A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits on the turf throughout pregame warmups at Lambeau Discipline on Nov. 23, 2025, in Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin. The scene captures a quiet second earlier than kickoff, with gamers making ready close by because the NFC North rivalry matchup towards the Packers approaches in crisp, late-season situations. Obligatory Credit score: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Photographs.
Some followers had no issues with the Minnesota Vikings “reaching” for defensive deal with Caleb Banks in Spherical 1 one week in the past and beloved the decide. Others consider operating again Demond Claiborne was the perfect worth in Spherical 6. CBS Sports activities? In keeping with that web site, Spherical 3 offensive deal with Caleb Tiernan represented the wisest choice by the Vikings.
Minnesota could have discovered a ready-made depth piece with actual beginning expertise.
Tiernan could not play instantly, however earlier than too lengthy, he’ll get an opportunity to show if CBS Sports activities has it proper.
A Swing Deal with Arrives with Lengthy-Time period Upside
He’s the highest-drafted offensive deal with by the Vikings in 5 years.
Caleb Tiernan (OL50) works via drills on the sector throughout a busy analysis session, showcasing measurement and motion abilities for scouts, Mar. 1, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Northwestern offensive lineman participated in mix testing as groups gathered knowledge on his energy, footwork, and readiness for the subsequent degree. Obligatory Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Photographs.
Josh Edwards: Tiernan Is the Vikings’ Finest Choose
Edwards discovered one greatest decide per workforce this week, and for the Vikings, Tiernan received 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 within the NFC North, Edwards named cornerback Domani Jackson because the Inexperienced Packers’ best-value selection: “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 distinctive move safety. Possessing a uncommon construct at 6’8,” 320 kilos, he has began 5 full seasons at each deal with spots. Prepared for the NFL now, he might be simply 24 throughout subsequent yr’s playoffs.
His basketball background can also be evident in his motion and physique management.
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 price 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 along with his restricted size, he hardly ever overextends and constantly picks up stunts and blitzes. Within the run sport, he reveals sufficient energy to carry and drive defenders when he lands inside. He generates motion on combo blocks, together with knocking defensive tackles into adjoining linemen.’
When Will He Play?
Right here’s the large thriller: a Third-Spherical decide ought to play earlier than too lengthy, a rule relevant to virtually each place. However the Vikings have already got Christian Darrisaw at left deal with and Brian O’Neill on the fitting aspect. Darrisaw is beneath contract for 4 extra years. O’Neill’s contract is up subsequent offseason, although most anticipate an extension.
Subsequently, Tiernan is mainly on the roster for a wet day. He appears like a “best player available” decide for the membership, which normally seems to be useful.
Caleb Tiernan (72) units his base in move safety whereas going through edge stress from Michigan’s defensive entrance, battling Cameron Brandt throughout stay motion, Nov. 23, 2024, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. The Northwestern lineman labored to anchor towards the frenzy in a Large Ten matchup that includes bodily trench play all through the competition. Obligatory Credit score: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Photographs.
If Darrisaw will get damage in 2026, Tiernan is the subsequent man up. Suppose O’Neill isn’t re-signed. Nicely, Tiernan would get tapped on the shoulder for RT responsibility.
Different Finest-Worth Choices
Per the NFL draft media neighborhood, Minnesota snagged a view “best value” picks on Friday and Saturday. Many love operating again Demond Claiborne due to his stature similarity and stylistic parallels to Miami Dolphins tailback De’Von Achane. Claiborne has 4.37 velocity, and the Vikings haven’t employed a promising younger operating again since Dalvin Cook dinner or Alexander Mattison.
Others take pleasure in Stephen F. Austin rookie cornerback Charles Demmings, a scrappy defender who felt hand-picked by Brian Flores.
Caleb Tiernan (OL50) undergoes efficiency testing as Hawkin Dynamics specialist Trent Bassingthwaite collects drive plate knowledge, measuring lower-body output throughout mix evaluations, Mar. 1, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The testing session supplied groups with detailed metrics on explosiveness, steadiness, and energy throughout pre-draft assessments. Obligatory Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Photographs.
Cincinnati heart Gavin Gerhardt might additionally find yourself with a starter’s job earlier than too lengthy, after Ryan Kelly retired and Minnesota signed no veteran gamers on the place.
The Vikings now have ample depth at offensive deal with, together with Darrisaw, O’Neill, Tiernan, Blake Brandel, Walter Rouse, and Ryan Van Demark.
