Vikings Landed a Sleeper Rookie

ESPN’s Field Yates forecasts Thomas to help the Vikings rather quickly. He named Day 2 and Day 3 picks that will have an immediate impact, including Thomas. Yates wrote this week, “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.”

Indeed, physicality is one of his prime attributes. A true heat-seeking missile, Thomas is known for hard hits. Perhaps fitting that he could replace Harrison The Hitman Smith in the starting lineup.

Flores uses his safeties in various roles. Some function almost as linebackers, others play a classic free safety role as the last line of defense in the deep passing game. Thomas is more of the former, playing in the box and making plays on the ball rather than anchoring the secondary.

The good news is that Flores has deployed Smith and Joshua Metellus in a way that could be a good fit for the rookie.

Miami Hurricanes defensive back Jakobe Thomas remains on the field after suffering an injury during second-quarter action against the SMU Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. On Nov. 1, 2025, Thomas was hurt following a defensive stop as Miami’s defense battled through a physical road matchup in Dallas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images.

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

For the first time in years, the cornerback duo remains intact from one season to the next, but the safety rotation could be altered by Smith’s potential retirement. Metellus returns, and so do last year’s third and fourth safeties, Jay Ward and Theo Jackson.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell said about the rookie after the draft, “His play style jumps off the tape. He’s a very, very highly intelligent player that we were able to really dive into. Jakobe’s a good blitzer, he’s a good tackler, and I know Flo’ (Brian Flores) is incredibly excited about him as a communicator and his upside football I.Q.”

Thomas will likely compete with Ward and Jackson for the jobs in Flores’ crew. Without Smith, there will be two spots with heavy snaps for the trio; if Smith is back, that number likely drops to one opening.

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.

Of course, a rookie is never guaranteed to emerge as a starter early in his career. Thomas is no different. The Vikings could just roll with the more experienced Ward and Jackson, while Thomas develops behind the scenes.

The fact that he was drafted earlier than many expected indicates that the coaching staff has a plan, though. After five college seasons with 53 games, including the final season on an elite Miami defense, he might be ready to compete earlier than some other first-year players.

Thomas and the other safeties will be worth monitoring in training camp.

Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.