If The Vikings Were To Sign A Player…

In the NFL, there are often roster tweaks between the completion of the draft and the start of training camp. Those tweaks are usually positional shifts at the bottom of the roster.  Additions at the top half of rosters are typically made prior to the draft. The Minnesota Vikings signed receiver Jauan Jennings on May 7. Pending the result of a particular quarterback competition, the signing of Jennings might be the most impactful Vikings free agent signing of the offseason. That’s a significant post-draft addition. He might not be the last significant post-draft addition. 

The Vikings traded edge Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles during the draft. It was a painful trade as Greenard was an impact player for the Vikings on and off the field. He’d only been in Minnesota for two years. He was a team captain during his second season. Two seasons of Greenard were not enough. He will be missed but the trade does open up a full-time opportunity for Dallas Turner. He’s ready for an expanded role. In his third season, I believe that he’s on the brink of ripping up the NFL. With Greenard, the Vikings had three high-end edge players. Without Greenard, the Vikings have Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. That isn’t enough. Turner replaces Greenard, perhaps improves on Greenard. No one currently on the roster can replace Turner at #3. Behind Van Ginkel and Turner are a collection of undrafted football players. In two seasons, Bo Richter has emerged as a special teams staple. He’s a fun pass rusher in the preseason. Chaz Chambliss and Tyler Batty have flashed some in spots. Cam’Ron Stewart and Arden Walker are undrafted rookies. The defensive coaches have experimented in offseason workouts with defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins on the edge. Jake Golday was selected in the 2026 NFL Draft as an off-the-ball linebacker. He showed position versatility in college as an edge rusher, as a big nickel, and as the off-the-ball linebacker listed on his draft card. His versatility makes him a dream player for a Brian Flores defense. Many expect Golday to be the eventual replacement for the other-worldly Van Ginkel. In a couple years, Turner and Golday could be ripping up the league. That’s a nice future. Today is a different story. 

Minnesota Vikings training camp is now less than two weeks away. If there’s a hole on the 91-man roster, it’s an edge backup to Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. If the Vikings were to sign a player between now and the start of training camp, who might that player be?

That player must be an edge player. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis has mentioned tight end as a position the Vikings could look to supplement prior to training camp. I get that. After T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver, tight end has as many questions as edge. If the Vikings run more three-tight end formations, that need for another tight end increases. Despite those concerns, I’m a little more concerned about the Vikings edge situation. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that the Vikings season is dependent on the signing of a proven edge player but I do believe that one is needed. Fortunately, there are a few interesting edge players available.

Jadeveon Clowney

Haason Reddick

Leonard Floyd

Kyle Van Noy

Joey Bosa

There are a few more but I see the above five as the best fits for a Brian Flores. Personally, I see Jadeveon Clowney and Haason Reddick as the top options. Of those, I like Clowney best. Maybe I’m enamored by his 8.5 sacks in only 13 games with the Dallas Cowboys. Maybe I’m still enamored by the ridiculous talents that he brought to the NFL 12 years ago. He might not have ever developed into the overwhelming pass rusher many expected but he had been an impact player in all of his 12 seasons in the league. For the natural talent he brings, it’s a little surprising that he’s played for seven teams. That bouncing around shows that he’s used to picking up a new defense. I believe that Jadeveon Clowney would be an excellent post-draft addition. Haason Reddick would be a nice addition as well. 

Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Hopes

Minnesota Vikings rookies report to spectacular TCO Performance Center for training camp two weeks from today. The veterans report two days later. Vikings football is almost here. It’s a hopeful time. Here are some of my hopes.

Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Hopes

1. No injuries. This is probably too hopeful. There’s always injuries in football. No major injuries? Even minor injuries can cause significant issues. Justin Jefferson tweaked a hamstring early in camp last season and pretty much sat until the season started. This did nothing for the developing on-field relationship between Jefferson and J.J. McCarthy. It showed during the season. Even minor injuries can be a big problem. Despite being unrealistic, my #1 hope for the Vikings, at all times, will always be “no injuries,”

2. This is where my Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Hopes really starts. All eyes will be on the quarterback competition between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray. It should be fun and I’m looking forward to it. Competition is a good thing and the team will be better for it. My hope is that the media coverage of the competition will be focused on what takes place on the field rather than off it. I do not give a shit about whether McCarthy and Murray enjoy their lunches together. Keep the coverage on the fun football stuff. 

