Some fans had no problems with the Minnesota Vikings “reaching” for defensive tackle Caleb Banks in Round 1 one week ago and loved the pick. Others believe running back Demond Claiborne was the best value in Round 6. CBS Sports? According to that website, Round 3 offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan represented the wisest selection by the Vikings.
Minnesota may have found a ready-made depth piece with real starting experience.
Tiernan may not play right away, but before too long, he’ll get a chance to prove if CBS Sports has it right.
A Swing Tackle Arrives with Long-Term Upside
He’s the highest-drafted offensive tackle by the Vikings in five years.
Josh Edwards: Tiernan Is the Vikings’ Best Pick
Edwards found one best pick per team this week, and for the Vikings, Tiernan got the nod.
He wrote, “Tiernan was at the top of that second tier of offensive tackles in the personal rankings. He is a smart, technically refined lineman who should bring value as a swing tackle early in his career.”
Elsewhere in the NFC North, Edwards named cornerback Domani Jackson as the Green Packers’ best-value choice: “Jackson has the size and athletic ability to be a starter in this league. Although Green Bay’s vision for last year’s secondary did not come to fruition, they have some intriguing young cornerbacks. Penn State edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton in the fourth round was great value as well.”
The Skinny on Tiernan
The Northwestern alum’s calling card is his exceptional pass protection. Possessing a rare build at 6’8,” 320 pounds, he has started five full seasons at both tackle spots. Ready for the NFL now, he will be just 24 during next year’s playoffs.
His basketball background is also evident in his movement and body control.
The Ringer‘s Todd McShay on Tiernan: “Early in his career, Tiernan could fill a swing tackle role while also providing guard depth as he develops into a potential starter. Players like Bernhard Raimann, Luke Goedeke, and Braden Smith have overcome similar length limitations to stick at tackle.”
“There’s also a Northwestern precedent for shorter-armed tackles moving inside and thriving — Peter Skoronski is already among the league’s best. If Tiernan follows that path, Sam Cosmi is a strong stylistic comparison. Tiernan is an athletic, experienced, and versatile offensive lineman who may need to transition from tackle, where he played in college, to guard in the NFL.”
It’s worth noting that the Vikings love versatile offensive linemen. See: Blake Brandel.
McShay continued, “As a pass blocker, he remains effective despite his shorter arms and high center of gravity. He gets into his set quickly and smoothly, working with independent hands and rewrapping quickly if he initially misses inside placement. Inside moves don’t faze him — he mirrors well, recovers quickly, and becomes difficult to disengage once he’s locked on. Although power can push him back, he typically regains his leverage and holds up.”
“Even with his limited length, he rarely overextends and consistently picks up stunts and blitzes. In the run game, he shows enough strength to lift and drive defenders when he lands inside. He generates movement on combo blocks, including knocking defensive tackles into adjacent linemen.’
When Will He Play?
Here’s the big mystery: a 3rd-Round pick should play before too long, a rule applicable to almost every position. But the Vikings already have Christian Darrisaw at left tackle and Brian O’Neill on the right side. Darrisaw is under contract for four more years. O’Neill’s contract is up next offseason, though most expect an extension.
Therefore, Tiernan is basically on the roster for a rainy day. He feels like a “best player available” pick for the club, which usually turns out to be helpful.
If Darrisaw gets hurt in 2026, Tiernan is the next man up. Suppose O’Neill is not re-signed. Well, Tiernan would get tapped on the shoulder for RT duty.
Other Best-Value Selections
Per the NFL draft media community, Minnesota snagged a view “best value” picks on Friday and Saturday. Many love running back Demond Claiborne because of his stature similarity and stylistic parallels to Miami Dolphins tailback De’Von Achane. Claiborne has 4.37 speed, and the Vikings haven’t employed a promising young running back since Dalvin Cook or Alexander Mattison.
Others enjoy Stephen F. Austin rookie cornerback Charles Demmings, a scrappy defender who felt hand-picked by Brian Flores.
Cincinnati center Gavin Gerhardt could also end up with a starter’s job before too long, after Ryan Kelly retired and Minnesota signed no veteran players at the position.
The Vikings now have ample depth at offensive tackle, including Darrisaw, O’Neill, Tiernan, Blake Brandel, Walter Rouse, and Ryan Van Demark.
