Minnesota Vikings Pre-Draft Roster

The 2026 NFL Draft is two weeks from tomorrow. In advance of the fast approaching draft, here’s a look at the Minnesota Vikings depth at each position. 

Minnesota Vikings Pre-Draft Roster

Offense

Quarterbacks

Kyler Murray

J.J. McCarthy

Carson Wentz

Max Brosmer

The Vikings completely remade their quarterback room this offseason. That happens when a team is forced to field at least three quarterbacks two of the last three seasons. Both seasons were derailed when the third quarterback couldn’t reach a mediocre bar. The Vikings now have three quarterbacks that can win games. Quarterback isn’t a draft need. Maybe a late-round or undrafted project to challenge Max Brosmer.

Running Backs

Aaron Jones

Jordan Mason

Zavier Scott

With Aaron Jones back for one more season, running back isn’t an immediate need but it is need. I’d be surprised if the Vikings don’t come out of Day 2 with a running back. 

Receivers

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Tai Felton

Myles Price

Jeshaun Jones

Dontae Fleming

Joaquin Davis

In Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the Vikings have the best receiving duo in the league. As a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tai Felton was selected as the eventual replacement for Jalen Nailor as the Vikings WR3. Nailor left for the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. Felton earned a signifiant special teams role but did little on offense. He needs to step up in his second season. Whether it’s Felton, an early draft pick, or a free agent, the Vikings need a third receiver to take some pressure off Jefferson and Addison. 

Tight Ends

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Gavin Bartholomew

Ben Yurosek

Bryson Nesbit

The Vikings tight end position is similar to the running back position. It’s not an immediate need but T.J. Hockenson’s contract was re-done to allow his free agency departure next offseason. The position will soon be a significant need. It might be best to get ahead of it with a talented prospect in this draft. 

Tackles

Christian Darrisaw

Brian O’Neill

Ryan Van Demark

Walter Rouse

Caleb Etienne

The Vikings have strong bookend tackles in Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. Darrisaw struggled to stay on the field last season in his return from a 2024 ACL injury. If those struggles are behind him, the Vikings are set at tackle for as long as O’Neill plays. Hopefully, he has a handful of years remaining in him. Ryan Van Demark was a significant depth addition this offseason. 

Guards

Donovan Jackson

Will Fries

Joe Huber

Henry Byrd

As a rookie, Donovan Jackson improved through the season. Coming off a significant leg injury in 2024, Will Fries did the same. They should form a formidable guard duo in their second season with the Vikings. As an undrafted rookie, Joe Huber played well in his single start last season. While not a significant need, a team should never pass up a chance to provide more depth to the offensive line. 

Centers

Blake Brandel

Michael Jurgens

Vershon Lee

It feels like Blake Brandel is a placeholder at center. I expect the Vikings to find their franchise center on Day 2 of the draft. If that happens, Brandel would provide strong depth at all of the interior offensive line positions. If the Vikings can’t find their center in the draft, Brandel would be a solid option at the position. However, the offensive line depth would take a hit. 

Defense

Defensive Line

Jalen Redmond

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Elijah Williams

Taki Taimani

Jaylon Hutchings

This is a very young and very interesting group. Jalen Redmond arrived last season. He’s a problem for offenses. Levi Drake Rodriguez emerged last season in a rotational role. Perhaps, he breaks out this season like Redmond did last season. The same could be true of Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. Elijah Williams appeared in seven games as an undrafted rookie. He has intriguing potential. Taki Taimani is the only defensive lineman on the roster with nose tackle size. Jaylon Hutchings is a signing out of the Canadian Football League. While I really like the talent and potential of this young group, defensive line could be, and should be, addressed early in the draft. 

Outside Linebackers

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Bo Richter

Tyler Batty

Chaz Chambliss

With Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner, outside linebacker is a Vikings strength. Perhaps the biggest challenge is finding enough snaps for the trio. Still, a team can never have enough pass rushers. And Van Ginkel, unfortunately, can’t play forever. I can see a pass rusher selected early in the draft. 

Inside Linebackers

Blake Cashman

Eric Wilson

Ivan Pace Jr.

Josh Ross

Jacob Roberts

Blake Cashman is brilliant when he’s on the field. Eric Wilson was a revelation last year. They are a terrific duo. Cashman turns 30 this year. Wilson turns 32. I’d like to see the Vikings add a promising linebacker in the draft. 

