Vikings Day 2 draft pick named 'instant impact' defender by ESPN

The Miami Hurricanes had several defenders get selected in the NFL draft, including hard-hitting safety Jakobe Thomas. The Vikings added Thomas to the back end of their defense on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting the former Miami safety 98th overall, adding a potential replacement for future Hall of Fame safety Harrison Smith.

ESPN's Field Yates believes the 6-foot-2, 200-pound safety will impact the Vikings' secondary immediately, placing him on a list of impact Day 2 or Day 3 defenders.

The exact impact Thomas will make on the Vikings' defense is difficult to forecast, but that's a testament to defensive coordinator Brian Flores' creativity. Thomas has excellent size for a safety (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) and plays with an ultra-physical mentality.

His on-ball production last season spoke for itself, as he had five interceptions and 3.5 sacks. Minnesota is in the process of reshaping its secondary, and Thomas will be a key part of that transition.

Thomas started his career at Middle Tennessee State, then transferred to Miami after spending the 2024 season with the Tennessee Volunteers. After helping the Hurricanes get the National Championship game, Thomas was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round (No. 98 overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Last season in 16 games for the Hurricanes in 2025, Thomas totaled 76 tackles, five interceptions (one returned for a TD), 3.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and six pass breakups.

The five interceptions tied for seventh in FBS in 2025 and helped him earn Second-Team All-ACC honors.