While the Vikings wait on Smith's decision, could the answer be in the draft?
The Minnesota Vikings are waiting for Harrison Smith's decision on retirement. The safety has earned the leeway to make his decision on his own time. The 37-year old seems intent on taking his time and making his final decision up to the last minute. Can the Vikings wait for the decision, or should they draft his replacement, even if it means the replacement could sit for his first season if Smith returns?
Daniel Jeremiah has released his latest mock draft before the NFL Scouting Combine next week and believes the Vikings should look to the safety position at pick 18.
Pick 18, Minnesota Vikings - Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
After studying Thieneman’s impressive 2025 tape at Oregon, I went back and watched the film from his career at Purdue, where he played in 2023 and '24. His range and playmaking skills were evident back then, too. He would be an excellent replacement for Harrison Smith.
Daniel Harms of Bleacher Report highlights Thieneman's strengths and weaknesses. Harms has Thieneman as the third safety in the draft and compares the safety to Daxton Hill, but with the desire to tackle.
Where He Wins
— Willing and able run defender in the box and from depth. He triggers and flows downhill in the run game and looks to make an impact.
— Defensive backfield alignment versatility from a two-high alignment to the nickel. He has the range and instincts to give a defense single-high impact as well.
— He sees the field well from all levels and locates the football. Allows him to vary between playing the run and the pass.
— His backpedal and athleticism let him mirror and trigger on throws. Paired with his ball skills to attack the catch point, he can dislodge the football.
— Plays the game with top-tier effort and will track down ball carriers from any depth. He just loves to compete.
Areas of Improvement
— Pursuit angles to properly line up the ball carrier when triggering downhill. That can change angles from reaching at the ankles to running through a tackle.
— He's a smart player and wants to quickly get downhill, but can get caught with eyes in the backfield. Needs to be a tick more patient on play fakes to not get taken advantage of.
— Processing speed and urgency when identifying route combinations will let him flow and pass off responsibilities at a better rate.
The Vikings have been linked to multiple secondary prospects in mock drafts, but this is the first one that can replace Smith.