Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin, USA; April 25, 2025; A large shot captures the stage video board displaying “The Pick Is In” for the Minnesota Vikings through the third spherical of the NFL Draft, as followers and group personnel await the announcement contained in the draft theater in Inexperienced Bay. Necessary Credit score: Perry Knotts-Getty Photographs
Minnesota’s haul on this yr’s draft included 9 new gamers. First-rounder Caleb Banks was a controversial choice, as he comes into the constructing with two vital foot accidents on his resume, but additionally with a ton of bodily expertise.
Seemingly much less controversial was the Vikings’ addition of third-rounder Caleb Tiernan. The offensive lineman was ranked thirty fourth on ESPN’s high 100 decide rankings, assembled by draft analyst Matt Miller. No Viking acquired a greater rating.
Although maybe not a right away contributor given the state of the offensive line, the Northwestern pickup may pay enormous dividends sooner or later.
Nov 23, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive finish Cameron Brandt (91) rushes on protection at Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman Caleb Tiernan (72) within the second half t Michigan Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Photographs
Miller wrote, “A value pickup at the end of Round 3, Tiernan should be viewed as the long-term plan at right tackle. Brian O’Neill is still a very good player at 30 years old, but the team must make a decision on his expiring contract after this season. Drafting Tiernan might give us a hint about Minnesota’s long-term plans.”
O’Neill can nonetheless play, undoubtedly, however he’ll flip 31 in September and has missed a while lately. His contract is up and the Vikings both want handy him a brand new one or say goodbye to their veteran subsequent March. Moreover, Christian Darrisaw’s knee subject stays a subject of dialog. His well being was an enormous drawback in 2025, a yr after struggling a torn ACL and it can’t be taken without any consideration shifting ahead.
Having a backup plan for both sort out place is a brilliant transfer. Cross-training Tiernan at guard may be within the franchise’s finest curiosity.
Miller added, “A six-game starter at right tackle (38 at LT), Tiernan has experience on the right side and a frame many scouts think projects better to that side or at guard. He’s worth monitoring in training camp to see where and how Minnesota plans to use him.”
Tiernan doesn’t possess the prototypical arm size groups are in search of in an offensive sort out. Due to this fact, guard has been floated as an thought for the 6’7″ blocker.
Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Hawkin Dynamics specialist Trent Bassingthwaite (proper) data power plate measurements of Northwestern offensive lineman Caleb Tiernan (OL50) through the NFL Scouting Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Photographs
About his arms, he mentioned in his introductory presser, “A lot of those [doubts] come from people who probably don’t know football that well. You know, obviously I’m a football player and there’s no — it’s not an arm length competition on the field. It’s a physicality competition. And, you know, I feel like I’m really good at that. And I feel like that’s kind of what allowed me to kind of succeed.”
Whether or not it can finally hinder his play at sort out stays to be seen. It’s a indisputable fact that elite go rushers can make the most of any bodily disadvantages.
He added, “I’d love for someone to say I got beat here or I didn’t do as well here because my arms are too short — kind of going to be pretty tough to find. But yeah, you know, obviously arm length, some teams harp on it. Some fans love it. Some guys hate it. I’m just a football player at the end of the day.”
At guard, the Vikings have a long-term starter on the left facet in final yr’s high decide, Donovan Jackson. On the appropriate facet, Will Fries enters his second marketing campaign as Minnesota’s starter. He signed a large deal final offseason, and the Vikings may resolve to maneuver on subsequent yr, which might current one other path to the beginning unit for Tiernan.
The rookie has some strong athletic instruments and his soccer IQ has drawn reward within the pre-draft course of.
The Ringer‘s Todd McShay wrote about 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.”
Detroit Nation Day defensive again Marcus Sheppard, standing, and defensive lineman Caleb Tiernan are dejected after their group misplaced to Grand Rapids Catholic Central 44-0 within the Division 4 championship recreation. © Jose Juarez, Particular to Detroit Information, USA TODAY by way of Imagn Content material Providers, LLC.
The Vikings may not want Tiernan to dam defenders anytime quickly, however as soon as there’s an harm or one other roster shakeup, having a gifted third-rounder ready within the wings is what good franchises do.
Tiernan ranks thirty fourth amongst Miller’s finest draft picks of the yr. The choices of Caleb Banks (forty third), Domonique Orange (68th), Max Bredeson (83rd), and Demond Claiborne (eighty fifth) additionally made his high 100 listing.
Editor’s Observe: Data from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports activities Reference helped with this text.
Janik Eckardt is a German sports activities nerd, who likes numbers and stats. He selected the Vikings to be his … Extra about Janik Eckardt
