Dec 23, 2023; Fort Value, TX, USA; Air Drive Falcons extensive receiver Jared Roznos (13) catches a landing reception late within the second quarter with James Madison Dukes security Jacob Thomas (27) defending at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports activities
The Minnesota Vikings onboarded a slew of undrafted free brokers in April, and one particularly is standing off the web page, in accordance toBleacher Report: security Jacob Thomas of James Madison.
BR recognized one snazzy UDFA from every crew to observe with OTAs getting underway, and Thomas received the nod for the Vikings.
Minnesota’s Security Room Has a New Identify to Watch
Oregon Geese working again Jordon Davison (0) fights by means of contact and delivers a stiff arm towards James Madison Dukes security Jacob Thomas (7), Dec. 20, 2025, throughout the second quarter at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. Davison powered forward on the dashing try whereas Oregon continued leaning on its floor recreation in postseason motion at dwelling. Obligatory Credit score: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Photos.
Gary Davenport: Maintain an Eye on Vikings UDFA Jacob Thomas
Davenport picked Thomas as “the guy” amongst Vikings UDFAs and defined, “A small-school standout at James Madison, being an undrafted free agent shouldn’t shake Thomas—he was also a walk-on in college. But the 6’1″, 212-pounder has been starting since his sophomore year, and Alec Lewis of The Athletic expects him to turn heads over the summer.”
“Thomas has good size. He can play multiple spots in the secondary. And he makes up for what he lacks in elite athleticism with excellent instincts and hard-nosed play. He’s unlikely to start as a rookie, but he has a real shot to make the roster.”
Lewis, too, famous on Thomas: “Thomas fits the exact prototype of what defensive coordinator Brian Flores looks for in his safeties: experience, ball skills and a thumper. He makes plays in the box. He lines up in the deep parts of the field and follows the quarterback’s eyes.”
“He darts in from the edge as a blitzer. Don’t be surprised if he finds some snaps with some of the top defenders on the depth chart come camp.”
The Scouting Report
Thomas is 6’1″ and 215 kilos. He performed 50 video games at James Madison — an enormous quantity for a university participant — and banked 199 tackles in 4 seasons, with 5 interceptions and a pair of.5 sacks.
Bleacher Report‘s Daniel Harms on Thomas: “Thomas is a good athlete with smooth movement skills and reactive ability to make plays in a variety of ways. His versatility allows him to play all over the field, but he does his best when working in the box. The former walk-on has a workman’s mentality and his motor runs hot.”
“Thomas gets downhill quickly, throws his body around in the run game and chases plays down. Big-nickel upside with man-coverage ability against tight ends and willingness to play with physicality. Thomas gains depth well and tracks the football smoothly.”
The Vikings even have a rookie named Jakobe Thomas — additionally a security — so it will likely be difficult to differentiate between them when searching the depth chart or studying a jersey again.
James Madison Dukes linebacker Gannon Weathersby (3) celebrates with security Jacob Thomas (7) and defensive lineman Xavier Holmes (9), Sep. 5, 2025, throughout the first half towards the Louisville Cardinals at L&N Federal Credit score Union Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky. The James Madison defenders gathered after a key play because the Dukes competed in an early-season highway matchup. Obligatory Credit score: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Photos.
“His ball skills help him to defend the ball in the air and attack the catch-point. Thomas is a highly decorated Sun-Belt safety, with high level-athletic traits, an aggressive mindset and a versatile skillset to fulfill multiple roles within a defense,” Harms continued.
“The former high school quarterback was a nominee for the 2025 Burlsworth Award, which is awarded annually to the most outstanding football player who began his collegiate career as a walk-on. He earned a starting role during his sophomore season and hasn’t looked back.”
The Match within the Security Room
Right here’s the actual “problem.” The Vikings have loads of safeties and much more if Harrison Smith opts to not retire. That is the summer season security setup:
S1: Josh MetellusS2: Jay WardS3: Theo JacksonS4: Jakobe ThomasS5: Tavierre ThomasS6: Kahlef HailassieS7: Jacob Thomas
Final August, Minnesota saved 9 defensive backs for the common season roster — 5 safeties, 4 cornerbacks — so if Thomas scores the upset, he’ll hope Jackson, Hailassie, and Tavierre Thomas get lower. It’s actually the one path to a roster spot.
In fact, he’ll be squeezed even additional if Smith returns for Yr No. 15. Keep tuned.
Different UDFAs to Be aware
Thomas isn’t the one UDFA to observe this summer season. Brett Thorson was acknowledged as the very best punter in school soccer final yr, and he’s on the town to compete towards Johnny Hekker, who was the very best punter within the NFL 10 years in the past.
Georgia punter Brett Thorson kicks the soccer throughout drills on the NFL Scouting Mix, Feb. 25, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Thorson participated in particular groups exercises in entrance of NFL evaluators and coaches whereas showcasing his leg power, dangle time, and directional punting means throughout the annual pre-draft occasion. Obligatory Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Photos.
Broad receiver Dillon Bell might eye a roster spot, identified for his versatility at Georgia and drawing reward this offseason from Georgia head coach Kirby Sensible and former NFLer Steve Smith.
Minnesota additionally has an OLB depth chart that’s ripe with alternative after Jonathan Greenard left the Twin Cities through commerce. Cincinnati UDFA Cam’Ron Stewart might flip heads in Eagan.
Defensive sort out Smith Vilbert can also be noteworthy as a result of he performed beneath Invoice Belichick at North Carolina, and if Belichick instructed Brian Flores, his former understudy, “This guy is good,” Belichick most likely isn’t fallacious.
Thomas will flip 22 this weekend.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
