There weren’t a ton of positives for the Minnesota Vikings during their Week 2 preseason matchup Saturday. But in his postgame press conference, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell offered one positive from the game — safety Jacob Thomas.
The defensive back is an undrafted rookie with the Vikings this preseason. Thomas led Minnesota with six combined tackles and one pass defense Saturday.
“Really smart. He’s really instinctive. He’s a great communicator, he’s been really good in the deep part of the field,” O’Connell told reporters. “Played a little bit more maybe in the boundary today just with some of the guys we sat.
“He’s just been a guy, every single day, it feels like he makes a play at practice, as you guys saw throughout camp. He’s really been a good fit. Great find and a guy that’s taking advantage of his opportunities for sure.”
In his preseason debut for the Vikings last week, Thomas had an interception. He also registered four combined tackles and a pass defense.
Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell Delivers Strong Message on Rookie Safety Jacob Thomas
GettyMinnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell offered a lot of praise for undrafted rookie Jacob Thomas.
The preseason is all about rookies — first-rounders to undrafted players — getting an opportunity to show what they can do. Undrafted rookies just aren’t guaranteed as many chances.
But it’s becoming pretty clear Thomas is taking advantage of the opportunities he’s getting.
The safety played college football at James Madison, which was once a FCS program. When Thomas went to the school, though, the program had already transitioned to the FBS.
Over four seasons with the Dukes from 2022-25, Thomas posted 199 combined tackles, including 13 for loss. He also had 16 pass defenses, five interceptions and 2.5 sacks.
With his play this month, Thomas is giving the Vikings something to think about on their safety depth chart.
Will Thomas Make Vikings Roster?
GettyUndrafted rookie safety Jacob Thomas is pushing for a roster spot with the Minnesota Vikings.
Just because he was an undrafted rookie, Thomas entered training camp as a long shot to make the Vikings roster. That has changed, though, over the last month.
On Wednesday, SI on Vikings’ Jason Harmon predicted the undrafted safety to make the Minnesota 53-man roster.
“UDFA rookie Jacob Thomas is making his case to expand the safety room, recording an INT against the Giants while taking first-team reps with the defense on Monday,” wrote Harmon.
The Vikings unfortunately lost veteran safety Jamal Adams because of a torn right quadriceps tendon in Week 1 of the preseason. Adams is set to miss all of the 2026 campaign.
While a big loss for the Vikings, the injury will give Thomas a clearer path to a roster spot.
Thomas, and all Vikings rookies, will enter a crucial final week of August beginning Monday. The team will play its final preseason contest on the road against the Denver Broncos on Friday night. Kickoff will occur at 8 pm CT.
The Vikings must then cut their roster to 53 players in two days. The deadline for roster cuts is 5 pm CT on Sunday, August 30.
Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell Offers High Praise for Undrafted Rookie After Preseason Loss