The Michigan native — who grew up a fan of the Lions — is set to play for Detroit's NFC North rival.
The Wildcats' drought without an NFL Draft selection is officially over.
Northwestern left tackle Caleb Tiernan came off the board on Friday night, as the Minnesota Vikings drafted the towering lineman with the No. 97 overall pick in the third round.
Tiernan is the first former Northwestern player to be selected since 2023, when four Wildcats were picked. He joins the ranks of Los Angeles Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater (No. 13 overall, 2021) and Tennessee Titans left guard Peter Skoronski (No. 11 overall, 2023) as ex-Wildcat offensive linemen to be drafted.
At 6-foot-7 and 325 pounds, Tiernan is a towering player. He started 43 games at Northwestern — including 38 consecutive at left tackle — and brings a wealth of experience to the NFL. According to Pro Football Focus, Tiernan's 84.3 pass-blocking grade in 2025 ranked ninth nationally and third in the Big Ten among qualified tackles.
The Livonia, Mich., native spent five years in Evanston and played in 52 games. He originally began on the right side of the offensive line opposite Skoronski before succeeding the All-American left tackle.
Tiernan earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors in 2025 and was an All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2024. He was named a team captain for the first time in his career last fall.
During the NFL Scouting Combine, Tiernan logged a vertical jump of 35 1/2 inches, which led all offensive linemen.
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Northwestern offensive lineman Caleb Tiernan (OL50) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn ImagesDue to his 32 1/4-inch arms and nine-inch hands, it's highly likely that Tiernan moves inside and plays guard in the NFL. Skoronski recorded similar measurements when the Titans selected him in 2023, and Tennessee moved the former Wildcat to left guard before he played a single snap.
The Ringer's Todd McShay called Tiernan versatile, athletic and experienced.
"As a pass blocker, he remains effective despite his shorter arms and high center of gravity," McShay said in his evaluation of Tiernan. "He gets into his set quickly and smoothly, working with independent hands and rewrapping quickly if he initially misses inside placement. Inside moves don’t faze him — he mirrors well, recovers quickly, and becomes difficult to disengage once he’s locked on. Although power can push him back, he typically regains his leverage and holds up. Even with his limited length, he rarely overextends and consistently picks up stunts and blitzes."
Tiernan will now likely block for Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy, who are set to compete for the Vikings' starting quarterback job.