A hybrid edge-interior defensive lineman who found new life playing for Bill Belichick at North Carolina before signing with Minnesota as an undrafted free agent.
Smith Vilbert brings a long, 6-foot-6 frame and positional versatility to the Vikings after a college career that began at Penn State and ended with a breakout season under Bill Belichick at North Carolina in 2025. He signed with Minnesota as an undrafted free agent after standing out at the team's rookie minicamp.
Path to the league
Vilbert began his college career at Penn State before transferring to North Carolina for the 2025 season, his first under new head coach Bill Belichick. He went unselected in the 2026 NFL Draft and signed a three-year deal with the Vikings after impressing at their rookie minicamp.
Career highlights
Listed at 6-foot-6 and 282 pounds with 34-inch arms, Vilbert's length and frame allow him to line up as either an edge defender or an interior lineman, though he played primarily on the edge in college. His production jumped notably once he arrived at North Carolina.
2025 season recap
In his lone season at North Carolina in 2025, Vilbert appeared in 12 games and recorded 22 combined tackles, including six tackles for loss and a sack, along with two pass breakups, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. That performance helped him land a rookie minicamp invite and eventual contract with Minnesota.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Smith Vilbert
- ESPN: Smith Vilbert
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Defensive End
- Group
- defense
- College
- North Carolina
- Hometown
- Montvale, NJ, USA
- Age
- 25
- Status
- active
