Mel Kiper Mocks Dillon Thieneman to Vikings

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The 2026 NFL Draft heads to Pittsburgh next April.

The Minnesota Vikings could use a high pick there to strengthen their defense.

ESPN Draft expert Mel Kuiper Jr. just dropped his latest mock draft.

He sends the Vikings Oregon Safety, Dylan Tieneman, to help at the back end.

Tieneman stood out big time at the scouting combine with top testing numbers.

He's a big 10 standout who's been rising fast in rankings.

Kuiper sees him as a perfect fit for Minnesota's needs.

Harrison Smith is 37 now, and his future is unclear.

The Vikings' current safeties are Joshua Metellus, J. Ward, and Theo Jackson.

In a tough division face in Caleb Williams, Jordan Love, and Jared Goff, adding safety

help makes total sense no matter what.

Kuiper loves how Tieneman reads quarterbacks and reacts quickly, much like Smith.

His ball skills could lead to lots of turnovers.

Defensive coordinator Brian Flores might move him around to mix things up.

Fans would welcome this pick since it's come up in Kuiper's mocks before.

It matches the Vikings' defensive style.

Expect more buzz as the draft process heats up.

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