Kevin O'Connell, Minnesota Vikings
Getty
Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before the start of a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 20, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings and head coach Kevin O’Connell did not like the outcome of the 2025 NFL season.
Just two years ago, the Vikings were one of the best teams in football. It appeared that they had a wide open Super Bowl window. Unfortunately, that was not the case last year.
After deciding to let Sam Darnold walk in free agency to move forward with J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota missed the playoffs. The team was forced to watch Darnold lead the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl win. All the Vikings could do was wonder what could have been.
Minnesota quickly made the move this offseason to sign former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray to be its likely new starting quarterback in 2026. Now, the Vikings need to continue adding talent to the roster.
A new prediction has suggested Minnesota landing a “day one starter” in the first round of the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
Vikings Land New Prediction to Add an Immediate Starter
Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks could be a Dallas Cowboys draft target
GettyDillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks could be a Dallas Cowboys draft target
Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic has released a new mock draft. With the No. 18 overall pick, he has the Vikings taking Oregon standout safety Dillon Thieneman.
“A complete athlete with a nose for the ball and enough versatility to play either safety spot (and a bit in the slot), Thieneman feels like almost too good a fit for the Vikings for it to come true,” Baumgardner wrote. “He’s exactly what they’re looking for.”
Harrison Smith has been the longtime leader of the Minnesota defense. He could still return for the 2026 season, but the Vikings were forced to release him due to cap constraints. If Smith wants to return at a lower cost, Minnesota would be open to it.
Finding a replacement for Smith like Thieneman would be a dream scenario for the Vikings. He would be able to come in and immediately take over the job.
Dillon Thieneman Lands “Day One Starter” Projection
The Ringer’s Todd McShay provided his outlook for what kind of player Thieneman could become in the NFL. He expects the Ducks’ star to start immediately.
“Thieneman is a day-one starter in the NFL. His versatile skill set, combined with his exceptional traits, makes him a defensive coordinator’s dream,” McShay wrote.
“His games has shades of Dax Hill, Alontae Taylor, and Jevon Holland in terms of versatility. Thieneman has the size of Holland and a similar build but the speed of Hill and Taylor. Thieneman has better coverage instincts than Taylor and is a much more physical player than Hill.”
During the 2025 college football season at Oregon, Thieneman racked up 92 tackles, a sack, two interceptions, and five defended passes. Throughout his entire three-year college career with his first two seasons being played for Purdue, he totaled 302 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, eight interceptions, and 13 defended passes.
Thieneman looks the part of a future star in the NFL. If he’s available at No. 18 overall, it would not be surprising to see Minnesota scoop him up quickly.