Vikings zig past the mock‑draft favorite On Daily DLP, the Detroit Lions Podcast turned to the NFC North. Jeff Risdon welcomed Tyler Fornes to unpack Minnesota’s draft and a loud pivot at No. 18. Oregon safety Dylan Tieneman sat there. The Vikings did not take him. Tyler was not surprised. He carried a high third round grade on Tieneman and ranked him 47th on his board. He saw a roof safety who fits the run and tackles from depth. He did not see a maneuverable chess piece. In the box, running backs bowled him over. Coverage traits did not pop on film. The industry went the other way. The mock‑draft data told the story. Tyler tracked nearly 600 mocks. Tieneman appeared in 40.5 percent of them for Minnesota. In the final four days, 69 of 107 mocks slotted him there. A February 24 projection from Daniel Jeremiah helped set the lane. A strong combine kept the lane clear. Minnesota still passed. Brian Flores’ blueprint at safety The coordinator’s values mattered more than the mock tide. Brian Flores does not prioritize safety early. He prioritizes intelligence. He prioritizes experience. That steered the room away from a premium investment at the position. Minnesota targeted traits that fit that approach and added Jacoby Thomas to embody it. Will he hit? That is unknown. The process aligned with Flores’ philosophy, not the consensus board. Caleb Banks’ profile: power, burst, and a foot break At the top of Minnesota’s board, two unicorns stood out for Tyler: Kenyan Saddiq and Caleb Banks. Saddiq offered hyper athletic upside. A developmental tight end who could function as a wide receiver three. In the right offense, heavy personnel creates answers. Kyler Murray thrives in those looks. The idea was to swing for difference‑making traits in a class light on sure things. Banks brought rare tools with real risk. He broke his foot in a non‑contact combine drill. When healthy at Florida and locked in, his size and movement defied norms. Planet theory stuff. Jeff noted the blend of instant speed and brute power that Detroit fans once saw with Ndamukong Suh. The comparison was about traits, not the player. The upside case is obvious. So is the medical flag. Detroit context from inside the division The conversation framed a broader NFC North trend. This draft felt flat at the top. The best players came at safety, off‑ball linebacker, offensive tackle, and running back. Not sizzle positions. Both hosts noted how teams, including Detroit and Minnesota, leaned into the trenches early. The Detroit Lions angle is clear enough. Know what your rival values. Understand how Flores builds his defense. Then plan accordingly. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #2026nfldraft #minnesotavikings #nfcnorth #calebbanks #keithabney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices