The NFL draft is now one week away, and according to SI.com, the Minnesota Vikings have a very specific dream scenario, which includes drafting Jordyn Tyson (WR), Dillon Thieneman (S), and Jake Slaughter (C).
The proposed Minnesota outcome would give the front office help at receiver, safety, and the interior offensive line.
Most teams had a simpler scenario, but Gilbert Manzano wants those three guys in Minnesota.
A Three-Player Haul Would Cover Major Ground
The trio would certainly cross off roster needs.
Manzano’s Dream Scenario for MIN
Every team received a “dream outcome” from Manzano, with the Vikings looking like this: “Dream Scenario: Stars align with Tyson, Dillon Thieneman, Jake Slaughter. The Vikings don’t necessarily need a wide receiver, but they shouldn’t reach to fill a roster need with their No. 18 pick. Tyson is a versatile playmaker who can make plays on the inside and outside.”
“Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison need a wideout who can get open in a hurry to set up more downfield shots. There’s a chance that Thienemen slips to the second round because teams tend to avoid drafting safeties early. And Slaughter is the best true center in the draft, and he could be available in the middle rounds. That’s three starters right there for Minnesota.”
If that exact selection combination plays out, no Vikings fan would be too upset.
Jordyn Tyson (WR)
Tyson, listed at 6’2″ and 205 pounds, wins with finesse. He consistently creates separation with sharp route-running and reliably finishes catches through contact, even in tight coverage. Quarterbacks can trust his timing and placement, knowing he’ll be where he needs to be, and his hands are reliable.
However, concerns exist regarding his availability and potential. Recurring injuries are a problem, his speed isn’t a significant threat to defenses, and his decision to skip both the Combine and Arizona State’s Pro Day raised questions.
He accrued 711 yards and 8 touchdowns last year. The Ringer‘s Todd McShay on Tyson: “Tyson is a slightly taller version of Stefon Diggs. That’s what I see on tape — a smooth yet ultra-sudden route runner with an insatiable approach to hunting down the football.”
“Like Diggs, he’s not nearly as dangerous after the catch as he is a skilled downfield route runner. But also like Diggs, he’s a WR1 with inside-out versatility.”
The Vikings must decide a) do they want a wide receiver when they already have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison headlining the enterprise b) are the injuries fears worth it?
Dillon Thieneman (S)
Thieneman is a mainstay in Round 1 of mock drafts — basically everybody’s — and that’s just been the way of it since his fantabulous Combine showing. It’s quite wild for Manzano to assume that Thieneman slips into Round 2 — and all the way to the Vikings’ pick at No. 49. That’s probably not happnening.
If Thieneman turns into a Viking next week, it will be because the club picked him with the 18th pick, not the 49th.
Still, fans would enjoy the Thieneman pick; his 4.35 forty, the 41-inch vertical are to die for. At 6’0″ and 200 pounds, he immediately impresses with his range and versatility. He capably plays single-high safety, drops into the box, and offers a defensive coordinator flexibility in both coverage and run support.
Across 39 games at Purdue and Oregon, he tabulated 306 tackles, 8 interceptions, and 10 tackles for loss. His time in the Big Ten established him, and his transfer to Oregon further elevated his profile heading into 2025.
On film, Thieneman covers ground quickly and reads developing plays with uncommon confidence for a young safety. Though occasional hesitation is present, it’s typical for a player still gaining experience. Overall, his processing speed and closing burst suggest a player with Round 1 draft stock, not Round 2.
Jake Slaughter (C)
Slaughter possesses ideal size at 6’4,” 300 pounds, and a strong resume, having started for three years at Florida. If the Vikings prioritize college production in this year’s draft — there are reports of that as their preference — Slaughter fits the bill and could be on their radar next week.
Turning 24 as a rookie, he will likely see playing time early, especially given his strength in run blocking, where he excels at moving defenders and creating lanes. However, teams will want to see improvement in his pass protection.
If Manzano has it wrong, the draft will also feature three other promising centers: Sam Hecht (Kansas State), Logan Jones (Iowa), and Connor Lew (Auburn).
Last year’s center, Ryan Kelly, retired last month, and if the season started tomorrow, veteran lineman Blake Brandel would reportedly hold down the center position.
