The Minnesota Vikings have started focusing their search for a replacement for longtime safety Harrison Smith as the NFL Combine took place on February 26 in Indianapolis. While the expected top safety prospect, Caleb Downs, is likely unavailable by the Vikings’ 18th overall pick, Minnesota is considering other promising options to fill the Harrison Smith successor role. Bud Clark of TCU, a standout defensive back, confirmed a positive meeting with the Vikings during the event.
I have formally [met] with the Vikings,
Clark said during his media session.
It was pretty good. We went over defenses, I was very knowledgeable in those meetings, so I feel like they like me.
?Bud Clark, Defensive Back, TCU
Safety Prospects Interviewed by Vikings at the NFL Combine
Although it remains uncertain if Harrison Smith will return for his 15th NFL season, Minnesota is preparing for the future by evaluating potential successors at safety. Besides Caleb Downs, who is seen as a top-tier prospect probably off the board before the Vikings’ selection, other safeties are under consideration. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren of Toledo, ranked as the second-best safety by some analysts, stated he had not yet met with Minnesota representatives.
There is an indication that the Vikings might avoid using a first-round pick on a safety this year, instead targeting several prospects in the later rounds. The safety group in this draft is regarded as deep, offering numerous candidates for the team to assess. Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, projected by some to be a late first-round pick, confirmed his meeting with the Vikings, as did VJ Payne. These interactions suggest Minnesota is preparing to address safety needs with flexible options across multiple draft rounds.
Bud Clark’s Versatility Aligns with Vikings’ Defensive Needs
Bud Clark’s background as a former baseball centerfielder translates into excellent field awareness and range, enabling him to cover deep zones effectively. Over four collegiate seasons at TCU, Clark recorded 15 interceptions, showcasing his ball-hawking abilities. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein highlighted Clark’s diverse skill set, calling him
“a coverage-versatile safety in a cornerback’s body”
who can play over the top or cover slot receivers.
A sixth-year senior, Clark’s traits won’t pop but his tape most certainly will. Clark is a coverage-versatile safety in a cornerback’s body with the talent to range over the top or man up on the slot. He plays with an overriding desire to do everything all at once – which produces spectacular takeaways and occasional breakdowns – but the good outweighs the bad,
Zierlein wrote.
He triggers downhill in run support and tackles with proper technique, but a lack of size could lead to broken tackles/durability concerns. He might need time to acclimate to the speed/skill of his opponents but his instincts and ball skills give him a good chance to punish mistakes on the next level as an alignment-flexible option.
?Lance Zierlein, NFL.com Analyst
Clark’s experience in 61 college games has prepared him well to contribute early. His ability to function in multiple defensive looks matches what Vikings defensive coordinator Ed Donatell employs alongside Josh Metellus. Though Dillon Thieneman is seen as an elite candidate to replace Smith, Minnesota appears to weigh roster needs at cornerback and defensive line as well, balancing draft priorities accordingly.
Vikings’ Defensive Backfield Needs Extend Beyond Safety
Concerns about cornerback depth have increased pressure on the Vikings ahead of the draft. According to Tyler Forness of A to Z Sports, Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell has been frequently mocked to Minnesota, with 57 picks as of late February. By comparison, McNeil-Warren has been selected 19 times in mock drafts for the Vikings. This trend reveals how urgent cornerback upgrades are viewed by analysts and fan observers alike, which may affect how the Vikings allocate their early draft choices.
As the Vikings continue evaluating prospective Harrison Smith successor candidates such as Bud Clark and Dillon Thieneman, they must also consider their broader defensive needs. The outcomes of these efforts will ultimately shape the team’s secondary and influence its defensive identity for years to come.
Bud Clark & the #Vikings seem like a match made in heaven 🤝#SKOL | @NFLDraft | @PulltabSports pic.twitter.com/STz5EDRAEW
— Vikes\/erified (@VikesVV) February 26, 2026
Bud Clark has met with the #Vikings and feels like “they like me” 👀 pic.twitter.com/PnKtJvF4Em
— Vikes\/erified (@VikesVV) February 26, 2026
