The Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys could be vying for the same draft prospect ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. With teams setting up the potential targets they want with their respective pick in Round 1, teams could also be vying for the same player.
When it comes to the Vikings and Cowboys, CBS Sports’ Emory Hunt believes both teams should be having their eye on former Oregon Ducks safety Dillon Thieneman, since he sees them needing safety help. Moreover, Hunt warns Dallas not to pass on Thieneman at No. 12, as that will allow for Minnesota to scoop him up at No. 18.
“I feel like Thieneman of Oregon is a fantastic player,” Hunt said on the April 21 edition of the “Ross Tucker Podcast.” “When you look at the Cowboys, they have Malik Hooker, and they bring in Jalen Thompson from Arizona. I feel like adding Thieneman here with one of their two first-round picks and getting him before the Vikings get him is a good grab for the Cowboys.
“I just love adding speed, explosiveness and ball skills to their defense. This is a way to rob Minnesota, [with the uncertainty of] Harrison Smith, the longtime future Hall of Famer at that position.”
Last season at Oregon, Thieneman posted an 89.9 overall defensive grade from PFF, ranking eighth among 914 qualified safeties. His 90.5 coverage grade also ranked eighth at the position, while his 69.3 run-defense grade checked in at 443rd.
He finished the year with two interceptions and four pass breakups in coverage. When targeted, he allowed a 66.2 passer rating and gave up 15 receptions. In run support and open-field situations, he added 54 solo tackles.
Vikings Give Update on Harrison Smith’s Future
The Vikings could be in the safety market due to Harrison Smith’s uncertain future, as the veteran decides whether to play in the 2026 NFL season. Moreover, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell shared the latest on Smith, noting that the team is giving him all the space he needs to make a decision.
“It’s been a few days [since I last talked to Smith], but I’ll probably bug him today,” O’Connell said on April 20. “But no, it’s something we’re still trying to give Harrison as much space as possible. And I think he’s earned that. If it’s anything at this point, it’s seeing how he’s doing, seeing how his family is, seeing how his golf game is, all of those things.”
Will Harrison Smith Return for the 2026 NFL Season?
Even with the uncertainty surrounding the 37-year-old, Alec Lewis, who covers the Vikings for The Athletic, believes Smith will be back, as he included the veteran safety in his projections for the safety position in 2026.
“Smith has not ruled out a return, “ Lewis wrote in his article that was published on March 30. “It doesn’t feel like a decision is imminent, either. The Vikings don’t plan to push him for a decision, knowing they need to plan for the future regardless. Smith is 37 years old. If he plays, he’ll want the chance to bring a Super Bowl to the organization he’s given his career to.”
Cowboys Issued Big Vikings Warning Before NFL Draft