Story by
Did the Vikings Land a Draft Steal?
- Story by
- Did the Vikings Land a Draft Steal?
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings ' 2026 NFL Draft leaves plenty to be desired if you consider the potential range of outcomes for Caleb Banks. He could end up being the next Chris Jones , and he could also have chronic foot issues that don't support his massive frame, and he's a failure to launch.
Therein lies why his selection at 18th overall is confusing. Few draft experts thought he'd go off the board that high, and the Vikings may have been able to grab even more capital by trading back and taking him a bit later. No matter what happens with his career trajectory, though, and it will define the draft, other players will need to materialize as well.
Advertisement
Thomas Now Sits at the Center of the Debate
In that vein, the MN Vikings knew that they needed safety help. There was no shortage of steam that Dillon Thieneman could be the pick at number 18. Instead, while still on the board, Minnesota let the Oregon safety fall to Chicago . They went with Miami product Jakobe Thomas in the third round instead.
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Jakobe Thomas (8) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
If Harrison Smith doesn't return this season, then the Minnesota Vikings will be in for a trial by fire. It hasn't seemed like either Jay Ward or Theo Jackson is ready for the next step, and Josh Metellus is not a traditional safety. While Thomas isn't a first-round pick, he's going to be given every opportunity to come in and earn something right away.
Advertisement
After three seasons at Middle Tennessee State, Thomas transferred to Tennessee and played his last season with Miami. He had four interceptions , including a touchdown, for the Blue Raiders as a freshman. He got skunked each of the next two years, but picked off five passes with the Hurricanes and scored again.
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Jakobe Thomas (8) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Thomas has solid size at 6'1″, 211 pounds. He profiles more as the centerfielder in the secondary and can emulate a lot of what Harrison Smith does well. He has ball-hawking tendencies and forced a pair of fumbles last season as well. He may not have the luster of Thieneman, but it looks as though there is a very capable starting product here.
Brian Flores will now be tasked with getting the most out of Thomas, and he'll need to do it quickly. Minnesota could have gone with more of a sure thing earlier on, but Thomas may be everything they wanted anyway.
