Story by
NFL Insider Claims Vikings’ Most Popular Draft Theory Is Real
- Story by
- NFL Insider Claims Vikings’ Most Popular Draft Theory Is Real
Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
For all of March and some of April, Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman catapulted himself into the Minnesota Vikings ' draft frontrunner, even if no steam from the team confirmed it. Now, thanks to NFL insider Jason La Canfora, a few anonymous executives claim the connection is real.
Minnesota's favorite mock-draft idea just got louder.
Advertisement
The Vikings have three days to decide their Round 1 path in the draft, and the Thieneman smoke might just be the real deal.
The Oregon Safety Keeps Landing on Minnesota's Radar
Is Thieneman your best-case scenario for the Vikings i n the draft ?
Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman assists linebacker Bryce Boettcher through warmups during Oregon Pro Day, offering hands-on prep work for scouts and evaluators March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon, as prospects run drills and fine-tune movements ahead of the next stage in the pre-draft process. Mandatory Credit: Ben Lonergan-Imagn Images.
La Canfora: Thieneman to MIN Isn't Bluster
Speaking on behalf of unnamed executives, La Canfora relayed one's thought on Thieneman to the Vikings: "I buy it. Sometimes it just is what it is."
Another told La Canfora: "I wouldn't just assume Downs is going to be the best safety in this class. The kid from Oregon is special, too, and so is Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren . But for Flores, Thieneman is going to be hard to pass on."
Advertisement
La Canfora personally added, "When it comes to the Vikings and Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, SportsBoom's sources suspect that one of the most popular mock draft selections will turn out to be spot on."
"Of course, one of the 17 selections before Minnesota gets on the clock could have something to say about what the Vikings do, but throughout the scouting community this player is being linked to this team, and it's been difficult to find many dissenting voices."
Replacing Harrison Smith
Four years ago — yes, it's been that long — former Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah drafted Lewis Cine from Georgia, a safety at the end of Round 1, who would eventually take over for Smith, according to the plan. Two problems arose. Smith was nowhere close to walking away and has remained a quality starter since. Then, Cine shapeshifted into a draft bust, which was not helped by a leg fracture a few games into his career.
Advertisement
In 2026, the Vikings are in a similar spot, hoping to avoid a draft bust and knowing that Smith is actually close to the end.
Thieneman would instantly take over a starting safety role. Smith, who hasn't decided whether to retire or return, could perhaps play in a situational role if Thieneman is the pick.
No matter what, it's time for Minnesota to plan for life after Smith.
The Thieneman Bio
Thieneman is 6'0″ and 200 pounds on the nose. He ran a 4.35 forty at the NFL Combine , and his measurables in Indianapolis changed everything. Before the Combine, most mock-drafters placed him near the top of Round 2. Now, he's solidly in Round 1 and will likely be chosen on Thursday night, not Friday.
Advertisement
His pass coverage is fantastic. So is his fluidity and speed. He'll have to clean up his change-of-direction awareness and improve his processing speed, which should come with live game reps.
The Draft Network on Thieneman : "Dillon Thieneman has a unique blend of top-end speed, instincts, and versatility, which allows him to be a playmaker in the secondary. Thieneman showcases a natural feel for the game at various alignments, which helps him make plays in both the run and passing games."
"In the run and screen game, Thieneman is quick to diagnose and can get a quick jump on the football, playing downhill and putting himself in a position to be disruptive at or near the line of scrimmage to make the play. In the passing game, Thieneman will anticipate routes and jump them to intercept passes and turn the football over for the defense."
Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) tracks the ball and secures an interception, flipping possession during a key moment Nov 29, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington, as Oregon's defense disrupts Washington's passing attack in the second half of a rivalry matchup filled with momentum swings. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images.
Since the Combine, Thieneman has been mock-drafted to Minnesota so frequently that he already feels like a Viking.
Advertisement
TDN added, "Thieneman has played in multiple different alignments throughout his collegiate career, being able to play FS, SS, and nickel. There are snaps where he can play the single-high FS with the responsibility of roaming sideline-to-sideline and making a play on the football in the passing game. However, he can also walk down to the nickel position to effectively play the pass and insert into the run game."
"In man-to-man coverage, Thieneman needs to improve his technique. Receivers have the opportunity to create separation at the top of routes on in-breakers and out-breakers against Thieneman. He needs to improve his ability to stay in phase to be able to make a play on the football while playing man-to-man."
Other Round 1 Options
Of course, Thieneman is not a lock to turn purple. The only lock a few days before the event is Fernando Mendoza to the Las Vegas Raiders at Pick No. 1.
Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) goes through pregame warmups, sharpening routes and timing before kickoff Dec 20, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, as the Ducks prepare to face James Madison with offensive personnel getting final reps and adjustments in a focused lead-up to game action. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images.
If the pick is not Thieneman for the Vikings, Minnesota will likely leave Round 1 with one of these players:
Advertisement
-
Jermod McCoy(CB, Tennessee )
-
Kenyon Sadiq(TE, Oregon)
-
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren(IOL, Toledo)
-
Peter Woods(DT, Clemson)
-
Kayden McDonald(DT, Ohio State)
-
Colton Hood(CB, Tennessee)
-
Chris Johnson(CB, San Diego State)
The Vikings have nine picks from Thursday through Saturday, about double the amount of last year.
