How Will the Vikings Handle Their Duck Dilemma?

It’s draft week! That means screens are smoking, speculation is rampant, and the Minnesota Vikings will be on the clock in just a few days' time. With the No. 18 pick in the first round, Minnesota could be considering a dozen different players there, but the two who might be the most likely picks also happen to come from the same place.

Albert Breer mentioned in his 2026 NFL Draft Needs Guide that he’s been hearing the Vikings are strongly considering a pair of Oregon Ducks early.

“The two names I’ve heard for Minnesota are both Ducks — [Kenyon] Sadiq and his Oregon teammate Dillon Thieneman, who’d be a logical successor to Vikings legend Harrison Smith at safety,” wrote Breer.

Thieneman has been linked to the Vikings more times than Kirk Cousins has signed a fully guaranteed contract. On the surface, he seems like a logical choice. Meanwhile, Sadiq is a multi-dimensional pass catcher who could be a chess piece for Kevin O’Connell. Both would solve some problems for Minnesota, but each also comes with concerns. So, what will the Vikings do if both players are still available at No. 18?

Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski spoke at length on Monday about how Minnesota would approach this draft and discussed balancing talent with need.

“Such a big thing in our league is having a path for your draft picks to play, especially your early picks,” Brzezinski said. “You want them on the field, and that’s ideal. But there’s also a world where you have to identify what the role is in Year 1, but also what the bigger picture is down the line. It’s always a balance, and what our needs are in 2026 and what our needs are in 2027 are two very different things.”

Thieneman and Sadiq could have clear paths to significant roles right away in 2026. Should Smith retire, Thieneman would likely be the favorite to start in his spot, with Theo Jackson and Jay Ward mixing in as well. After starting for three years in the Big Ten, he’s one of the most pro-ready players in the draft and could be a versatile player for Brian Flores.

It’s no coincidence that he’s been the player most mocked to the Vikings at this point, and absolutely no one would be stunned if he ends up being the pick. But if there’s an opportunity to grab a potential blue-chip prospect, the Vikings might have a hard time passing on Sadiq.

While T.J. Hockenson holds down the starting spot for now, the Oregon product could see some action in 2026 in two-tight-end sets and three-wide-receiver sets, thanks to his 4.3-40 speed and ability to slide outside. After breaking darn near every combine record for tight ends, Sadiq would bring an explosiveness to Minnesota’s passing game that disappeared with Jalen Nailor’s departure. Sadiq was also the only first-round player to have had a top-30 visit with the Vikings, and each of Minnesota’s last four first-round selections were all brought in on one, which could be everything -- or nothing.

The biggest difference between the two Ducks is their readiness for the NFL. While the Vikings can expect Thieneman to slide in and raise the defensive bar immediately, Sadiq is much less polished and may take some time to adjust. It’s easy to say that, by the time Hockenson inevitably departs, Sadiq would be ready to be the guy. Still, Minnesota also hoped for the same thing for J.J. McCarthy.

Ultimately, if both players are somehow still there at No. 18, it feels like Minnesota will go with Thieneman. As talented as Sadiq is, and with one of the highest ceilings in the draft, the Vikings will likely add a position they value probably more than almost every other team in the NFL. Safeties have slid past their projections in recent drafts, so it’s reasonable to assume Thieneman will last until the Vikings pick, and Flores needs some talent on defense to work with.

The Vikings are forever in win-now mode, and Thieneman probably helps with 2026's iteration of that goal more. Agree with the philosophy or not, Minnesota will never have rebuild or tank years as long as the Wilfs remain at the top. Besides, it’s not like the Vikings will be settling for Thieneman. He’s a very good player, and one who should develop faster than Sadiq.

Minnesota’s Duck dilemma is good to have, and the fanbase would well receive either pick. But as Brzezinski notes, the decision may be made for them because the Vikings have a later pick.

“The draft is the lifeblood of what we do, and so our goal is to get it right, and we will,” Brzezinski said. “It’s an inexact science, but you give yourself the best chance by going through a good process and having good communication, getting it lined up the right way, and getting it lined up objectively. And, I mean, honestly, I think the board kind of falls to you.”