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The One School That Won’t Go Away for Vikings at No. 18
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- The One School That Won’t Go Away for Vikings at No. 18
Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
It’s draft week, and Minnesota Vikings fans are trying to predict and learn the identity of the team’s Round 1 draft pick. A safe bet? When the selection is announced on Thursday night, there’s a decent chance that the guy played football at the University of Oregon .
The Ducks buzz around Minnesota is real.
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Credible intel suggests the Vikings are “in” on tight end Kenyon Sadiq and safety Dillon Thieneman .
Oregon Prospects Keep Hovering Over Pick No. 18
Fasten your seatbelts for Thursday night.
Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) chats with an official during pregame moments, staying engaged before kickoff Oct 11, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, as the Ducks prepare to face Indiana with Sadiq involved in early communication ahead of a structured offensive game plan. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images.
SI.com’s Albert Breer: Vikings’ Brass Like Ducks
When you get to the Monday before the draft, smoke matters, and in fact, anything before draft week is often bluster.
So when Breer wrote this Monday , folks listened: “What you need to know: The biggest need here is center, and my guess would be that’ll be taken care of with one of the three picks the Vikings hold on Day 2. The two names I’ve heard for Minnesota are both Ducks — Sadiq and his Oregon teammate Dillon Thieneman, who’d be a logical successor to Vikings legend Harrison Smith at safety.”
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“I’d also say defensive tackle is a possibility, though I’m not sure, depending on how Clemson’s Peter Woods is viewed, that the value matches up at 18 for Minnesota. Also, wide receiver, with Jordan Addison getting closer to the end of his rookie deal and Jalen Nailor gone, will likely be addressed at some point (Keenan McCardell’s presence at the big receiver pro days was noted by other teams).”
Tangible hints just three days out.
The Case for Sadiq
Minnesota is well-stocked at tight end, at least on paper. T.J. Hockenson is under contract through 2026, a term recently adjusted to lower his price and extend his potential free agency to 2027. This financial restructuring, however, subtly signals a future timeline for the position. The Vikings also have Josh Oliver at TE2.
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But Sadiq is an intriguing prospect nonetheless. His profile deviates from that of a typical young tight end, as he already demonstrates significant involvement in the passing game and is a proven, willing, and capable blocker. While most players at this position require considerable development time, Sadiq is notably further along. The Vikings love playmakers who also aren’t afraid to block. Sadiq fits the criteria.
His potential selection also aligns with the team’s draft philosophy. Rob Brzezinski has consistently emphasized a “best player available” approach in the last few weeks, suggesting that if Sadiq is highly rated in Minnesota’s war room, positional need would not deter the team from drafting him.
However, there is significant competition for Sadiq. Teams like the Los Angeles Rams , Baltimore Ravens , and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are well-positioned and could select him before Minnesota has the opportunity.
Sadiq would not be a superfluous pick. Instead, he represents a strategic future investment, directly linked to Hockenson’s contractual timeline. Drafting Sadiq would be about the 2027 and 2028 Vikings , not just the 2026 squad.
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The Case for Thieneman
Given the aforementioned Smith’s career timeline, the team’s next move at safety is critical, regardless of whether he returns for another season. Enter Thieneman.
With an impressive Combine performance — measuring 6’0,” 200 pounds, and clocking 4.35 speed — he has transformed from a fringe Round 2 prospect into a clear-cut Round 1 candidate, making Thursday night a prime spot for his 1st-Round coronation.
Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) wraps up Texas Tech running back J’Koby Williams (20), finishing the tackle during a postseason clash Jan 1, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, as the Ducks and Red Raiders battle in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal with physical second-half defense. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images.
His appeal is straightforward: Thieneman can step into a starting role immediately, while still allowing Smith to take on a smaller, situational role should he return. The scenario contrasts sharply with their previous attempt at a safety transition. Lewis Cine was drafted as Smith’s heir apparent in 2022, but Smith retained his starting role, and Cine struggled to find his footing after an early leg injury. Cine later devolved into a total bust.
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Thieneman appears to be a safer bet, too. His immediate strengths include standout coverage ability, fluid movement, and top-end speed. Developing his processing and change-of-direction instincts will be the next step, with improvement expected as he gains more reps.
Minnesota previously misjudged the timing of the safety replacement. The current approach, though, aligns better with the team’s present roster needs. Smith is very near the end, if not already. It turned out he was not in 2022.
The Field
If the Vikings don’t pick Sadiq or Thieneman — the Ducks — one of these players is likely to be the selection, based on oddsmakers’ forecasts:
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Colton Hood(CB, Tennessee )
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Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State)
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Kayden McDonald(DT, Ohio State)
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Jermod McCoy(CB, Tennessee)
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Emmanuel McNeil-Warren(IOL, Toledo)
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Peter Woods(DT, Clemson)
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods speaks to reporters, addressing media questions during a preseason session Aug 27, 2024, at the Smart Family Media Center in Clemson, South Carolina, as the Tigers prepare for their upcoming matchup against Georgia with Woods representing the defensive unit. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY NETWORK.
The Vikings have drafted four ducks in franchise history: Khyree Jackson (CB) in 2024, Troy Dye (LB) in 2020, and Onterrio Smith (RB) + Keenan Howry (WR) in 2003.