3. Harrison Smith returns for his 15th season. I’m not ready to say goodbye to the great #22. 

The remaining hopes aren’t so much hopes as things I’m excited to see. 

4. Frank Smith’s impact on the Vikings offense. In particular, I’m excited about his impact on the Vikings run game. After creative run as the offensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins under head coach Mike McDaniels, Smith was hired as the Vikings assistant head coach. It likely took that elevated title to get Smith over teams that perhaps wanted him as an offensive coordinator. It might be a bit of a stretch but I see his addition to the Vikings offense as almost as significant as the retention of Brian Flores to the Vikings defense. McDaniels and Smith crafted some of the most innovative blocking and run schemes in the league. After several years with a fairly stagnant run game, the Vikings could use a bit of that. 

5. This is an extension of #3. I’m excited to see the offensive line come together under the guidance of Frank Smith and offensive line coach Keith Carter. Reports from the offseason workouts had the offensive line working with a tempo and intensity that hasn’t been seen in Minnesota for a while. Offseason workouts are supposed to be the learning phase of the process and the Vikings front was practicing with energy and intention. It was a hire that seemed to come under the radar but I’m also curious about the addition of Derek Windhime as assistant offensive line coach. He comes for the college level. I like the infusion of something a little different. It might still be football but the college game is very different from the NFL game. Windhime did some fun stuff as the run game coordinator and offensive line coach at Coastal Carolina.

6. The Vikings defensive line. I might be more interested in the development and evolution of the Vikings defensive line than I am with the quarterback competition. The quarterback thing will work itself out and the team will be better for it. After releasing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave and “replacing” them with first-round pick Caleb Banks and third-round pick Domonique Orange, the defensive line is filled with young and talented football players. With a fascinating path to the NFL behind him, Jalen Redmond emerged as an impact player last year. In two seasons, 2024 seventh-round pick Levi Drake Rodriguez has worked to establish himself as a young player on a steady rise. 2025 fifth-round pick Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins showed potential as a versatile lineman in his rookie season. As did Elijah Williams as an undrafted rookie. Redmond, Rodriguez, Ingram-Dawkins, and Williams are emerging as an impactful collection of young, fun, undrafted, late-round football players. Even if the Vikings hadn’t added used a couple of top draft picks on Banks and Orange, I’d be excited about the defensive line. Having done so, the Vikings now have a deep group with high-end talent and very much underrated talent. In his three years as the defensive coordinator, Brian Flores has often had to scheme pressure. With the added and developing talent now at his disposal, the Vikings defense should be able to create pressure with talent rather a reliance on scheme. I can’t wait to see this defensive line on the field. 

7.. Dallas Turner. I didn’t like the draft day trade of Jonathan Greenard. I get it but I didn’t like it. The biggest reason I get the trade is Dallas Turner. While I prefer the edge trio of Andrew Van Ginkel, Greenard, and Turner, I love the edge duo Van Ginkel and Turner. Trading Greenard fully unlocks Turner. I can easily see Dallas Turner ripping up the league. 

8. About this time in 2022, I was excited to see in training camp a Vikings rookie class topped by Lewis Cine, Andrew Booth Jr., Ed Ingram, Brian Asamoah, and Akayleb Evans. In particular, I expected Cine, Booth, Asamoah, and Evans to be the building blocks of a great Vikings defense. Only four years later and none of those players are on the roster. After the departures this offseason of Jalen Nailor and Ty Chandler, none of the 10-member draft class of 2022 are on the roster. That’s terrible drafting. It should make it difficult to get excited about another draft class but I’m too optimistic to ever be cynical. I’m excited about the Vikings 2026 draft class. I already mentioned Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange. They are just the start. 

