The Minnesota Vikings headed into the 2026 NFL Draft with a big-time need to aid their safety room.
At pick 98 in the 3rd round, they did just that. They retrieved the pick in the Jonathan Greenard trade to Philadelphia. Thus, Minnesota gave a call to Miami safety Jakobe Thomas.
Thomas is known to be a big-hitter, but also has tackling issues when wrapping up. There have been talks that the young defenseman could have a shot at starting. This is especially true if Harrison Smith does end up deciding to retire.
To give some hope on Thomas’ development, he was given quite the promising comparison.
Vikings Rookie Safety Jakobe Thomas Gets Promising Comparison
GettyMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 19: Jakobe Thomas #8 of the Miami Hurricanes reacts during the first quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Vikings safety Jakobe Thomas was recently compared to the Texans‘ Jalen Pitre by Will Ragatz of Sports Illustrated.
“Thomas was a somewhat surprising pick as the Vikings’ fifth and final top-100 selection in this draft, but when you dive into his resume, he makes a lot of sense as a Flores defensive back. He’s coming off a huge season at Miami where he showed off his abilities as a ball hawk (5 INTs) and a blitzer (14 pressures, 3.5 sacks).
The other thing that stands out when you watch him play and hear him talk is his aggressive mentality and willingness to light up offensive players in the open field.
Pitre is one of the biggest thumpers at the safety position in the NFL today. He was a second-round pick by the Texans in 2022 who has become a key part of DeMeco Ryans’ defense. Pitre has 10 INTs, 33 PDs, and 20 TFL in his four seasons with Houston.
This is another fairly lofty comp, as it would be a big win for the Vikings if Thomas becomes even 80-90 percent of the player Pitre is.”
Pitre has developed into one of the better safeties in the NFL. He is a key reason why the Texans have had such a good defense in the DeMeco Ryans era.
If Thomas even ends up being 75% of the player Pitre is, then the Vikings hit a home run with this pick.
Minnesota Gets Major Message on Demond Claiborne
GettyRALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 25: Demond Claiborne #1 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons smiles before the first half prior to the game against the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
Garrett Burroughs of Vikings Wire recently communicated a big-time message for the rookie runningback.
“My RB3 heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne, fell to the sixth round but has a real chance to steal snaps early. He brings immediate juice to this offense, and his receiving skills out of the backfield could see him hit the field on third downs.
He could see return work early, garnering favor with the coaching staff, but I would not be shocked if he was getting ample touches come November.”
The Vikings getting notable snaps from Claiborne as early as November would be huge. Of course, it’s bound to happen if injuries occur. However, if he organically gets touches, then the Vikings’ rushing offense could be in business.
Vikings Draft Pick Gets Promising Message Amid Rumors He’ll Start