Despite adding Bryan Cook in free agency, Cincinnati is still thin at the safety position. Geno Stone and Tycen Andersen both signed elsewhere, leaving Jordan Battle as the only experienced safety returning. The team seriously needs depth in the defensive backfield, and Dillon Thieneman would be a good value with the 41st pick.

Thieneman is a dynamic athlete on the back end of a defense, as the All-American tallied 92 tackles, five passes defensed, two interceptions, and a sack last season for the Ducks. He has the size, athleticism, and discipline in pass defense to produce immediately for an NFL team. Thieneman needs to improve in run support, but coaching should alleviate that area of his game. The Bengals are in desperate need of impact players on defense, and the Oregon safety fits the bill in the second round.