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Rumors are buzzing all around about who NFL teams will select in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Vikings are a right in the middle of them.
Minnesota is being heavily assumed to take a defender. Mocks are loving to send Clemson CB Avieon Terrell to Minnesota. Other popular names are South Carolina CB Brandon Cisse and Florida DL Caleb Banks.
A surprising one has popped up recently, however. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network has thrown in a new name to the mix at 18th overall.
Vikings Speculated to Reach for Oregon Safety Dillon Thieneman
Minnesota Vikings
GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 29: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks reacts after beating the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
For those not in the know, Thieneman is not consensus to even go in the first round. Therefore, it’s a bit of a shock to see him projected to go 18th overall, barely mid-way through the first round.
Daniel Jeremiah did provide reasoning for the selection, mentioning how he could be a suitable replacement for Harrison Smith.
“After studying Thieneman’s impressive 2025 tape at Oregon, I went back and watched the film from his career at Purdue, where he played in 2023 and ’24. His range and playmaking skills were evident back then, too. He would be an excellent replacement for Harrison Smith.”
It’s not a crazy statement to make. Although, it’s realistic to think if the Vikings are sold on Thieneman, they could most likely trade down the board a bit to draft him. The extra draft capital would be very beneficial.
Tyler Forness of AtoZ Sports provided a detailed look into Thieneman as a player.
“Thieneman is a fascinating player. He thrived at Purdue during 2023 and 2024, and transferred to Oregon ahead of last season. He showcased the ability to attack in the running game and play coverage, and thrived on one of the better defenses in college football last season.
I have concerns that Thieneman is a first-round caliber prospect, especially from an athleticism standpoint. If you are a first-round player, I want to see top-tier athleticism, something that I don’t get on film. If he was there in round two, this would be a lot more appealing.”
Minnesota Goes Heavy on Defense in Latest PFF Mock Draft
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores of Minnesota Vikings is said to be a target of the Dallas Cowboys.
GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 30: Defensive coordinator Brian Flores of Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on November 30, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
With the 18th selection, PFF has the Vikings taking Clemson CB Avieon Terrell. This has been a common mock to the Vikings across various publications.
“Terrell secured PFF overall grades above 80.0 in each of the past two seasons, playing almost 1,500 defensive snaps in that span. In addition to his coverage skills, he is a willing run defender who earned an 85.2 PFF run-defense grade in 2025.”
They continued the defensive trend by selecting Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas. This pick is interesting, seeing as Minnesota has a full edge rusher room. Taking an edge in the top 50 with a room of Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner is a bit of a head scratcher.
At pick 82, the offensive selection happened. It came with Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price. Price has been a bit lost in conversations about top running backs thanks to teammate Jeremiyah Love. Love is likely to be a top 10 selection.
At pick 97, the mock draft haul was rounded out with Arizona safety Genesis Smith.
This is a solid mock draft, though, the selection of Jacas at 49 is a bit questionable. It seems more realistic that the Vikings could double dip at cornerback. In this hypothetical, Indiana CB D’Angelo Ponds went one selection later to the Detroit Lions.