The Northwestern Wildcats' football program has quietly become one of the most successful in Division I at producing NFL offensive linemen.

Among former Wildcats at the NFL level are 2021 13th overall draft choice Rashawn Slater, 2023 11th overall draft choice Pete Skoronski, and 97th overall draft choice Caleb Tiernan, who played offensive tackle in Evanston, Ill. 

On Tuesday, Minnesota Vikings reporter Alec Lewis shared intel on 45 Vikings players and the plans the team has for them, including information on Tiernan that provides a window into where he is expected to play this coming fall. 

Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Northwestern offensive lineman Caleb Tiernan (OL50) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Tiernan's best traits were highlighted by Lewis in The Athletic including those that are found between the ears.

According to Lewis, the Vikings are expected to keep the former Wildcats tackle at the position he played in college due to his frame and intangible qualities. 

"The Vikings don't plan to move him inside because of his arm length," Lewis said. 

"Tiernan's smarts and savvy give him a shot at tackle. He offers short-term depth," the writer continued. 

Prior to the draft, Tiernan was highlighted as the type of player who can also play guard if necessary.

"Tiernan is tall but carries the denseness of frame and core strength of a guard," NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote. 

"Feet feature good initial quickness and he takes excellent angles on the move."

Zierlein added that he believes the former Northwestern tackle can become a starter at some point during his NFL career, although he is skeptical about whether or not he can ascend to an All-Pro type of player.

"'Solid feels like the ceiling for Tiernan as a guard/swing tackle who can eventually elevate into a starting role," Lewis wrote. 

Position depth became a major concern for coach Kevin O'Connell's team after injuries wiped out the Vikings' offensive line at various points of last season.

Tiernan has experience playing both tackle spots which may have helped seal the deal in terms of him being selected in the third round of this past spring's draft. 

The former Wildcats bookend made five starts at right tackle in 2022 before closing out his Northwestern career with 38 consecutive starts at left tackle. 

Tiernan has been penciled in as a likely sub behind Christian Darrisaw, who signed a $113 million contract in July 2024 but suffered a torn ACL and MCL in October 2024. 

Darrisaw returned to the field last season but was eventually shut down in December 2025. 

A full Darrisaw comeback seems imminent, but don't be surprised to see Tiernan log plenty of playing time on an offense with a glaring need for youth, size and depth that the ex-Wildcats tackle can provide.