Jakobe Thomas NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Minnesota Vikings S

The Minnesota Vikings selected Miami S Jakobe Thomas with the No. 98 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Jakobe Thomas is constantly delivering big hits, triggering downhill with force and a physical, click-and-close ability. The aggressive mindset shows up in multiple phases in his game and contributes to his added impact as a blitzer and a box safety.

The former 3-star recruit and 3-star transfer played three seasons at Middle Tennessee State before taking his game to Tennessee, having a down season, and then transferring to Miami for his final collegiate season. Setting career highs in tackles for loss, sacks, forced fumbles, and recovered fumbles, Thomas made an immediate impact for the Hurricanes' defense.

Dan has covered the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft since 2019 while contributing for RGR Football. Most recently, he spent the 2025 draft cycle at The Draft Network and is entering his first season in our scouting department.

Highlights

Jakobe Thomas Highlights

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Where He Wins

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— Thomas is a playmaker, triggering downhill in all phases of the game while packing a punch as a hitter and bringing the energy all game. His reactive athleticism is always on display, no matter where he's lined up.

— The 6'1", 211-pound safety has been weaponized against quarterbacks as a blitzer while also racking up tackles for loss. He gets in the backfield and causes havoc for blockers and ball carriers alike.

— With eyes constantly on the quarterback, Thomas shows middle of the defense 'robber' qualities to mirror the quarterback and make plays on the football. He has the ball skills to be a ballhawk-type safety with good range.

— He shows the capability and has the body type to man up against tight ends and be sticky. His length and quickness flash nickel upside, giving him functional versatility.

Areas of Improvement

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— Thomas keys on the quarterback's eyes in the passing game to a fault. It tends to take him away from responsibilities as a split or single high safety, and takes longer to trigger on route combinations.

— His aggressive mindset is an asset to defenses, but more controlled movements downhill will help his tackling technique. Too often, he was left grasping at air and leaving his feet, and he needs to clean up his pursuit angles.

— Growing from a play development standpoint. Thomas clicks and closes well, but he can be a step behind the play while his processing catches up.

Grade, Rank and Pro Comparison

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GRADE: 7.3 (High-Level Backup/Starter Upside — Third Round)

COMPARABLE GRADE: S Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma (7.5 in 2025), S Richie Grant, UCF (7.5 in 2021), S Calen Bullock, USC (7.5 in 2024)

OVERALL RANK: 84

POSITION RANK: S10

PRO COMPARISON: Minkah Fitzpatrick-lite

Measurables and Testing Data

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Height: 6'1 ¼"
Weight: 211
Hand Size: 10 ⅝"
Arm Length: 31 ⅞"
Wingspan: 76"

40-yard dash: N/A
10-yard split: N/A
Vertical: N/A
Broad: N/A
3 cone: N/A
Shuttle: N/A
Bench: N/A