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The Minnesota Vikings acquired nine players in the recent draft, focusing on strengthening their defense. Notably, third-round safety Jakobe Thomas, selected 98th overall, is expected to make an impact this season.
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The Minnesota Vikings acquired nine players as reinforcements in last monthās draft, especially Brian Floresā defensive unit, which added some much-needed youth on all three levels. All eyes are on big defensive tackles Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange, or on versatile linebacker Jake Golday.
Itās no coincidence that those three were the first three players selected by interim GM Rob Brzezinski. Another guy, however, could make some noise in the upcoming season and thatās third-round safety Jakobe Thomas.
The Miami product was the 98th overall pick in the draft and will forever be connected to Jonathan Greenard. Minnesota landed the pick for him by shipping the 2024 Pro Bowler to the NFC East. Another third-rounder next year, as well as a significant salary cap relief, was part of the deal, too.
Regardless, the Vikings have to nail some draft picks after failing to find enough contributors in recent years.

Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Jakobe Thomas (8) celebrates after the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings drafted nine players, including defensive tackles Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange, linebacker Jake Golday, and safety Jakobe Thomas.
Jakobe Thomas plays as a safety for the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings acquired Jakobe Thomas with the 98th overall pick, which they obtained by trading Pro Bowler Jonathan Greenard.
The Minnesota Vikings acquired a total of nine players in the recent NFL draft.
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ESPNās 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, āThe exact impact Thomas will make on the Vikingsā defense is difficult to forecast, but thatās a testament to defensive coordinator Brian Floresā creativity. Thomas has excellent size for a safety (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) and plays with an ultra-physical mentality.ā
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 Miamiās defense battled through a physical road matchup in Dallas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images.
āHis on-ball production last season spoke for itself, as he had five interceptions and 3.5 sacks,ā Yates added. āMinnesota is in the process of reshaping its secondary, and Thomas will be a key part of that transition.ā
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 Smithās potential retirement. Metellus returns, and so do last yearās third and fourth safeties, Jay Ward and Theo Jackson.
Head coach Kevin OāConnell said about the rookie after the draft, āHis play style jumps off the tape. Heās a very, very highly intelligent player that we were able to really dive into. Jakobeās a good blitzer, heās a good tackler, and I know Floā (Brian Flores) is incredibly excited about him as a communicator and his upside football I.Q.ā
Thomas will likely compete with Ward and Jackson for the jobs in Floresā 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.
Editorās Note: Information fromĀ PFF,Ā Over The Cap,Ā andĀ Sports ReferenceĀ helped with this article.