Vikings Signal Serious Interest in Oregon Safety Dillon Thieneman at NFL Combine
The Minnesota Vikings are making no secret of their search for life after veteran safety Harrison Smith. At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Oregon safety prospect Dillon Thieneman confirmed to reporters that he had a formal meeting with the Vikings, as noted by analyst Anthony Miller. This interaction underscores that defensive coordinator Brian Flores' unit is conducting thorough evaluations on one of the draft class's most polished safety talents.
Mock Drafts and Analyst Insights Point to Strong Vikings Fit
The meeting aligns with recent mock drafts from prominent analysts. NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah and Gennaro Filice, along with ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., have consistently projected Thieneman to Minnesota with the 18th overall pick. Previous analysis from Adam New and Will Ragatz has detailed how Thieneman's skill set meshes seamlessly with Flores' defensive system, indicating this is far from a casual Combine conversation. Thieneman has firmly entered the Vikings' first-round draft discussion.
Addressing the Inevitable Harrison Smith Transition
Harrison Smith, the NFL's active leader in interceptions and a franchise icon, remains a cornerstone, but the Vikings' front office recognizes the need to plan for his eventual departure. Meeting with Thieneman in Indianapolis represents the clearest indication yet that Minnesota is proactively working to identify the next defensive centerpiece for their secondary. The organization understands it cannot afford to wait for Smith's retirement announcement to begin building a succession strategy.
Thieneman's Collegiate Production and Versatile Skill Set
Dillon Thieneman possesses the on-field production to justify the growing hype. During his last season at Oregon, he recorded an impressive stat line: 92 tackles, five pass breakups, two interceptions, and a sack. This performance earned him first-team All-Big Ten and All-American honors. At the Combine, reporters noted Thieneman discussing his comfort playing in the box and his ability to function almost like a linebacker when required—a trait highly valued by Brian Flores in his safeties.
This versatility is crucial for a Vikings defense that ranked 21st against the run in 2025, allowing 124.1 rushing yards per game. A safety who can aggressively attack downhill, operate effectively in the box, and still maintain coverage responsibilities fits precisely what Flores desires alongside Josh Metellus. Thieneman's skill set allows him to contribute against tight ends, provide support versus wide receivers, and clean up runs that penetrate the first level of defense.
Flores' Defensive Philosophy and Thieneman's Projected Role
Brian Flores has already demonstrated how potent his defense can be when stocked with safeties capable of blitzing, disguising coverages, and rotating late. Thieneman projects as that type of versatile, Swiss Army knife player, which explains why many evaluators have identified him as the direct successor to Harrison Smith if Minnesota opts for the draft over free agency to address the position.
The Draft Dilemma: Positional Value Versus Team Need
The decision presents a complex challenge for Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Safeties are rarely selected as high as the 18th overall pick. As Will Ragatz highlighted, only 13 safeties have been drafted within the top 18 selections since 2010—a prestigious list featuring stars like Kyle Hamilton, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Derwin James, Jamal Adams, Eric Berry, and Earl Thomas. While the hit rate for these elite prospects is strong, teams typically invest such a high pick only when convinced they are acquiring a transformative talent.
Thieneman began the draft evaluation cycle as an early Day 2 prospect. However, his standout film from Purdue and Oregon, combined with his multifaceted abilities that align with Flores' demands, has propelled him into late first-round consideration. If he performs well in athletic testing and interviews cleanly in Indianapolis, the Vikings may not be able to rely on him being available beyond their 18th selection.
Weighing Alternatives and Final Draft Considerations
The core tension is straightforward: draft Thieneman as a potential long-term defensive quarterback for the secondary, or prioritize positional value by targeting an edge rusher, cornerback, or defensive lineman. Analyst Adam New has already identified other Combine attendees who match Minnesota's draft priorities, including Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks, Tennessee cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood, Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell, Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, and Penn State running back Nick Singleton.
Choosing a safety over those positions only becomes justifiable if the Vikings' evaluation places Thieneman in the same impactful tier as players like Kyle Hamilton or Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Combine meeting strongly suggests Minnesota is at least willing to explore that possibility. How aggressively the Vikings pursue Thieneman on draft night will ultimately reveal their readiness to transition from the Harrison Smith era to the next chapter of their defensive legacy.
