Minnesota Vikings safety Joshua Metellus has already seen enough from rookie defender Jakobe Thomas to understand why the organization used a third-round pick on the former Miami standout.
Thomas has been with the Vikings for only a few weeks, but Metellus said the rookie’s understanding of Minnesota’s defense has stood out during the offseason. That is notable in a scheme coordinated by Brian Flores, whose pressure packages, disguised coverages, and moving parts can create a steep learning curve for young defensive backs.
“You talk about a guy who’s only been here a couple weeks, he knows the system like the back of his hand already,” Metellus said, according to the team’s website. “It’s more about the little things, the ins and outs of why we do things that he has to get a grasp on, and that’s when it comes to reps. But in terms of just natural football, I.Q., things come very easy to him.
“This defense is a lot, so we’re throwing a lot at him, but he’s been handling it very well.”
“You talk about a guy who’s only been here a couple weeks, he knows the system like the back of his hand already,” Metellus said, according to the team’s website. “It’s more about the little things, the ins and outs of why we do things that he has to get a grasp on, and that’s when it comes to reps. But in terms of just natural football, I.Q., things come very easy to him.
“This defense is a lot, so we’re throwing a lot at him, but he’s been handling it very well.”
The Vikings added Thomas with the No. 98 overall pick, a third-round selection they received from the Eagles as part of the Jonathan Greenard trade. Minnesota also acquired a 2027 third-round pick in the deal, while Philadelphia landed the veteran edge rusher and later signed him to a four-year, $100 million extension.
Thomas gives Minnesota a versatile defensive back with size, production, and postseason experience. Listed at 6-foot-1 1/4 and 211 pounds, he helped Miami reach the College Football Playoff National Championship Game after transferring to Coral Gables and earned second-team All-ACC honors during his lone season with the Hurricanes.
His 2025 production backed up the early praise. Thomas recorded 76 tackles, four tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, five interceptions, six pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He also led Miami with 27 tackles during the College Football Playoff and was named Defensive MVP of the Fiesta Bowl after posting five tackles and two pass breakups against Mississippi.
Minnesota’s defense asks safeties to process quickly, communicate, and play multiple roles. Metellus’ comments suggest Thomas is already making progress in the mental part of the job, giving the Vikings another young defensive piece to monitor when training camp arrives.
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