Dillon Thieneman
Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
As of April 9, 2026, nobody outside of the Minnesota Vikings organization knows what lies ahead for Harrison Smith. Until he gives further indication, it’s certainly possible the future Ring of Honor inductee and probable NFL Hall of Famer returns for a 15th season, but it’s also perfectly plausible he chooses retirement instead.
But MN Vikings brass cannot concern themselves with Harry’s pending return/retirement right now, with the draft exactly two weeks away. Because whether their superstar safety is back for another year or not, Father Time remains undefeated.
At 37 years old, Smith’s NFL days are numbered, if there are any left on the ledger. Thus, the Vikings need to get younger at the position, which is why just about every draft expert and insider in America is mocking “poor man’s Harrison Smith”, Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, to Minnesota at No. 18 overall.
In his latest mock draft @FieldYates has the Vikings selecting Oregon Safety Dillon Thieneman at 18 (of course) and Penn State Edge Dani Dennis-Sutton at pick 49. pic.twitter.com/XeaHaKyL6D
— SleeperVikings (@SleeperVikings) March 24, 2026
Another mock draft with Dillon Thieneman going to the #Vikings at 18: https://t.co/VtFo6AxESc
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) March 29, 2026
If the Minnesota Vikings are to take Thieneman with the No. 18 overall pick, they must be confident he can come in and immediately impact the roster as a day one starter.
And given the numbers he posted between his time at Purdue and Oregon, he should have no problem taking on the role of starting safety in whatever defense he lands in.
NFL Insider pours gas on MN Vikings Dillon Thieneman interest
In 15 starts last year for the Ducks, Thieneman recorded 96 total tackles on an unbelievably talented Oregon defense. He totalled five passes defensed and 3.5 tackles for loss, along with 2 interceptions.
But if you are growing tired of the Thieneman to Minnesota steam, you might want to read a different article. Because this one is focuses on how, Thursday, trusted NFL Draft insider Matt Miller (ESPN) reported that the Vikings seemingly like the fit just as much as all the experts do.
According to Miller, Minnesota is indeed interested in the 6-foot, 201 pound former Duck, who ran a 4.35 40-yard-dash and dumped 41 inches at the combine a couple months ago, writing that those in the Vikings front office view Thieneman as a “seamless replacement” for Harry.
Safety Dillon Thieneman (Oregon) is the most mocked player to Minnesota, and for good reason. Word is the front office views him as a seamless replacement for veteran Harrison Smith. 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.
[Matt Miller – ESPN](http://Safety Dillon Thieneman (Oregon) is the most mocked player to Minnesota, and for good reason. Word is the front office views him as a seamless replacement for veteran Harrison Smith. 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.)
Earlier this week, NFL Insider Peter Schrager (ESPN) leaned on different rumblings from his sources to mock another safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo) to the Vikings at 18. That’s a deviation from all the Dillon Thieneman steam, and Matt Miller (ESPN) says not so fast.
It’s not just about the Vikings getting a safety, but the guy they are replacing is among the most decorated in league history, a six-time Pro Bowler and NFL All-Pro with 207 NFL games under his belt. Until he retires, Smith remains the active NFL interceptions leader, at 39 career picks.
Like Smith, Thieneman plays a true safety role, unlike other Vikings, who are not cut from the same DB cloth. Josh Metellus plays more of a hybrid linebacker/safety role.
While coaches like Jay Ward, neither he, Tavierre Thomas or Theo Jackson have anywhere near the talent/smarts Smith did in his prime (or even now). Thieneman, on the other hand…
Dillon Thieneman, hot damn. pic.twitter.com/aZSBTW5bmW
— Ted Leroux (@TedontheDucks) January 4, 2026
Dillon Thieneman is a special prospect.
– Elite athlete
– Elite instincts
– Amazing Hip Fluidity
– Ball skills of a WR
– Outstanding in the run game
He's the #12 player on my board, and a potential top 10 pick. His tape is just so unreal. pic.twitter.com/tYFmQgs7aa
— Cam (@42Cyc) March 13, 2026
Mentioned in this article: Dillon Thieneman Harrison Smith NFL Draft
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