Vikings draft preview: With Harrison Smith back, what’s the need at safety?

This is the first in a series of previews for the Vikings’ biggest needs in the NFL draft, which begins April 24. Today: Safeties.

Kevin O’Connell once again had the phone ring this offseason with a call from veteran Vikings safety Harrison Smith giving him the OK to talk ball. Smith and the Vikings then agreed on a reworked deal for him to return for his 14th season at up to $14 million.

Smith is an important cog to retain in the Vikings defense entering its third season under coordinator Brian Flores. The Vikings also bring back second-leading tackler Josh Metellus, extended relative youngster — especially compared to 36-year-old Smith — Theo Jackson and have Jay Ward on the roster.

They didn’t sign anyone with the résumé to presume an impact role in the secondary during the main month of free agency, though, even as Camryn Bynum departed for the Colts (4 years, $60 million). Bubba Bolden, who did a pro tryout with the Vikings during minicamp last May, was the only addition at the position.

The Vikings had arguably stronger free agencies at their three other main positions of need entering the draft — interior offensive line, interior defensive line, cornerback — than they did at safety.

It’s not a bad idea for the Vikings to add another younger player now for when Smith decides to hang up the cleats, especially with it being a solid year for secondary players.

Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina: Emmanwori (6-3, 220 pounds) drove his stock up with a strong showing at the NFL scouting combine that included leading the safeties group in 10-yard split (1.49 seconds), vertical jump (43 inches), broad jump (11 feet, 6 inches) and bench press (20 reps). While he’s been mock-drafted to the Vikings at No. 24 by some experts, others have him going higher to teams such as the Dolphins (No. 13) and Buccaneers (No. 19). He led South Carolina with 88 tackles last year and had four interceptions. “Emmanwori is a baller,” ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. wrote in his latest mock draft. “He has the traits to make plays, … the speed and explosiveness to drive on the ball … [and] size to outmuscle receivers and hang with tight ends.”

Andrew Mukuba, Texas: Mukuba (5-11, 186 pounds) transferred to Texas for his final season after three years at Clemson. He slotted in seamlessly to the Longhorns defense and logged a career-high five interceptions and seven pass breakups. He’s on the smaller side for a safety, though, and doesn’t always wrap up his tackles effectively. He finished with just 69 total last year, 41 being solo tackles. If some of the other top choices in the secondary are unavailable by the time the Vikings make their first pick, Mukuba could be a solid choice. He might also be on the board later, though, too.

Jonas Sanker, Virginia: Sanker (6-0, 206 pounds) is in the second tier of safeties in this year’s draft and could end up an option for the Vikings to use one of their later-round picks on. He made 273 total tackles over four seasons playing for the Cavaliers, leading the team in both 2023 and ’24. Some big boards have Sanker above Mukuba, and they’re typically within one to two spots of each other. He’s a solid potential choice if the Vikings use their No. 24 pick on another position or trade it away for more draft capital.

The Minnesota Star Tribune’s Emily Leiker and Ben Goessling break down defensive back draft prospects on the “Access Vikings” podcast. Watch:

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