1. Caleb Banks, DL, Florida

2. Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

3. Domonique Orange, DL, Iowa State

3. Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern

3. Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami

5. Max Bredeson, FB, Michigan

5. Chuck Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin

6. Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest

7. Gavin Gerhardt, C, Cincinnati

I believe Caleb Banks, Domonique Orange, Jakobe Thomas, and Max Bredeson could all emerge as starters as rookies. Jake Golday, Chuck Demmings, and Demond Claiborne should make an impact as rookies and eventually join Banks, Orange, Thomas, and Bredeson as franchise fixtures. Caleb Tiernan could be the right tackle heir to Brian O’Neill. It’s an intriguing draft class and it’s easy to get excited about the potential of each of the rookies. 

Two weeks out and it’s easy to get hopeful and excited about this Minnesota Vikings football team. 

Minnesota Vikings All - Time 53-Man Roster

It doesn’t take much to get me thinking about Minnesota Vikings franchise history. The Vikings 66th training camp will open in a few weeks. That starts the path to the team’s 66th roster. The first had fewer than 40 players. It’s wild that fewer than 40 was seen as enough players in 1961 and 53 never seems enough today. Coaches often say “we ONLY have 53 roster spots.” Anyway, think about the Vikings roster over the years got me thinking (again) about an all-time Vikings roster. Here it is. 

Minnesota Vikings All-Time 53-Man Roster

Offense

Quarterbacks
Fran Tarkenton
Daunte Culpepper
Kirk Cousins

I feel like Tommy Kramer should be on this roster but I have to go with Kirk Cousins. If for no other reason, he’s always on the field. Kramer wasn’t. 

Halfbacks
Adrian Peterson
Chuck Foreman
Robert Smith

Dalvin Cook was challenging Robert Smith for that final roster spot. 

Fullback
Bill Brown

Bill Brown’s career was winding down when I fell for the Vikings. He might be the player that I most wish I’d seen in his prime. 

Receivers
Cris Carter
Randy Moss

Justin Jefferson
Ahmad Rashad
Anthony Carter
Adam Thielen 

The Vikings receiver tradition is ridiculous. It’s topped by two Hall of Famers with another on the way. I can’t think of a team with better receivers. Paul Flatley, Gene Washington, John Gilliam, Sammy White, Jake Reed, and Stefon Diggs further add to the Vikings great receiver tradition. 

Tight Ends

Steve Jordan
Kyle Rudolph
Jim Kleinsasser

All three were favorites of mine during the time that they played. T.J. Hockenson is probably the most physically gifted tight end in Vikings franchise history. The knee injury, as a result of a cheap shot from the jackass in Detroit, has robbed him of two seasons. His Vikings career is still being told. 

Tackles
Ron Yary
Gary Zimmerman
Grady Alderman

This is pretty straightforward. Tackle is another position topped by two Hall of Famers. If Christian Darrisaw continues to progress, he will bump Grady Alderman. 

Guards
Randall McDaniel
Steve Hutchinson
Ed White

This is as straightforward as the tackles. Two more Hall of Famers and another with a Hall of Fame argument. 

Centers
Mick Tingelhoff
Matt Birk

Mick Tingelhoff completes the all-Hall of Fame offensive line. 

It was not difficult to fill the offensive line spots on this roster. 

Defense

Defensive Ends
Carl Eller
Chris Doleman
Jim Marshall
Jared Allen

Danielle Hunter

HOF, HOF, should be HOF, HOF, could be HOF. The Vikings have a great receiver tradition. The defensive end tradition isn’t as deep but the top is stacked. 

Defensive Tackles
Alan Page
John Randle
Keith Millard
Kevin Williams

HOF, HOF, would’ve been HOF if injuries hadn’t whittled away at his talents, will be HOF. The defensive tackle tradition in Minnesota is nearly as great as the defensive end tradition. 

Linebackers
Matt Blair

Eric Kendricks

Anthony Barr

Chad Greenway
Scott Studwell

Jeff Siemon

Most of the position groups on this roster are pretty easy to put together. Linebacker isn’t. The Vikings have had several good linebackers. I wouldn’t say that they have had any great linebackers. Matt Blair is arguably the best linebacker to have played for the Vikings. Many might have Scott Studwell starting in the middle. I’m partial to Eric Kendricks. Jeff Siemon had a more decorated middle linebacker career than both. It’s tough to leave off any of the team’s first “very good” linebacker trio of Wally Hilgenberg, Lonnie Warwick, and Roy Winston. Add Ed McDaniel, Ben Leber, Fred McNeil and the Vikings have had a lot of good linebackers. They just haven’t had the great players like those that played on the line in front of them. Mike Merriweather might’ve been the most talented linebacker to play for the Vikings but his career was winding down when he was in Minnesota. 

Cornerbacks
Antoine Winfield
Xavier Rhodes
Carl Lee
Bobby Bryant
Nate Wright

Antoine Winfield was a great football player. He’ll forever rank as one of my favorites. Xavier Rhodes was great for a few years. I just wish that it was for more than just a few years. Carl Lee was sneaky good for several years. Bobby Bryant and Nate Wright were the corners of my youth. Bryant always seemed to make big plays in big moments. Wright will always be known for being shoved to the ground by Drew Pearson. He was a much better player than that one notorious moment. 

Safeties
Paul Krause
Harrison Smith

Joey Browner
Robert Griffith

HOF, should be HOF, should be HOF, very good. I’d like to have Karl Kassulke on this roster but I went with Robert Griffith. Orlando Thomas was on his way to a great career but injuries sadly cut it short. 

Special Teams

Kicker
Will Reichard 

Will Reichard has only played for two seasons but I’ve seen enough. He’s the best. 

Punter
Chris Kluwe

Bobby Walden was really good for a few years in the 1960s. Greg Coleman was good for a long time in the 1970s and 1980s. For this roster, it came down to Mitch Berger vs Chris Kluwe. I went with Kluwe. If he’d not bolted in free agency, Ryan Wright could’ve challenged Kluwe. 

Long Snapper
Cullen Loeffler

Cullen Loeffler vs Andrew DePaola? I went with Loeffler. Mike Morris was a consideration. So was Mick Tingelhoff but he’s already the team’s center. He doesn’t have to do special teams as well in this era. 

Kick Returner
Cordarrelle Patterson

Cordarrelle Patterson is arguably the greatest kick returner in league history. It all started in Minnesota. Throw in a few years from Percy Harvin and the Vikings were dynamite on kick returns for nearly a decade. 

Punt Returner
Marcus Sherels

Marcus Sherels was on the roster bubble every training camp of his career. He always made the team because he was simply one of the best punt returners in the league. 

NFL Top 100

The NFL Top 100 has been an offseason staple since 2011. It’s an annual ranking of the players by the players and it takes a couple months to reveal all 100 players. The best part of the weekly reveals is always the commentary that goes with each player. It’s players talking about players. The talk ranges from informative to hilarious. For most of the past 15 years, it was difficult to miss the weekly episodes. They were blasted across national and regional NFL coverage and shown frequently on NFL Network. Now NFL Network belongs to ESPN and everything feels a little wacky. The NFL Top 100 continues but it’s more of a peep than a shout. It’s more of an online thing than a TV thing but then everything is more on an online thing these days. If interested, you have to go looking for the reveals rather than having them easily handed to you. This year’s edition is a couple weeks into its quiet release. For some reason, it’s currently idling at #73. 73 is always a good stopping point in a countdown. 

NFL Top 100 Players of 2026

100. Cameron Jordan, DE, New Orleans Saints

  99. Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts

  98. Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers 

  97. Ernest Jones, LB, Seattle Seahawks 

  96. Travis Etienne, RB, New Orleans Saints

  95. Demario Davis, LB, New York Jets

  94. Creed Humphrey, C, Kansas City Chiefs

  93. Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns 

  92. Azeez Al-Shaair, LB, Houston Texans

  91. Montez Sweat, DE, Chicago Bears 

  90. Derrick Brown, DL, Carolina Panthers 

  89. Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams 

  88. Jack Campbell, LB, Detroit Lions

  87. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers

  86. Tuli Tuipulotu, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers

  85. Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers 

  84. Byron Young, Edge, Los Angeles Rams 

  83. Jeffery Simmons, DT, Tennessee Titans 

  82. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers 

  81. Bobby Wagner, LB, Washington Commanders

  80. A.J. Brown, WR, New England Patriots 

  79. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs 

  77. Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  76. Jaycee Horn, CB, Carolina Panthers

