Overview
- National mocks now link Minnesota to safeties Dillon Thieneman or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in Round 1, with ESPN and NFL Network calling each a strong fit.
- NFL.com’s Eric Edholm pairs Oregon’s Thieneman at No. 18 with Georgia tackle Christen Miller on Day 2 as the top two targets for Flores’ defense.
- Matt Bowen cites Flores’ scheme, which used two-high coverage on 56.5% of dropbacks and blitzed defensive backs at a 15.1% rate, to argue McNeil-Warren’s burst and range suit Minnesota.
- The push for a safety also tracks with uncertainty around veteran Harrison Smith’s role, which evaluators say could soon require a successor.
- Interior help is also flagged after Minnesota parted with tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, with Miller profiled as a stout run defender whose shoulder will be checked in medicals.