https://www.vikings.com/news/jakobe-thomas-2026-nfl-rookie-impact-predictions-later-round-picks

ESPN Projects Rookie Impacts of Interesting 2026 Non-1st Round Picks

With rookie minicamp in the rearview and NFL schedules dropping Thursday, let the forecasting begin.

Field Yates of ESPN kicked off this week with a glance at 10 first-year players on both sides of the football (20 total) who are primed to make major impacts. There's one caveat, though: no first-rounders allowed.

That leaves 225 drafted players up for discussion.

So without further ado, let's highlight the new Viking capturing Yates' attention: safety Jakobe Thomas.

Yates explained that the "exact impact" Thomas makes on Minnesota's defense in 2026 is a challenge to predict due to the creativeness of Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores. However, Yates likes Thomas' size, ultra-physical mentality and on-ball production last year; he sees Thomas helping reshape the secondary.

The 98th overall pick out of Miami (after playing at Middle Tennessee State and Tennessee), Thomas boosts the depth at the position for Minnesota as icon Harrison Smith contemplates coming back for a 15th season or walking off into the sunset of retirement with a strong Pro Football Hall of Fame résumé.

Thomas played at the prep level about two hours away from the grounds Smith used to stomp, so he is well-versed in "The Hitman's" game. Thomas also is attuned to the system he's entering because the 'Canes "stole some stuff" from Flores on their nearly successful title quest under Defensive Coordinator Corey Hetherman.

"We ran a lot of [the same concepts] at Miami," Thomas relayed to Twin Cities reporters on Friday following Vikings rookie minicamp. "We watched it on tape and tried to emulate it into our game."

"I just know Coach B-Flo is going to put me in positions I need to [be in] to help this team win," Thomas added about his role. "I know the long history of him and Harry together, and I know the effect that they have with this defense, so I'm hoping I can step in and make an impact in the way that they need me to."

Thomas was asked what he's observed from Smith over the years, prompting a prudent perspective.

"We didn't have a lot of guys that came up in the area that I lived in, so to have a beacon of light — somebody that we could look to, and be like, 'Hey, if this guy's doing it, why can't I?'" Thomas replied. "Watching his career unfold as I've grown up … now that I'm in the position he was in, I just want to take maximum advantage of the situation I'm in and hopefully be a beacon of light for the kids back home."