  75. Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals

  74. Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers

  73. Zach Allen, DL, Denver Broncos

There’s the first 28 players of the NFL Top 100. Other than the impressive number of Carolina Panthers players, the most interesting thing about the 28 players is the impressive number of off-the-ball linebackers. 

Ernest Jones

Demario Davis

Carson Schwesinger

Azeez Al-Shaair 

Jack Campbell

Bobby Wagner

The under-appreciated position is getting some appreciation. There’s old farts like Demario Davis and Bobby Wagner mixed with youngsters like Carson Schwesinger and Jack Campbell. 

Can’t wait for #72!

Minnesota Vikings: Then And Now

Minnesota Vikings training camp is just over two weeks away. Rookies report on July 26. Veterans report two days later. 2026 Vikings football is ticking closer. In advance of the fun, here’s a look at the projected starters at this point last year compared to the projected starters this year.

Minnesota Vikings: Then and Now

Quarterback

2025: 

J.J. McCarthy

2026: 

Kyler Murray

The J.J. McCarthy vs Kyle Murray quarterback competition will be the talk of training camp. It’s always about the quarterback. More than anything, the Vikings need consistent quarterback play. Last year, the season was wrecked by injuries at the game’s most important position. Those injuries resulted in wildly inconsistent play. Throw in Carson Wentz and the Vikings can legitimately go three-deep at quarterback. Hopefully, that won’t be necessary. No matter which quarterback wins the competition, the Vikings will be better for it. At the moment, I see Murray’s experience winning out. 

Running Back

2025: 

Aaron Jones

2026: 

Aaron Jones

Aaron Jones at 30 vs Aaron Jones at 31. The Vikings run game will likely be a committee. Last year, it was Jones and Jordan Mason. This year, it will be Jones, Mason, and sixth-round rookie Demond Claiborne. The rookie’s speed could be a game-changer. Perhaps the biggest boost to the Vikings run game will come from the coaching and schemes of new assistant head coach Frank Smith. For me, Smith’s impact on the offense in general, and run game in particular, is more interesting than the quarterback competition. 

Receiver

2025:

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jalen Nailor

2026:

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jauan Jennings

This is gonna be fun. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are the best receiving duo in the league. Jalen Nailor was a very good #3. Jauan Jennings is a whole other type of receiver. Now the Vikings have the best receiver trio in the league. With his physical play, Jennings will bring a little bit of nasty to the Vikings offense. As long as he plays within the rules of the game, I think the offense can use a bit of nasty.

Tight End

2025:

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

2026:

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

T.J. Hockenson is a year older. More importantly, he’s another year removed from the knee injury caused by that jackass in Detroit. Hockenson didn’t look right last year. I’m assuming that was due more to his return from the injury than his age. With a re-worked contract that gives him free agency next March, he’s playing for his NFL future. I think we’ll see a better T.J. Hockenson this year.

Offensive Line

2025:

Christian Darrisaw/Justin Skule

Donovan Jackson

Ryan Kelly

Will Fries

Brian O’Neill

2026:

Christian Darrisaw

Donovan Jackson

Blake Brandel

Will Fries

Brian O’Neill

On paper, the only offensive line change from last year to this year is a center swap from Ryan Kelly to Blake Brandel. At a glance, that’s a swap from a proven, elite center to one that snapped for the first time last year. That’s quite a drop. When Kelly was on the field, he was very much the excellent center the Vikings needed. Unfortunately, concussions took him off the field too many times. Those concussions led to his retirement this offseason. Now, Brandel steps into the lineup. If he stays on the field all season, the center position will be better off this season than it ended up being last season. In 2025, the Vikings had a ridiculous number of injuries on the offensive line. Will Fries was the only starter that started every game. And he spent the early part of the season working his way back from a serious broken leg in 2024. With all the chaos on the line, it’s no wonder the Vikings had to play three quarterbacks. In 2026, Christian Darrisaw should be fully recovered from the 2024 knee injury that frequently took him out of the lineup in 2025. Donovan Jackson will improve on his rookie season. Brandel just needs to be solid. Fries will be better than his first year with the Vikings. Brian O’Neill is always great. If the 2026 Vikings offensive line can dodge the injuries that wrecked 2025, this could be a dominant group.

