—faces divided opinions. He highlighted Thieneman’s athleticism and all-around skill set, calling him "the whole package" at the position.
"There are some out there who think he isn’t worthy of being picked in the first round. Good on Walker here to go and get his guy. If Thieneman really could be the missing piece to unlocking the Carolina defense and taking them to another level, then you have to go get him."
Thieneman was in action during the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl on January 1, 2026, where he lined up for the Oregon Ducks against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
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