+- VikeFans.com (https://vikefans.com/forums)
+-- Forum: Forums (https://vikefans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=1)
+--- Forum: The Longship (https://vikefans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=4)
+--- Thread: 10 For 2026 (/showthread.php?tid=20959)
10 For 2026 - JustInTime - 06-13-2025
Early mocks I’ve been getting Thieneman but lately he’s been unavailable. Couple guys on Oregon to consider watching this season. They’ve got a RB and C I’ve also been targeting.
After two seasons as a starter at Purdue -- in which he had six interceptions as a true freshman in 2023 while emerging as a dangerous punt returner -- Thieneman transferred to Oregon. Ranked as ESPN's No. 1 defensive back in the transfer portal, he'll lead the Ducks' secondary and should become a household name in Dan Lanning's NFL-style defensive scheme, which utilizes its safeties in multiple alignments.
At 6-foot and 207 pounds, Thieneman isn't a supersized prospect like Nick Emmanwori in this past draft, but he is a versatile defender who can align at either safety spot or even as a slot cornerback.
"When you look at football IQ, versatility, speed and range, he has it all. Safeties always seem to fall in the draft, but he has first-round tools," an AFC West area scout said.
Thieneman can get overaggressive in his pursuit angles, but he's a clean open-field tackler and provides a true split-safety value that fits any defensive scheme. If he slots into Lanning's defense like we think he will, Thieneman has first-round ability.