The Vikings' defense has enjoyed the presence of Harrison Smith ever since he was drafted back in 2012. The team enjoys his presence on and off the field, but at 37, some things are just not the same as they used to be. As a result, the unsigned veteran is sitting on the side waiting for something to change or to retire.
The team has revamped its safety position while dealing with his absence. They drafted Jakobe Thomas but it was UDFA Jacob Thomas who made the best first impression of the group in Week 1 of the preseason. In fact, he played well enough that PFF's Daire Carragher included him in his All-Rookie team for the first slate of games this past week.
Carragher writes, "Jacob Thomas — not to be confused with fellow rookie Jakobe Thomas, who plays the same position for the same team — produced an impressive interception of his own, tracking a deep ball down the sideline from his center-field safety position. Six safeties are listed ahead of the undrafted free agent on the depth chart, leaving him with an uphill battle to make the roster. However, Jamal Adams’ season-ending injury, combined with Thomas’ strong preseason opener, gives him a chance to stick."
Practice reports for the week continue to have Thomas highlighted as someone who is making plays. If he sees more responsibility in the second preseason game, the Vikings could have another UDFA find on the roster to be used in Brian Flores' defense.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings UDFA recognized by PFF for preseason Week 1 performance
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