Defensive Line

2025:

Harrison Phillips

Javon Hargrave

Jonathan Allen

2026:

Jalen Redmond

Domonique Orange

Caleb Banks

It’s wild that the projected defensive line starters at this point last year aren’t even on the roster this year. Harrison Phillips was traded during training camp because of the emergence of Jalen Redmond. After big free agent deals in 2025, Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen were released in 2026. The Vikings defensive line might be the position group I’m most excited to see this summer. Redmond emerged as an impact player in his first season as a starter. He now paces this young group. I might be jumping ahead a bit in placing first-round pick Caleb Banks and third-round pick Domonique Orange as starters. If both aren’t starting at the start of the season, I expect both to make early impacts. Throw in Levi Drake Rodriguez, Elijah Williams, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, the Vikings defensive line is going to be fun.

Outside Linebacker

2025:

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

2026: 

Dallas Turner

Andrew Van Ginkel

I did not like the draft day trade of Jonathan Greenard. I didn’t like it but I understand it. He was demanding a salary increase the Vikings were reluctant to pay. More importantly, Dallas Turner is ready for a full time role. Andrew Van Ginkel is one of the most fun and unusual defensive players I’ve ever seen. His preternatural edge play is a joy to watch. I wish that he was Turner’s age (23). At 31, I’m hoping Van Ginkel has a few more years in him. Greenard will be missed but Turner and Van Ginkel will be a fun duo.

Inside Linebacker

2025:

Blake Cashman

Ivan Pace Jr.

2026:

Blake Cashman

Eric Wilson

Obviously, the difference here is Eric Wilson. He was a revelation last year. After four years slumming in Philadelphia and Green Bay, he returned to Minnesota as a special teams signing. An early season injury to Blake Cashman put him on the field at linebacker and he never left. Wilson’s play at linebacker got him an extension and an opportunity to form a terrific interior duo with Cashman.

Cornerback

2025:

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

Jeff Okudah

2026:

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

James Pierre

On paper, the difference here is Jeff Okudah vs James Pierre at CB3. It really isn’t a comparison. Okudah was a reclamation project that didn’t work. James Pierre might be turning 30 in September but his underrated career is on the rise. New Vikings secondary coach Gerald Alexander knows Pierre well from their time together in Pittsburgh.

Safety

2025:

Harrison Smith

Joshua Metellus

2026:

Joshua Metellus

Theo Jackson/Jay Ward/Jakobe Thomas

With Harrison Smith currently on the retired list, it’s tough to judge the Vikings safety group. I believe that he returns for his 15th season. Perhaps that’s simply because I’m not ready for his departure from the game. Whether or not Smith returns, I’m expecting third-round rookie Jakobe Thomas to make an early impact. If Smith doesn’t return, I wouldn’t be surprised if Metellus and Thomas are the Vikings starting safeties as early as the season-opener. 

What a difference a year makes. 

Unsigned Draft Picks: By Round

If there’s a break in the NFL offseason, it’s now. The handful of weeks between the end of minicamps and the start of training camps are the slow part of the NFL calendar. The slow times are often reflected in the signing of the draft picks. The two quarterbacks continue to be the only unsigned players from the first round. The surprise of this year’s draft picking signing saga has been the casual pace of third- and fourth-round signings. That was especially true of the top picks in each of those rounds. Here’s a look at the unsigned draft pick status for each of the seven rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. The first round, of course, is shown in detail.