Cornerbacks

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

James Pierre

Zemaiah Vaughn

Dwight McGlothern

With the free agency addition of James Pierre, the Vikings now have a solid corner trio. Byron Murphy Jr. is 28. Isaiah Rodgers is 28. Pierre will be 30 at the start of the season. The Vikings could use a talented rookie. Perhaps a first-round corner.

Safeties

Joshua Metellus

Theo Jackson

Jay Ward

Tavierre Thomas

Kahlef Hailassie 

Perhaps Harrison Smith as well.

Harrison Smith has yet to announce his retirement. I believe the longer it takes, the more likely it is that he returns. He’s only 37. With or without Smith, safety is a need. There’s a reason safety is the position most frequently mocked to the Vikings. 

Special Teams

Kicker

Will Reichard

Will Reichard is the best kicker in the league. 

Punter

Johnny Hekker

The Vikings signed Johnny Hekker this offseason. I wish that they were getting Hekker of about ten years ago. He’s still a solid punter and excellent holder. 

Long Snapper

Andrew DePaola

At 38, Andrew DePoala is still the best long snapper in the league. 

NFL Offseason Workout Dates

The ten teams with new coaches get an early start with offseason workouts. The Baltimore Ravens reported yesterday. The remaining nine teams report today. Here are the workout dates for all 32 teams.

Minnesota Vikings

First Day: April 20

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 26-27, May 29, June 1-2, June 4, June 15-18

Mandatory Minicamp: June 9-11

Chicago Bears

First Day: April 20

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 27-29, June 2-4

Mandatory Minicamp: June 9-11

Detroit Lions

First Day: April 20

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 27-29, June 2-4, June 9-11

Mandatory Minicamp: June 16-17

Green Bay Packers

First Day: April 20

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 26-27, May 29, June 1-2, June 4, June 15-16, June 18

Mandatory Minicamp: June 9-11

Dallas Cowboys

First Day: April 20

OTA Offseason Workouts: June 1-2, June 4, June 8-9, June 11

Mandatory Minicamp: June 16-18

New York Giants

First Day: April 7

Voluntary Minicamp: April 21-23

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 19-21, May 27-29, June 1-4

Mandatory Minicamp: June 8-10

Philadelphia Eagles

First Day: April 20

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 26-27, May 29, June 1-2, June 4

Mandatory Minicamp: June 9-10

Washington Commanders

First Day: April 20

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 27-29, June 2-4, June 9-11

Mandatory Minicamp: June 16-18

Atlanta Falcons

First Day: April 7

Voluntary Minicamp: April 21-23

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 18-19, May 21, May 26-27, May 29, June 8-9, June 11

Mandatory Minicamp: June 16-18

Carolina Panthers 

First Day: April 20

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 26-27, May 29, June 1-2, June 4

Mandatory Minicamp: June 9-11

New Orleans Saints

First Day: April 20

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 27-28, June 1, June 3-4, June 8, June 10-11

Mandatory Minicamp: June 16-17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

First Day: April 20

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 26-28, June 2-4, June 9-11

Mandatory Minicamp: June 16-18

Arizona Cardinals

First Day: April 7

Voluntary Minicamp: April 21-23

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 18-19, May 21, May 26-27, May 29, June 1-2, June 4

Mandatory Minicamp: June 16-18

Los Angeles Rams

First Day: April 20

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 26-28, June 1-2, June 4, June 8-9, June 11

Mandatory Minicamp: June 15-16

San Francisco 49ers

First Day: April 20

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 27-29, June 1, June 3-4

Mandatory Minicamp: June 9-10

Seattle Seahawks

First Day: April 20

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 26, May 28-29, June 1, June 3-4

Mandatory Minicamp: June 9-11

Buffalo Bills

First Day: April 7

Voluntary Minicamp: April 20-22

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 18-19, May 21, May 26-28, June 1-4

Mandatory Minicamp: June 9-11

Miami Dolphins

First Day: April 7

Voluntary Minicamp: April 21-23

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 18-19, May 21, May 26-27, May 29, June 8-9, June 11

Mandatory Minicamp: June 2-4

New England Patriots 

First Day: April 20

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 27, May 29, June 1-2, June 4, June 8-9, June 11

Mandatory Minicamp: June 15-17

New York Jets

First Day: April 20

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 27-29, June 1-2, June 4, June 8-11

