Harrison Smith
Getty
ESPN's Matt Miller reported the Minnesota Vikings see safety Dillon Thieneman as a "seamless replacement" for veteran Harrison Smith.
The Minnesota Vikings didn’t add a safety in NFL free agency despite veteran Harrison Smith departing as a free agent. But the Vikings could have their eyes set on the perfect safety prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.
That’s what ESPN’s Matt Miller suggested this week when he argued there’s a reason the mock draft experts have projected Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman to Minnesota in the first round.
“Safety Dillon Thieneman (Oregon) is the most mocked player to Minnesota, and for good reason,” wrote Miller. “Word is the front office views him as a seamless replacement for veteran Harrison Smith.”
Both ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah rated Thieneman a top three safety in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Jeremiah ranked Thieneman the No. 17 overall prospect as well.
The Oregon product’s ability to play multiple spots in the secondary could make him a great option to replace Smith in Minnesota.
“Thieneman was a versatile chess piece in Oregon’s defense. He lined up in the box, in the deep half and over the slot,” wrote Jeremiah. “When he’s aligned in the back end, he can anticipate and range over the top to find and play the ball.
“Overall, Thieneman does a lot of different tasks at a very high level. His skill set is highly coveted around the NFL.”
Vikings to Target Oregon Safety Dillon Thieneman?
As Miller indicated, the Vikings showing interest in Thieneman is not a big secret.