Unsigned Draft Picks: By Round

First Round

1.   Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana 

2.   New York Jets: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech - Signed

3.   Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame - Signed

4.   Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State - Signed

5.   New York Giants: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State - Signed

6.   Kansas City Chiefs: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU - Signed

7.   Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State - Signed

8.   New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State - Signed

9.   Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah - Signed

10. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami - Signed

11. Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State - Signed

12. Miami Dolphins: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama - Signed

13. Los Angeles Rams: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State - Signed

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami - Signed

16. New York Jets: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon - Signed

17. Detroit Lions: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson - Signed 

18. Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida - Signed

19. Carolina Panthers: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia - Signed

20. Philadelphia Eagles: Makai Lemon, WR, USC - Signed

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State - Signed

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami - Signed

23. Dallas Cowboys: Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF - Signed

24. Cleveland Browns: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M - Signed

25. Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon - Signed

26. Houston Texans: Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech - Signed

27. Miami Dolphins: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State - Signed

28. New England Patriots: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah - Signed

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson - Signed

30. New York Jets: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana - Signed

31. Tennessee Titans: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn - Signed

32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame - Signed

2/32 players are unsigned.

Second Round

23. New England Patriots: Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois

1/32 players are unsigned.

Only three unsigned players from the first two rounds. That’s pretty good. It’s the next two rounds that surprise. 

Third Round

1.   Arizona Cardinals: Carson Beck, QB, Miami

5.   Chicago Bears: Sam Roush, TE, Stanford

12. Pittsburgh Steelers: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

3/36 players are unsigned. 

Fourth Round

1.   Las Vegas Raiders: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

6.   Houston Texans: Febechi Nwaiwu, G, Oklahoma

2/40 players are unsigned.

Fifth Round

0/41 players are unsigned.

Sixth Round

0/35 players are unsigned. 

Seventh Round

0/41 players are unsigned. 

8/257 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft are unsigned. 

Half of the unsigned players are quarterbacks. 

To 5 Minnesota Vikings Returners

The ranking of the best Minnesota Vikings players at each position concludes with the returners. I’ve combined kick and punt returners in this ranking.

1. Cordarrelle Patterson

2. Percy Harvin

3. Marcus Sherels

4. David Palmer

5. Kene Nwangwu

I feel that the Vikings have had a strong return history. There’s some recency bias in that feeling. Four of the above five returners played for the Vikings since 2009. 

Cordarrelle Patterson is in the argument for best kick returner in NFL history. His best four years and first four years were in Minnesota. He was first-team All-Pro four times. Two of those were with the Vikings. He returned nine kicks for touchdowns. Five of those with the Vikings. Percy Harvin also had five kick return touchdowns for the Vikings. Harvin was the Vikings first-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft and was an immediate hit as a returner and receiver. Cordarrelle Patterson was selected in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft to replace Harvin. Patterson was also an immediate hit. From 2009-16, the Vikings had the best kick returner in the league. For eight years, every Vikings kick return was a legitimate threat to score. During that same time, Marcus Sherels held the same threat as a punt returner. It took a bit longer but Sherels matched the five kick return touchdowns of Harvin and Patterson with five punt return touchdowns. Harvin, Patterson, and Sherels were an awesome trio of returners. I was thrilled when the Vikings selected David Palmer in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He was such a versatile football player at Alabama. He didn’t really reach my expectations on offense but Cris Carter, Jake Reed, and Randy Moss were in that Vikings receiver room. It was tough for any other receiver to gain any traction. Palmer did reach my expectations as a returner. He returned two punts and one kick touchdowns. He’s the only returner in Vikings history to return a punt and a kick for touchdowns. Palmer was a fun football player. For three years, Kene Nwangwu made Vikings kick returns dangerous again. During his rookie 2021 season, he returned two kicks for touchdowns and posted a ridiculous average of 32.2 yards/return. He returned a third kick for a touchdown in his second season. Injuries took a chunk out of his third and final season with the Vikings.

The eight years of Percy Harvin, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Marcus Sherels have to rank as some of the best and most exciting returning in league history. The three combined for 15 touchdowns. Returns were so much fun during those years.