Did the Vikings Land a Draft Steal?

If Harrison Smith doesn’t return this season, then the Minnesota Vikings will be in for a trial by fire. It hasn’t seemed like either Jay Ward or Theo Jackson is ready for the next step, and Josh Metellus is not a traditional safety. While Thomas isn’t a first-round pick, he’s going to be given every opportunity to come in and earn something right away.

After three seasons at Middle Tennessee State, Thomas transferred to Tennessee and played his last season with Miami. He had four interceptions, including a touchdown, for the Blue Raiders as a freshman. He got skunked each of the next two years, but picked off five passes with the Hurricanes and scored again.

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Jakobe Thomas (8) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Thomas has solid size at 6’1″, 211 pounds. He profiles more as the centerfielder in the secondary and can emulate a lot of what Harrison Smith does well. He has ball-hawking tendencies and forced a pair of fumbles last season as well. He may not have the luster of Thieneman, but it looks as though there is a very capable starting product here.

Brian Flores will now be tasked with getting the most out of Thomas, and he’ll need to do it quickly. Minnesota could have gone with more of a sure thing earlier on, but Thomas may be everything they wanted anyway.