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CBS Sports's Josh Edwards argued offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan was the biggest 2026 NFL Draft steal for Kevin O'Connell and the Minnesota Vikings.

The Minnesota Vikings didn’t receive a lot of praise for their selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. In fact, most pundits strongly disliked what Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings did with their nine choices in the draft.

CBS Sports’s Josh Edwards, though, appeared to like at least one of Minnesota’s picks — offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan at No. 97 overall in the third round.

On Wednesday, Edwards included Tiernan on his list of best 2026 NFL Draft picks for all 32 teams.

“Tiernan was at the top of that second tier of offensive tackles in the personal rankings,” wrote Edwards. “He is a smart, technically refined lineman who should bring value as a swing tackle early in his career.”

The Vikings nabbed Tiernan with only three other selections left in the third round and on Day 2. Minnesota actually had back-to-back picks late in the round. Right after Tiernan, the Vikings also selected Miami safety Jakobe Thomas.

Tiernan started three seasons at left tackle for Northwestern. During 2025, he served as the team’s captain.

What Vikings Are Getting With Third-Round Tackle Caleb Tiernan

Minnesota’s biggest offensive line need entering the 2026 NFL Draft was at center. The Vikings didn’t added a center, though, until picking Cincinnati’s Gavin Gerhardt at No. 235 overall in the seventh round.

Waiting that long to target a center was part of why the Vikings received so much criticism for their 2026 draft class.

But in Tiernan, they landed strong value. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein projected the Northwestern tackle to be a second or third-round pick.

Again, it was almost the fourth round by the time the Vikings selected him.

“Highly experienced college tackle who is likely to kick inside due to a lack of length that affects his protection projection,” wrote Zierlein. “Tiernan is tall but carries the denseness of frame and core strength of a guard.

“‘Solid’ feels like the ceiling for Tiernan as a guard/swing tackle who can eventually elevate into a starting role.”

How Tiernan Could Fit in Kevin O’Connell’s Offense

Tiernan won’t play center, but he could eventually give the Vikings a new starter at any of the other offensive line positions.

As of April 29, Minnesota appears to have six options at tackle, including Tiernan. Two of those tackles are the incumbent starters at the position, Christian Darrisaw at left tackle and Brian O’Neill on the right side.

Tiernan could be the next tackle onto the field if either of those starters suffer an injury. The rookie lineman will likely compete with Ryan Van Demark, Walter Rouse and Caleb Etienne for the top swing tackle role.

Last year’s starting guards, Donovan Jackson and Will Fries, are also set to return for the Vikings offensive line. With Tiernan’s versatility, though, it’s possible the rookie could provide depth there as well in the event of an injury.

Henry Byrd, Joe Huber, Vershon Lee and Michael Jurgens are the other offensive linemen listed as guards on Minnesota’s official offseason roster. Technically, Blake Brandel is listed as a guard as well, but he started at center last season.

Furthermore, the team has Tomas Rimac, Delby Lemieux and Tristan Leigh simply listed as offensive linemen on the roster.