Caleb Tiernan NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Minnesota Vikings OT

Brandon ThornNov 9, 2025

The Minnesota Vikings selected Northwestern OT Caleb Tiernan with the No. 97 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Caleb Tiernan lacks an elite physical trait but wins as a technically refined tackle with an advanced feel for leverage. He projects as a high-floor swing backup at tackle or guard with the ability to develop into a fourth or fifth starter on a quality NFL unit.

Tiernan is a 6'8", 323-pound offensive line prospect, who entered the Northwestern program as a 4-star recruit in the 2021 class. In addition to being a two-way starter as left tackle and defensive tackle, Tiernan also became a four-year starting varsity basketball player.

Tiernan started 44 career games at left (38) and right (six) tackle, including 13 games at left tackle during the 2025 campaign as a team captain and second team All-Big 12 selection.

Brandon Thorn: Brandon is the author of the Trench Warfare newsletter, which focuses exclusively on offensive and defensive line evaluation. He also contributes as an analyst to Establish the Run, serves as the scouting coordinator for OL Masterminds and is a selection committee member for the Joe Moore Award.

Highlights

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Where He Wins

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— Excellent hand-placement and strike-timing to bait rushers, establish quick leverage and reset when needed.

— Efficient footwork, with balanced weight distribution, which consistently keeps him in-phase and in position to control blocks.

— Smooth transition into his anchor by getting his hips back, bracing and cutting grass to withstand power.

— Fluidly navigates space to intersect targets as a featured part of the screen game.

Areas of Improvement

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— Looks to have a sawed-off frame for an offensive tackle of his stature

— Can step under himself when moving laterally and leave him late when forced to redirect to inside counters.

— Inside hand can drift up high on the near shoulder pad of rushers as he's carrying them up the arc, thus creating some leakage at the top of the quarterback's drop.