Trevor Ripley· Aug 21, 2026
Ripley expects UDFA safety Jacob Thomas to earn a roster spot with the Vikings after a strong preseason showing, believes Jay Ward will start opposite Metellus, and thinks Theo Jackson's roster spot is safe despite losing his starting job.
“Vikings UDFA Jacob Thomas is making a strong case to earn a roster spot”
published in writing · Sports Illustrated · read the original →
3 checkable claims — 2 roster spot calls and 1 depth chart call — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.
It names 4 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
None of them have settled yet — they grade once their results are in.
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Who this take is about
3 checkable claims in this take
Each one is scored on its own against the published methodology. A pundit naming several outcomes is graded on each, not on all-or-nothing.
- Roster Spot CallsTheo JacksonMinnesota VikingsAug 21, 2026
Theo Jackson to make the roster
“Flores's insistence on multiple safety looks might be Jackson's saving grace, and his roster spot likely isn't in danger.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Roster Spot CallsJacob ThomasMinnesota VikingsAug 21, 2026
Jacob Thomas to make the roster
“Vikings UDFA Jacob Thomas is making a strong case to earn a roster spot”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsT.J. WardMinnesota VikingsAug 21, 2026
T.J. Ward to be 1st on the depth chart
“Ward is still likely the favorite to see most of the work opposite Metellus after starting for much of the second half of 2025.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
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More roster spot calls
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
- Randy GurziRoster Spot Calls · Justin BarronMiss · 0Gurzi predicts the Cowboys' 17-man practice squad, naming each player he expects Dallas to sign, including a surprise addition of released Giants tackle Evan Neal. He also predicts Jaydon Blue will be claimed off waivers by another team and that Sam Williams will land elsewhere.
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- Jeff KerrRoster Spot Calls · Maximus PulleyMiss · 0Kerr ranks the Eagles' eight undrafted free agents by their chances of making the initial 53-man roster, with Kapena Gushiken the most likely and predicts at least one UDFA makes the 53. He also forecasts practice squad spots for Zion Wilson, Deontae Lawson and Maximus Pulley, and a release for long snapper Rocco Underwood.
- Jared KochRoster Spot Calls · Lewis BondHit · 100Koch argues Kayshon Boutte is a winner in the trade to Houston, likely to see many more snaps and potentially post a career season, while Xavier Hutchinson's path to a breakout gets harder. He also sees Kamari Ramsey stepping up as the primary backup safety behind a top three of Bullock, Pitre and Blankenship, and views Jared Wayne as a fringe roster player squeezed by receivers he calls virtual locks.
- Jason La CanforaRoster Spot Calls · Gerad LichtenhanMiss · 0La Canfora predicts the Ravens will keep several young players on their practice squad — DL Kaimon Rucker, LB Dominic DeLuca, LB Ethan Burke, CB Amani Oruwariye, OT Gerad Lichtenhan and QB Joe Fagnano — and expects the team to make at least one trade from its surplus of cornerbacks.