Top Mock Drafters Circling a Duck for Minnesota

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Top Mock Drafters Circling a Duck for Minnesota

Top Mock Drafters Circling a Duck for Minnesota — Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Ted Schwerzler · Vikings Territory

Sat, Mar 21, 2026 ·

2 min read

Thieneman Keeps Surfacing for the Vikings at No. 18

Regardless of whether Harrison Smith returns or not, he's at the tail end of his career. Jay Ward , Josh Metellus , Theo Jackson , and Tavierre Thomas are the only other options. A need to raise the floor is a must.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, left, talks to Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman during an open practice ahead of the Orange Bowl at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon on Dec. 27, 2025. © Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

We're in prime mock draft season , and among the most prominent names, you'll see Mel Kiper and Daniel Jeremiah. Both are on their third iteration of mock drafts for this cycle, and both have suggested that Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman will be Minnesota's selection at 18th overall for two straight updates.

I had Thieneman to the Vikings in my last mock draft. He reminds me a lot of Smith in the way he reads the QB and reacts in a flash. I could see defensive coordinator Brian Flores getting creative with Thieneman, lining him up all over the formation and letting him use his great ball skills to pile up takeaways.

I wanted to find a different option for the Vikings after slotting Thieneman here in my last mock draft, but every time I do this exercise, the Oregon safety ends up staring me in the face at Pick No. 18. He's a perfect fit.

Thieneman transferred to Oregon after two seasons at Purdue . He had a pair of interceptions to go with 96 tackles, and he looks like an all-around player. He does well in coverage, can get up on the line, or play deep as an outfielder, too.

Jan 2, 2021; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of an Oregon Ducks helmet during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.

If the Vikings do go with Thieneman, or a first-round safety at all, it will likely signify the decision expected from Harrison Smith. If they do stick with a safety, though, Thieneman would be an immediate impact starter.

There would be some hilarity to getting a safety pick right in the first draft without Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. He, of course, started his drafting tenure by passing on All-Pro Kyle Hamilton to select Lewis Cine . He was recently cut from a UFL team .