May 12, 2026, 6:55 p.m. CT
Summer is here, sort of, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Vikings fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Minnesota.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Vikings, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Vikings fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
FilmExpert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Background InfoListed at 6-4/239 lbs.3-Star recruit according to 247 SportsPlayed basketball in high schoolFirst-Team All-Mountain West in 2025Transferred from New MexicoNotable career stats heading into 202677 Targets56 Receptions560 Receiving Yards10 Yards Per Reception4 TouchdownsNotable numbers from PFF heading into 2026Used in-line as a tight end 60.7% of the time1.71 Yards Per Route RanAverage Depth of Target of 6 Yards0 Drops3 Contested Catches MadeStrengthsHas a big catch radius and uses itCan surprise you with his strengthVersatility being used in line and outDecent route runningReliable hands to make contested catches and avoid concentration dropsPlayer Summary
Dorian Thomas is a fun receiving tight end to watch this upcoming Fall for a plethora of reasons. On film, he showcases the traits and ability to give you what you want out of every tight end, where he can br string when need be, has a big catch radius, and route running ability. When you take all of that promise and factor in that he will now be having Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele throwing to him means the sky could be the limit for his potential. He is very much a project right now, but the upside is there.