Harrison Smith Replacement Is Latest Vikings Theory in NFL.com Mock Draft

Brad Rempel The NFL is inching toward the 2026 NFL Combine, so you better believe mock drafts are flying all over the place. And with the Minnesota Vikings holding the 18th overall pick, NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah believes Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores will scoop a Harrison Smith replacement: Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman.

NFL.com ties Minnesota to Thieneman as the Smith succession plan, signaling a 2026 secondary transition. It’s not yet clear whether Smith will retire, but if so, Thieneman might have the juice to fill his shoes. Dillon Thieneman Emerges as Possible Harrison Smith Successor Another mock draft for the Vikings — more defense.

Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman addresses reporters during Oregon football’s Media Day at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, on July 28, 2025, discussing preseason expectations and his transition into a leadership role within the Ducks’ secondary. Thieneman fields questions as cameras roll and teammates rotate through interview sessions.

Mandatory Credit: Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Jeremiah: Thieneman to Vikings at No. 18 Because Lewis Cine didn’t pan out and the fact that Smith may indeed retire soon, Minnesota will need a safety for the long haul. Jeremiah thinks Thieneman is the right guy.

He wrote Tuesday , “After studying Thieneman’s impressive 2025 tape at Oregon, I went back and watched the film from his career at Purdue, where he played in 2023 and ’24. His range and playmaking skills were evident back then, too. He would be an excellent replacement for Harrison Smith .” Jeremiah continued the defensive trend for the Vikings’ spot in mock drafts.

Most editions have the club selecting a defensive back or defensive lineman. Thieneman’s Scouting Report Thieneman is 6’0 and 200 pounds and will turn 22 in August. He’s known for his versatility at safety, which sounds like a page from the Smith playbook. His ball-tracking is elite for a rookie prospect, and he is known for high football IQ.

NFL.com recently compared him to Jevon Holland, a safety for the New York Giants. A to Z Sports ‘ Rob Gregson on Thieneman : “You turn on three years’ worth of tape from Thieneman, and it just gets better and better.

After bursting on to the scene as a true freshman in 2023, where he recorded six interceptions, Thieneman then led the Big-10 in tackles in 2024, before doing a little bit of everything for the Ducks in 2025.” “You’re betting on instincts and explosion with Thieneman.

He may not be elite laterally and challenged in terms of his man coverage projection, but if you need a player who can play the high post, poach the middle as a robber, and align as a box safety for a plus one help in the run game, Thieneman is your guy.” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein : “Savvy three-year starter with NFL size, speed and alignment versatility.

Thieneman is an extension of his defensive coordinator, aligning and adjusting the secondary to motion and pre-snap shifts. He’s an instinctive, rangy safety who can roll down into big nickel or robber positioning.” “He has a good feel for play design and route concepts in zone but has average change of direction to match breaks in man.