Story by
Vikings Evidently Have a Stealthy Rookie to Monitor
- Story by
- Vikings Evidently Have a Stealthy Rookie to Monitor
Andrew Dieb
The Minnesota Vikings onboarded a slew of undrafted free agents in April, and one in particular is standing off the page, according to Bleacher Report : safety Jacob Thomas of James Madison.
BR identified one snazzy UDFA from each team to monitor with OTAs getting underway , and Thomas got the nod for the Vikings .
Advertisement
Minnesota's Safety Room Has a New Name to Watch
Oregon Ducks running back Jordon Davison (0) fights through contact and delivers a stiff arm against James Madison Dukes safety Jacob Thomas (7), Dec. 20, 2025, during the second quarter at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. Davison powered ahead on the rushing attempt while Oregon continued leaning on its ground game in postseason action at home. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images.
Gary Davenport: Keep an Eye on Vikings UDFA Jacob Thomas
Davenport picked Thomas as "the guy" among Vikings UDFAs and explained , "A small-school standout at James Madison, being an undrafted free agent shouldn't shake Thomas—he was also a walk-on in college. But the 6'1″, 212-pounder has been starting since his sophomore year, and Alec Lewis of The Athletic expects him to turn heads over the summer."
"Thomas has good size. He can play multiple spots in the secondary. And he makes up for what he lacks in elite athleticism with excellent instincts and hard-nosed play. He's unlikely to start as a rookie, but he has a real shot to make the roster."
Advertisement
Lewis, too, noted on Thomas : "Thomas fits the exact prototype of what defensive coordinator Brian Flores looks for in his safeties: experience, ball skills and a thumper. He makes plays in the box. He lines up in the deep parts of the field and follows the quarterback's eyes."
"He darts in from the edge as a blitzer. Don't be surprised if he finds some snaps with some of the top defenders on the depth chart come camp."
The Scouting Report
Thomas is 6'1″ and 215 pounds. He played 50 games at James Madison — a huge amount for a college player — and banked 199 tackles in four seasons, with 5 interceptions and 2.5 sacks.
Advertisement
Bleacher Report 's Daniel Harms on Thomas : "Thomas is a good athlete with smooth movement skills and reactive ability to make plays in a variety of ways. His versatility allows him to play all over the field, but he does his best when working in the box. The former walk-on has a workman's mentality and his motor runs hot."
"Thomas gets downhill quickly, throws his body around in the run game and chases plays down. Big-nickel upside with man-coverage ability against tight ends and willingness to play with physicality. Thomas gains depth well and tracks the football smoothly."
The Vikings actually have a rookie named Jakobe Thomas — also a safety — so it will be tricky to distinguish between them when browsing the depth chart or reading a jersey back.
James Madison Dukes linebacker Gannon Weathersby (3) celebrates with safety Jacob Thomas (7) and defensive lineman Xavier Holmes (9), Sep. 5, 2025, during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky. The James Madison defenders gathered after a key play as the Dukes competed in an early-season road matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images.
"His ball skills help him to defend the ball in the air and attack the catch-point. Thomas is a highly decorated Sun-Belt safety, with high level-athletic traits, an aggressive mindset and a versatile skillset to fulfill multiple roles within a defense," Harms continued.
Advertisement
"The former high school quarterback was a nominee for the 2025 Burlsworth Award, which is awarded annually to the most outstanding football player who began his collegiate career as a walk-on. He earned a starting role during his sophomore season and hasn't looked back."
The Fit in the Safety Room
Here's the real "problem." The Vikings have plenty of safeties and even more if Harrison Smith opts not to retire. This is the summer safety setup:
S1: Josh Metellus
S2: Jay Ward
S3: Theo Jackson
S4: Jakobe Thomas
S5: Tavierre Thomas
S6: Kahlef Hailassie
S7: Jacob Thomas
Last August, Minnesota kept nine defensive backs for the regular season roster — five safeties, four cornerbacks — so if Thomas scores the upset, he'll hope Jackson, Hailassie, and Tavierre Thomas get cut. It's really the only path to a roster spot.
Advertisement
Of course, he'll be squeezed even further if Smith returns for Year No. 15. Stay tuned.
Other UDFAs to Note
Thomas isn't the only UDFA to monitor this summer. Brett Thorson was recognized as the best punter in college football last year, and he's in town to compete against Johnny Hekker , who was the best punter in the NFL 10 years ago.
Georgia punter Brett Thorson kicks the football during drills at the NFL Scouting Combine, Feb. 25, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Thorson participated in special teams workouts in front of NFL evaluators and coaches while showcasing his leg strength, hang time, and directional punting ability during the annual pre-draft event. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Wide receiver Dillon Bell could eye a roster spot, known for his versatility at Georgia and drawing praise this offseason from Georgia head coach Kirby Smart and former NFLer Steve Smith .
Minnesota also has an OLB depth chart that is ripe with opportunity after Jonathan Greenard left the Twin Cities via trade. Cincinnati UDFA Cam'Ron Stewart could turn heads in Eagan.
Advertisement
Defensive tackle Smith Vilbert is also noteworthy because he played under Bill Belichick at North Carolina, and if Belichick told Brian Flores, his former understudy, "This guy is good," Belichick probably isn't wrong.
Thomas will turn 22 this weekend.
