Connect with us
DAPA Banner

Sports

A Draft Insider Just Validated a Popular Vikings Belief

Published

on

Advertisement

Purdue safety Dillon Thieneman in 2024
Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) talks to Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Joseph Jefferson II (32) after a Notre Dame Fighting Irish passing touchdown Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, during the NCAA football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Notre Dame Fighting Irish won 66-7. © Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

Dillon Thieneman ending up with the Minnesota Vikings next week is no secret; in fact, one insider confirmed this week that the belief remains widespread.

Thieneman to the Vikings has been shouted to the high heavens for the last six weeks.

Between the Vikings and Carolina Panthers, Thieneman evidently won’t slip out of the Top 20.

Advertisement

Minnesota Has a Variety of Options at No. 18 — and One Frontrunner

The Vikings need a safety for the long term.

Dillon Thieneman helps a teammate warm up during Oregon Pro Day. dillon thieneman vikings
Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman assists linebacker Bryce Boettcher during warmups at Oregon Pro Day, with Mar 17, 2026 marking the event at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon. Thieneman participated in drills while showcasing his athletic profile in front of NFL scouts and team personnel. Mandatory Credit: Ben Lonergan-The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

Tony Pauline: Thieneman to MIN or CAR Is Likely

Pauline actually spent time addressing Treydan Stukes’s draft stock, mentioning Thieneman for context.

He noted Wednesday, “Some teams grade Treydan Stukes as the third safety on their board after Caleb Downs and Thieneman. Other teams rank him as the top nickel back in the draft, ahead of D’Angelo Ponds. The earlier Thieneman is drafted, the quicker Stukes will come off the board.”

Advertisement

“Right now, word inside the league is that Thieneman could end up with the Vikings at pick 18 or the Panthers at pick 19.”

Vikings fans extrapolated the intel as further confirmation that Thieneman to the Twin Cities is real.

A Natural Fit for the Harrison Smith Afterlife

Smith completed Year No. 14 in 2025, and truth be told, the final few games felt like a retirement send-off, especially Minnesota’s Week 18 win over the Detroit Lions. But when the offseason arrived, Smith did not retire; three months later, his future remains uncertain. He could return for one more hurrah; he could notfiy the club of his retirement plans at any minute.

Advertisement

The Vikings drafted Lewis Cine in 2022 and a Smith succession plan, but that didn’t work out — he was a bust — and that was four years ago. Knowing that Smith is nearing the end no matter what, it’s time to forge a plan without him.

Many see stylistic similarities between Thieneman and Smith. He’s become the Vikings’ ultimate mock-draft darling accordingly. Thieneman fired up an NFL Combine for the ages, dragging his then-Round-2 draft stock firmly into Round 1.

Thieneman’s Bio

Thieneman’s production immediately stands out; in 39 games at Purdue and Oregon, he logged 306 tackles, 8 interceptions, and 10 tackles for loss. He established his reputation in the Big Ten, and his subsequent move to Oregon further elevated his profile heading into 2025.

Advertisement

His Combine performance validated the hype. He ran a blazing 4.35 forty and posted an impressive 41-inch vertical, numbers that align with his on-field performance. At 6’0″ and 200 pounds, he demonstrates the range and versatility to play single-high, drop into the box, and execute various coverage and run support assignments.

Dillon Thieneman runs during a high school football game against Carmel. dillon thieneman vikings
Westfield’s Dillon Thieneman (21) takes a handoff fake during high school playoff action against Carmel, with Oct 28, 2022 marking the IHSAA Class 6A sectional semifinal at Carmel High School in Carmel, Indiana. Thieneman contributed in the backfield during the postseason matchup between the Shamrocks and Greyhounds. Mandatory Credit: Gary Brockman-Indy Star / USA TODAY NETWORK.

He closes space quickly and anticipates developing plays with a rare confidence for a young safety. While occasional hesitations are present, as expected given his experience, his speed and awareness suggest he’s on a trajectory toward becoming a Round 1 pick.

The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler on Thieneman: “Thieneman reminds me of Justin Reid because of his scheme-friendly recognition skills and eagerness to get busy as a run defender. He projects as a durable NFL starter and has versatility that should appeal to a variety of defensive structures.”

“With his open-field athleticism, Thieneman has a lot to offer in the NFL because of his versatility making plays over the top in coverage or downhill versus the run. He shows impressive range and anticipation from the deep half of the field, as well as the intelligence to understand what opponents are trying to do. Although he doesn’t always play up to his testing numbers, he can guard both sidelines and sort through routes.”

Other R1 Possibilities for MIN

Advertisement

If the selection next week is not Thieneman for Minnesota, it could obviously draft someone else at No. 18. These would be the logical candidates:

  • Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
  • Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State)
  • Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
  • Keldric Faulk (DL, Auburn)
Kenyon Sadiq speaks to the media during Big Ten media days in Las Vegas. dillon thieneman vikings
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq addresses reporters during Big Ten media days, with Jul 23, 2025 marking the event at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sadiq spoke with media members while representing the Ducks ahead of the upcoming college football season. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images.