Mandatory Minicamp: June 16-18

Baltimore Ravens

First Day: April 6

Voluntary Minicamp: April 20-22

OTA Offseason Workouts:May 18-19, May 21, May 26-28, June 1-2, June 4

Mandatory Minicamp: June 9-11

Cincinnati Bengals

First Day: April 20

OTA Offseason Workouts: June 1-3, June 9-11

Mandatory Minicamp: June 16-18

Cleveland Browns

First Day: April 7

Voluntary Minicamp: April 21-23

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 19-21, May 26-28, June 2-5

Mandatory Minicamp: June 9-11

Pittsburgh Steelers

First Day: April 7

Voluntary Minicamp: April 20-22

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 18, May 20-21, May 26, May 28-29, June 8-9, June 11-12

Mandatory Minicamp: June 2-4

Houston Texans

First Day: April 20

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 27-29, June 1-2, June 4

Mandatory Minicamp: June 9-11

Indianapolis Colts

First Day: April 21

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 26-27, May 29, June 1-2, June 4

Mandatory Minicamp: June 9-11

Jacksonville Jaguars

First Day: April 20

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 26, May 28-29, June 1-2, June 4, June 15-17

Mandatory Minicamp: June 9-11

Tennessee Titans

First Day: April 7

Voluntary Minicamp: April 21-23

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 18-19, May 21, May 26-27, May 29, June 8-9, June 11-12

Mandatory Minicamp: June 16-17

Denver Broncos

First Day: May 4

OTA Offseason Workouts: June 2-4, June 8-11

Mandatory Minicamp: June 16-18

Kansas City Chiefs

First Day: April 20

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 26-28, June 1-3

Mandatory Minicamp: June 9-11

Las Vegas Raiders

First Day: April 7

Voluntary Minicamp: April 20-22

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 18, May 20-21, May 26, May 28-29, June 1-4

Mandatory Minicamp: June 6-11

Los Angeles Chargers

First Day: April 20

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 26-27, May 29, June 2-4, June 8-11

Mandatory Minicamp: June 16-18

Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft Monday

It’s another Monday closer to the real draft. 17 more days. Here’s another Minnesota Vikings mock draft. 

1. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

2. Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

3. Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh

3. Logan Jones, C, Iowa

5. Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati

6. Nick Barrett, DT, South Carolina

7. Kaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa

7. Riley Nowakowski, FB/TE, Indiana

7. Ahmari Harvey, CB, Georgia Tech

After missing all of the 2025 season with an ACL injury, it was easy to imagine Jermod McCoy being available at #18. After an explosive performance at his Pro Day last week, I don’t think he’ll be available when the Vikings are on the clock. He may now challenge Mansoor Delane as the first cornerback to be selected in the draft. If available, McCoy would be an excellent addition to the Vikings secondary.

Day 2 of this mock provides three players that would contribute immediately and soon grab starting roles. The Vikings need a young, difference-maker at running back. Jadarian Price would perfectly fill that role. Kyle Louis has emerged as one of my favorite players in this draft. Brian Flores would have a blast scheming for the versatile defender. Louis is the best cover linebacker in the draft. He may also be considered the best cover safety. He has the size and athletic ability to play both positions. Much like Josh Metellus, Louis can project nearly anywhere on the defense. While Blake Brandel is a solid placeholder at center, I think the Vikings offensive line is at its strongest when he’s backing up as many as five positions. Logan Jones could immediately step in at center and raise the floor of the starting offensive line.

With each of these mocks, I’m always foolishly hoping to address all of the Vikings biggest needs in the first three rounds. With only four picks it’s impossible to address every need. It’s one of the reasons I wouldn’t be surprised if the Vikings trade back in the first round and add a Day 2 pick. This mock is helped by the addition of Kyle Louis. His versatility potentially addresses needs at linebacker and safety. In this mock, it’s defensive tackle and receiver that slip into Day 3. At 6’5” and 4.31 forty, Jeff Caldwell intrigues with his size and speed. The Vikings have no receiver that big or that fast. Day 3 is often for players with particular traits and Caldwell is loaded with particular traits. Nick Barrett is a big, run-stuffer, space-eater. The Vikings could use one of those on the defensive line. As always, the sixth and seventh rounds include some of my late-round favorites. While Myles Price shined as a returner in his rookie season, Kaden Wetjen is a whole other type of returner. He could immediately be one of the league’s best. Riley Nowakowski is a C.J. Ham replacement as a fullback and extra blocker. Ahmari Harvey has become a seventh-round regular in these mock drafts. 

Until this next one. 

Here’s Another Mock Draft

It’s been a couple weeks. It’s time for another mock draft. 

