Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings
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Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before a game against the Green Bay Packers.
The Minnesota Vikings could replace one of their greatest stalwarts with a player often compared to him this offseason, with Dillon Thieneman continuing to evoke visions of Harrison Smith, even for the franchise.
Smith, who turned 37 in February, has not committed to playing or retiring just yet.
Thieneman could be a fit for the Vikings in either case, particularly with defensive coordinator Brian Flores still around.
Vikings High on Oregon Ducks S Dillon Thieneman
DIllon Thieneman Bears
Gettyillon Thieneman of the Oregon Ducks speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Draft Combine.
The Vikings own the 18th overall pick of the draft, which would be too high for Thieneman. He could be a target for the Vikings in the second round, though, perhaps even with a move up from the 49th overall pick.
ESPN’s Matt Miller believes Thieneman is the prospect most frequently linked to the Vikings for “good reason.”
Miller also explained the Vikings’ draft logic, particularly outside of Round 1.
“Word is the front office views him as a seamless replacement for veteran Harrison Smith,” Miller wrote in an article on April 9. “The Vikings must hit at a higher rate on Day 2 picks, and with that in mind I’ve heard the team will target players with higher college production over potential or traits.”
Most links between Thieneman and the Vikings have been speculative. It appears as though the team sees the same vision that others have. The question remains how aggressive the Vikings should be in pursuing Thieneman.
Smith is under contract through 2027. The Vikings also still have Josh Metellus and Theo Jackson, as well as reserves Kahlef Hailassie and Tavierre Thomas.
Thieneman would likely step in behind only Jackson and Metellus for the Vikings if Smith retires.
Dillon Thieneman Projects as Versatile Contributor
Chicago Bears 7-Round Mock Draft: Dillon Thieneman
GettyDillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks reacts after beating the Washington Huskies.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, who has Thieneman as the second-best safety in the class, compared him to New Orleans Saints star Justin Reid.
“Thieneman reminds me of Justin Reid because of his scheme-friendly recognition skills and eagerness to get busy as a run defender,” Brugler wrote in his “The Beast” draft guide. “He projects as a durable NFL starter and has versatility that should appeal to a variety of defensive structures.”
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared Thieneman to New York Giants DB Jevon Holland.
“Savvy three-year starter with NFL size, speed and alignment versatility. Thieneman is an extension of his defensive coordinator, aligning and adjusting the secondary to motion and pre-snap shifts. He’s an instinctive, rangy safety who can roll down into big nickel or robber positioning. He has a good feel for play design and route concepts in zone but has average change of direction to match breaks in man,” Zierlein wrote.
“Not a big thumper near the line, but he rushes into the action with a relentless pursuit that should allow him to keep stacking high scores in the tackle columns. Thieneman checks important boxes for teams looking to add versatile playmakers in the secondary.”
Thieneman would allow the Vikings to keep Metellus in his jack-of-all-trades/box role, while he and Jackson man occupy the deep portion of the field.
That is, if Thieneman is on the board at the right time for the Vikings.