Via trade back, these rookies could be in play:

  • Omar Cooper Jr. (WR, Indiana)
  • Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Tennessee)
  • Kevin Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
  • T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson)
  • Denzel Boston (WR, Washington)
  • Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson)
  • Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
  • Kayden McDonald (DL, Ohio State)
  • Cashius Howell (EDGE, Texas A&M)
  • Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
  • C.J. Allen (LB, Georgia)

The Vikings have nine picks on the docket next week, up from five last year. Sportsbooks expect Minnesota to pick a safety in Round 1 — probably Thieneman. After safety as the betting frontrunner, a defensive lineman and an offensive lineman check in at No. 2 and No. 3.

Some expect Minnesota to swerve and take Sadiq, the tight end from Oregon, or Tyson, the wideout from Arizona State.


avatar

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sports

Mets get ‘F’ grade with multiple failing experiments so far this season

Published

on

Mets get ‘F’ grade with multiple failing experiments so far this season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Mets are coming out of the first few weeks of the 2026 MLB season with a terrible 7-12 record, which has them at the bottom of the NL East.

Advertisement

It’s been a rough season already, and while the Juan Soto injury is playing a big role in the struggles so far, their multiple failing experiments to begin the season certainly haven’t helped.

Advertisement

Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report gave the Mets a brutal, but also appropriate “F” grade for the season so far, thanks in large part to the poor offense and the failing experiment with top prospect Carson Benge.

Mets given ‘F’ grade for brutal 7-12 start to 2026 season

“New York Mets (7-12): F,” Miller writes. “… Unfortunately, they are bottom five in runs scored, with seven of the nine team leaders in plate appearances posting a sub-.600 OPS. (Most notably, the ‘Carson Benge or Bust’ experiment has very much gone in the latter direction thus far).”

Advertisement

While the Mets could turn things around still, this grade is based on the first 20 or so games of the 2026 MLB season. And for the Mets, the first portion of the season has been a disaster.

Advertisement

MoreMets didnt want to trade Brett Baty while White Sox didnt want Mark Vientos in Luis Robert Jr. trade

They own the worst recovery in the National League, have very little offensive production despite the lineup overhaul, with all but Luis Robert Jr being major disappointments among the new additions to the lineup.

The pitching additions haven’t been great either. Devin Williams has a 6.75 ERA, while Luke Weaver has an 8.10 ERA. Freddy Peralta has been fine with a 3.86 ERA, but overall additions haven’t panned out.

Advertisement

Advertisement

What other grade could the Mets receive for this start to the year than an “F” grade? It’s gone about as bad as it could, and with Jorge Polanco down with an injury alongside Soto, there is plenty to be concerned about for the Mets this season.

More MLB news:

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Shakur Stevenson responds to offer to face world champion in old weight class: “Perfect”

Published

on

Shakur Stevenson has expressed an interest in moving back down to 135lbs, eager to collect two titles he never previously had the opportunity to claim.

The 28-year-old is lining up his next outing after comprehensively outpointing Teofimo Lopez, who he dethroned to become a four-division world champion in January.

Immediately after securing the WBO super-lightweight title, Stevenson called out Conor Benn, but has since set his sights on a potential move down in weight.

Advertisement

This is seemingly because the likes of Benn, and indeed WBC world champion Ryan Garcia, are unlikely to face him at a catchweight of 144lbs.

Instead, it appears as though the pair are set for a welterweight showdown in August, while Stevenson explores the possibility of facing Raymond Muratalla.

The IBF lightweight champion comes off a majority decision victory over Andy Cruz, successfully defending his world and Ring Magazine titles in January.

Since then, Stevenson has flirted with the idea of becoming a three-division Ring Magazine champion, to which Muratalla’s trainer and manager, Robert Garcia, has responded via social media.

Advertisement

Taking to X, Garcia confirmed that discussions regarding Muratalla’s next title defence are ongoing, but refused to rule out a potential encounter with Stevenson.

“If you listen to the full interview [with BoxingScene] I said Raymond will have one more fight at 135[lbs] and Top Rank is working on locking in a date and opponent. And we will be at 140[lbs] after.

“But if our next fight is [against] you we can do it [at] any weight. We don’t have anything set yet so let’s make it happen.”

In response, Stevenson said that such an outcome would be “perfect”, despite knowing he would need to adhere to the IBF’s 10lb rehydration policy.

This, therefore, represents unfamiliar territory for the American, whose previous campaign at 135lbs saw him reign supreme as the WBC champion.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Mets vs. Cubs odds, prediction, line: 2026 MLB picks for April 17 from proven model

Published

on

The New York Mets travel to Wrigley Field on Friday afternoon to start a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs. The Mets have lost eight straight games and were swept by the Dodgers and the Athletics in their previous series. The Cubs took two of three games in their most recent series against the Phillies. The Mets (7-12), who have lost three straight on the road, are 4-6 on the road this season. The Cubs (9-9), who have three of their last four, are 4-5 on their home field. Kodai Senga (0-2, 7.07 ERA) is on the hill for New York, while Edward Cabrera (1-0, 1.62 ERA) is starting for Chicago.

