The 40 Most Important Vikings of 2026: No. 37 — Caleb Tiernan

This is the VikesNow Countdown of the Minnesota Vikings’ most important players of 2026, and after running back Demond Claiborne at No. 38, rookie offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan checks in at No. 37.

Tiernan found his way to the Vikings in April from Northwestern, a 3rd-round pick, to perhaps prepare for Minnesota’s future at OT.

A Developmental OT with Long-Term Stakes

Tiernan’s Role in 2026

Remember when Sam Darnold left the Vikings during the 2025 offseason, and the club received a compensatory draft pick for their troubles? That’s Tiernan – – he’s the fruit of Darnold’s exodus.

Because Minnesota has two obvious starting offensive tackles – – Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill – – Tiernan is not slotted for an immediate role within the offense. His tasks are to watch, learn, develop, and hop into action if injuries beset Darrisaw or O’Neill, which indeed happened last year.

It’s also worth noting that O’Neill’s contract expires after this season, though many fans expect an O’Neill extension sometime this summer. If, for some reason, the Vikings have decided to wind down the O’Neill era at right tackle, Tiernan would be in line for that job in 2027.

But in 2026 speak, he’s a young backup tackle.

What Success Looks Like

Tiernan actually has an “easy” path to success as a rookie. He won’t see the field unless adversity hits, and in that moment, head coach Kevin O’Connell would ask him to step up as a starting tackle — if free-agent newcomer Ryan Van Demark isn’t inserted into the lineup. One of the Vikings’ most refreshing offseason developments was the onboarding of Tiernan and Van Demark. In addition to Darrisaw and O’Neill, the offensive tackle section of the depth chart is absolutely stocked. Walter Rouse, a third-year lineman, is in the mix, too.

Ironically, life will be better for the Vikings if Tiernan does not play, but that’s just the way it is when guys like Darrisaw and O’Neill live on the roster.

The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis noted on Tiernan this week, “The Vikings don’t plan to move him inside because of his arm length. Tiernan’s smarts and savvy give him a shot at tackle. He offers short-term depth.”

What Could Make This Ranking Look Too Low – – or Too High

One can argue that Tiernan is too high on the list, and that is fair. For a guy who may not play at all, can he really be the 37th-most important Viking? The case for his importance involves his draft stock. Since 2022, Minnesota has so few draft hits that if Tiernan sees playing time, he must trend in the right direction for the future.

For example, it won’t be ideal if Tiernan starts a game or a few at tackle – – and then plays buffoonishly. The Vikings must stack draft success stories after four years of blunders, and Tiernan is merely one of the latest chapters.

Of course, if Darrisaw or O’Neill get hurt, thrusting Tiernan into action, his ranking on this list could climb. For instance, if the rookie balls out, well, the Vikings’ would-be problem with no Darrisaw or O’Neill would be minimized.

Tiernan is one of Minnesota’s 2026 mysteries. Will he be needed this season? Hopefully not. Does Tiernan have a path to playing time in 2027? That depends on O’Neill’s contractual situation. If O’Neill gets an extension, why was Tiernan selected? Was he the best player available on the draftboard?

Next in the Countdown

Here’s the countdown to date:

Outside linebacker Bo Richter will get a tap on the shoulder at No. 36. The Vikings need a third pass rusher after Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner on the depth chart to shine. Based on the current layout, that could be Richter.

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VikesNow Verdict: Tiernan ranks this low-ish because Minnesota ideally will not need him in 2026. A quiet developmental season behind the Vikings’ established tackles would be perfectly acceptable. But competent spot starts – – or evidence that he can eventually succeed Brian O’Neill – – would make No. 37 look conservative and give Minnesota something it badly needs: another young draft pick trending toward a piece of the pie.
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About The Author

Dustin Baker

Dustin Baker is the co-founder and editor of VikesNow, a novelist, a writer at CBS Sports, and a political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders, is out now, along with his debut thriller, The Motor Route. He hosts VikesNow on YouTube and has followed the Minnesota Vikings intently since 1996. Guilty pleasures include peanut butter ice cream, The Sopranos, Basset Hounds, and The Doors.

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