Jakobe Thomas appeared to be a perfect fit for the Minnesota Vikings. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound safety out of Miami had an outstanding 89.1 coverage grade in 2025, but also garnered 14 pressures on 42 pass rushes, per PFF.
Unfortunately, Thomas missed a large chunk of training camp due to back stiffness. In his absence, it was undrafted rookie free agent Jacob Thomas who was turning heads with his instincts at safety.
However, Jakobe Thomas finally made his preseason debut last Friday against the Denver Broncos. He played 57 snaps in the high altitude, generating a 61.0 overall grade.
Thomas made the team, but his role has yet to be determined. He will likely have to sit behind starters Josh Metellus, Jay Ward, and key backup Theo Jackson before
earning more playing time, ESPN's Kevin Seifert wrote last weekend.
"There would have been plenty of opportunity for immediate playing time, as coaches love Thomas' physicality and understanding of the system," Seifert said, "but he has some catching up to do."
If Thomas needs any inspiration from waiting on the bench, though, all he has to do is look around at the other players in the room. Metellus, Ward, and Jackson all began their careers as backups for several years before breaking into the starting lineup.
Maybe Thomas is able to buck that trend at some point as a rookie. Right now, though, the odds of that happening early in the 2026 season are slim.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings rookie safety 'has some catching up to do' before Week 1