First pitch from Wrigley Field in Chicago is set for 2:20 p.m. ET. Chicago is a -157 favorite on the money line (risk $157 to win $100) in the latest Mets vs. Cubs odds, while the over/under, is 10.5. Before making any Cubs vs. Mets picks, be sure to see the Mets vs. Cubs predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven computer model

Visit our DraftKings promo code review to see their latest offers and get started.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times. It was a profitable 35-29 on top-rated MLB money-line picks last season. It also excelled at making home run prop picks in 2025, returning nearly 30 units of profit. Anybody following its MLB betting picks at sportsbooks and on betting sites could have seen strong returns.    

Advertisement

Now, the model has set its sights on Mets vs. Cubs and just locked in its picks and MLB predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several MLB odds and betting lines for Mets vs. Cubs:

Mets vs. Cubs money line

Cubs -157, Mets +132

Mets vs. Cubs over/under

Advertisement

10.5 runs

Mets vs. Cubs run line 

Cubs -1.5 (+117)

Mets vs. Cubs picks

Advertisement
See picks at SportsLine

Mets vs. Cubs streaming 

Fubo (Try for free) 

New to sports trading? Visit our Kalshi promo code review to see their latest offers and get started. 

Top Mets vs. Cubs predictions 

After 10,000 simulations of Mets vs. Cubs, the model is going Under 10.5 combined runs. The total has gone Under in four of the Mets’ last six games. The total has gone Under in five of the Mets’ last five games against an opponent in the National League Central Division. Three of the last four games have been played to the Under for the Mets. 

Advertisement

SportsLine’s model projects more than 1.7 total bases for just two New York players, with Francisco Lindor leading the way at 1.88  total bases. Chicago, meanwhile, is also projected to have just two players with over 1.7 total bases, Alex Bregman leading the way at 1.78 total bases. The model projects 9.3 combined runs as the Under hits in 66% of simulations. Get the Mets vs. Cubs money-line pick at SportsLine.

How to make Mets vs. Cubs picks

After simulating every pitch of Mets vs. Cubs 10,000 times, the model also says one side of the money line has all the value. You can get that pick at SportsLine

So who wins Mets vs. Cubs, and which side of the money line has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its MLB picks, and find out.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Astros vs Cardinals: Odds, Predictions, Betting Tips & Starting lineups

Published

on

The Houston Astros (8-12) broke out of an eight-game win streak, winning their first two games in Colorado before the Rockies took the series finale on Thursday. The Astros are rock bottom in the AL West standings, 2.5 games behind the leaders, the Texas Rangers, tied on record with the Athletics.

The St. Louis Cardinals recorded two wins against the Cleveland Guardians in their latest series. They come to Houston with a 3-3 record on the road and third in the NL Central with a 10-8 record.

Astros vs Cardinals Game 1: Projected Lineups and Starters

Starting Lineups

Astros

  1. 2B Jose Altuve R
  2. DH Y. Alvarez L
  3. 3B I. Paredes R
  4. 1B C. Walker R
  5. SS C. Correa R
  6. RF Cam Smith R
  7. LF J. Loperfido L
  8. C Yainer Diaz R
  9. CF T. Trammell L

Cardinals

  1. 2B J. Wetherholt L
  2. DH Ivan Herrera R
  3. 1B A. Burleson L
  4. RF J. Walker R
  5. 3B Nolan Gorman L
  6. SS Masyn Winn R
  7. LF T. Saggese R
  8. C Pedro Pages R
  9. CF Victor Scott L

Starting Pitchers

Astros: Peter Lambert, first start of 2026

Cardinals: Kyle Leahy, 1-2 record, 5.14 ERA, 7 Ks, 1.71 WHIP

Astros vs Cardinals Game 1: Preview

Both lineups are fifth in their respective leagues in home run totals. The Astros have hit 21 bombs while the Cardinals have 20 homers. Yordan Alvarez has hit one-third of Houston’s home runs and also paces them with a .328 average while having an MLB-best 18 RBIs. Similarly, Jordan Walker leads the Cardinals in all three batting metrics (8 home runs, 15 RBIs, .319 average).

Advertisement

The Cardinals’ pitching staff has recorded a 4.75 ERA in their last ten games. The Astros are worse with a 6.61 ERA in the same stretch of games. St. Louis will start with Kyle Leahy, who earned two runs in his previous loss to the Boston Red Sox on April 12. Houston called up Peter Lambert who will get his first MLB start since 2024.

Astros vs Cardinals Game 1: Projected Odds, Tips and Prediction

Odds as per DraftKings Sportsbook

Moneyline: Astros -143, Cardinals +119

Total: Over 9 (+102), Under 9 (-122)

Advertisement

Run Line: Astros -1.5 (+153), Cardinals +1.5 (-186)

The Cardinals have a 5-4 record in evening starts, while the Astros have a 5-7 record. But the oddsmakers are trusting the Astros’ home field advantage.

Prediction: Astros 5, Cardinals 3