MIN Smith Vilbert
NFL player. Position: DT. Team: MIN.
Quick Facts
- Position: DT
- Team: MIN (Minnesota Vikings)
- College: North Carolina (under Bill Belichick)
- Size: 6'6", 282 lbs
2026 Outlook
North Carolina defensive lineman Smith Vilbert appears to be a classic "Brian Flores lottery ticket"—a versatile front-seven piece with enough positional flexibility to play multiple roles in Minnesota's exotic blitz scheme. At 6'6", he has the length to play traditional DT, five-technique, or bulkier edge presence. Flores' defense demands linemen who can disguise assignments pre-snap and shift roles post-snap. The path to the 53-man roster remains challenging: Vikings have already invested draft capital in first-round DT Caleb Banks and third-round nose tackle Domonique Orange. A practice-squad spot seems realistic, but a standout training camp, strong preseason, and special teams contributions could earn the roster. If Bill Belichick's development at North Carolina has taken hold, Vilbert could represent a genuine diamond-in-the-rough candidate (per 5 Surprise Players Who Could Make the Vikings' Final Roster - Vikings Territory).
Role / Depth Chart
Competing for depth DT or practice-squad spot in Brian Flores' flexible defensive scheme.
Injury Status
None reported.
Recent News
- 2026-05-30 — Listed as Vikings defensive tackle lottery ticket (5 Surprise Players Who Could Make the Vikings' Final Roster - Vikings Territory)