Overview
- Minnesota drafted Caleb Tiernan at No. 97 overall out of Northwestern, where he started more than 40 games and served as 2025 team captain.
- Tiernan dismissed worries about his arm length and said physical play matters more on the field.
- Evaluators labeled the selection a value pick and noted he may project to guard because shorter arms can limit a tackle’s reach in pass protection.
- With Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill locked in as starters, Tiernan is expected to battle Ryan Van Demark, Walter Rouse and Caleb Etienne for the swing tackle spot.
- The choice stands out in a class criticized for waiting until No. 235 to take a center, when the Vikings selected Cincinnati’s Gavin Gerhardt.