2026 NFL Draft: Vikings Select S Jakobe Thomas

TL;DR

The Minnesota Vikings selected safety Jakobe Thomas from the University of Miami (FL) with the 98th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Thomas, a versatile player with five interceptions last season, aims to strengthen the Vikings' defense.

Key points

Vikings selected Jakobe Thomas with the 98th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
Thomas is a safety from the University of Miami (FL)
He had five interceptions last season and was named Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP

Mentioned in this story

University of Miami (FL)

Jakobe ThomasMinnesota Vikings

Oct 4, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Jakobe Thomas (8) during the second half against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images | Melina Myers-Imagn Images The Minnesota Vikings have made another selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, and with this pick, they have gone back over to the defensive side of the ball, this time to the defensive backfield.

Jakobe Thomas

**Date of Birth**: 30 June 2003 (22 years old) **College**: University of Miami (FL) **Drafted**: Third round, #98 overall **Height**: 6’1” **Weight**: 210 pounds **Career Accomplishments**: Second-Team All-ACC (2025), Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP (2026) With the 98th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Vikings have picked Jakobe Thomas, a safety from the University of Miami (FL). Thomas had a long, winding journey through his college football career, as he played his first three seasons at Middle Tennessee State, then transferred to play one season at Tennessee before playing his final season at “The U.” That does highlight one of his strengths, as he’s played in multiple defensive systems and had no issues with picking any of them up throughout his career. Thomas is a safety built for a two-high system, where he can play more of a center-field role. He’s outstanding in coverage, as he had five interceptions for the Hurricanes last season. With the Vikings potentially having to deal with the loss of , it remains to be seen how big an impact Thomas is going to have straight away for the Vikings defense. He still has plenty of developing to do, but there’s at least a chance that he’s going to get some opportunities pretty early on in his career in purple. Welcome to Minnesota, Jakobe Thomas!

Q&A

Who is Jakobe Thomas and what are his career highlights?

Jakobe Thomas is a safety from the University of Miami (FL), drafted 98th overall by the Vikings; he was a Second-Team All-ACC in 2025 and the Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP in 2026.

What position did the Vikings draft Jakobe Thomas to play?

The Vikings drafted Jakobe Thomas to play as a safety, focusing on enhancing their defensive backfield.

How does Jakobe Thomas's college career impact his NFL potential?

Jakobe Thomas's experience in multiple defensive systems during his college career suggests he can adapt quickly, which may benefit his transition to the NFL.