I'll give you one guess for who the Vikings landed in the first round.
I know what you're wondering, and the answer is yes. There is a new mock draft available, and the Vikings selected Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman. At this point, it will be a colossal disappointment if the pick isn't Thieneman. Bleacher Report and its scouting department put together a three-round mock draft, and BR analyst Daniel Harms explains Thieneman first.
Round 1, Pick 18: Dillon Thieneman, Safety, Oregon
Harrison Smith still hasn't made a decision whether he'll play in 2026. The Minnesota Vikings continue to wait and would welcome Smith back. Even so, the organization needs to seriously look at the safety position and address it long term.
Oregon's Dillon Thieneman has all of the necessary traits to thrive as an NFL free safety.
"Everyone is tired of mocking a safety to the Vikings," Harms said, "but a glaring need exists. Thieneman will not only play on the roof but also has experience playing a robber role. He is a willing tackler and box player, bringing natural instincts, high-end speed and effort to the secondary.
"Defensive coordinator Brian Flores wants to create havoc with different blitzes and looks. Thieneman can cover the back end so those pressures can get home."
Round 2, Pick 49: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
The concerns about Young aren't with his talent. Has he matured from some of the off-field issues?
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com believes Young is a capble run defender with an average bag of tricks for rushing the passer.
"Long, well-built edge rusher with the size, strength and temperament engineered for trench battles at the next level. Young is a fiery alpha who brings immense energy to the field and locker room. He majors in block destruction using base power and aggression to play through opponents. He extends and locks out as an edge-setter and sheds when needed, but his pursuit speed and range are average. He has the power to bull rush or drive through edges, but lacks instincts and variety in his rush approach. His NFL pressure production will lag behind without better go-to moves and counters. Young’s physical tools and rugged demeanor give him a chance to be an instant run-stopping upgrade with average rush."
Round 3, Pick 82: Jake Slaughter, OL, Florida
Slaughter is the number one rated center in production (92) and total score at 83, according to Next Gen Stats. Zierlein believes Slaughter will be an NFL backup, but he'll get a crack at the starting center position in training camp, if drafted.
"Two-year team captain and three-year starter with plenty of game experience against high-end talent. Slaughter lacks desired build/mass but plays with adequate play strength and solid technique. He’s consistent at finding and sustaining his outside zone blocks. He works to neutralize opponents on downhill blocks but is unlikely to move pro bodies around. He has the feet for gap control in pass pro but will struggle some against pure bull rushers. What he lacks in traits he makes up for with awareness and football IQ, which gives him a chance to become an NFL backup."