I don’t like mocking trades in mock drafts. Mock drafts are a fairly silly thing to start. There are so many variables and guesses without inserting the variables and guesses that come with trades. Who wants to trade back? Who wants to trade up? How far up? How far back? Who has the assets to make a trade? Who’s willing to use those assets? That being said, if I were to mock a trade in this draft, it would be the Arizona Cardinals trading the third pick in the draft. Without a second or third quarterback worthy of the third pick, the Cardinals are probably looking at an offensive lineman. They can probably get that same offensive lineman a bit later. While I don’t believe that the Cardinals will stay put, I’m projecting that they will in this mock. 

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

2.   New York Jets: Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State

3.   Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

4.   Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

5.   New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

6.   Cleveland Browns: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

7.   Washington Commanders: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

8.   New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami 

9.   Kansas City Chiefs: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

11. Miami Dolphins: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons): Makai Lemon, WR, USC

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

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami

16. New York Jets (from Colts): Jordan Tyson, WR, Arizona State

17. Detroit Lions: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

18. Minnesota Vikings: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

19. Carolina Panthers: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers): CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

24. Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

25. Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

26. Buffalo Bills: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

27. San Francisco 49ers: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

28. Houston Texans: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

30. Miami Dolphins (from Broncos): Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M

31. New England Patriots: TJ Parker, Edge, Clemson

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

Until the next one. 

Vikings Safeties

Finally, this pre-draft run through the position groups of the Minnesota Vikings concludes with the safeties. 

Minnesota Vikings Safeties

Harrison Smith

Josh Metellus

Jay Ward

Theo Jackson

Tavierre Thomas

Kahlef Hailassie

Technically, Harrison Smith is no longer on the roster. The Vikings released him earlier this offseason as a procedural move. Personally, Smith isn’t off the roster until he officially retires. He’s yet to do that. I believe the longer it takes to make the decision the more likely it is that he returns for another season. He’s only 37. 

With Harrison Smith in the lineup, the safety position is in decent shape. Josh Metellus isn’t a traditional safety. His strength is his versatility. He can play all over the defensive formation. Finding him and figuring out his role on a given snap can be a chore for the offense. Jay Ward was primarily a special teams staple for his first two seasons in Minnesota. Last season, he was getting some run with the defense. He likely played his way into an expanded role this season. Theo Jackson was penciled in last season as the replacement for Cam Bynum. Jackson started the first several games while Smith was sidelined with a health issue. Upon Smith’s return, Jackson assumed more of a rotational role. Tavierre Thomas is on the roster for his special teams play. Kahlef Hailassie started last season on the Vikings practice squad. The Jacksonville Jaguars signed him to their active roster on September 17 and was waived on November 17. The Vikings signed him to the practice squad a week later. So, the season ended where it started for Hailassie. He was signed to a reserve/future contract after the season.

Whether Harrison Smith returns or retires, safety is a draft need for the Vikings. Even at 37, Smith will be difficult to keep off the field. One would imagine that his snaps might be reduced. I’m not so sure it plays out that way. As recently as a couple years ago, safety was arguably the Vikings strongest position group. With Cam Bynum’s departure in free agency last year and Smith inching toward retirement, cracks are appearing in the position. Josh Metellus has his unique role and can hardly be considered a traditional safety. Among the players currently on the roster, Jay Ward is the wildcard. Despite not earning a significant defensive role in his first three seasons, he intrigues me. He always has. He played slot and safety at LSU. He can cover and play in the box. He can blitz and make plays against the run. He’s a candidate for a breakout season. With Smith nearing retirement, Metellus’s nebulous role, and a bunch of questions, I expect the Vikings to address safety early in the draft. 

Vikings Cornerbacks

The pre-draft run through the position groups of the Minnesota Vikings continues with the cornerbacks. 

Minnesota Vikings Cornerbacks

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

James Pierre

Dwight McGlothern

Zemaiah Vaughn

Like Isaiah Rodgers last year, the free agency signing this year of James Pierre feels like a strong, under-the-radar signing. The addition gives the Vikings a solid top trio. At 6’2”, Pierre also gives the defense some size at corner. Youngsters Dwight McGlothern and Zemaiah Vaughn provide depth and have intriguing potential. Both are also over 6’2” so they bring some size as well. 

There was some free agency hope that the Vikings would make a big-time corner signing like Jamel Dean or Jaylon Watson. There wasn’t really the salary cap capacity for that sort of free agency addition. I don’t know if many had James Pierre as a target. I do know that there was significant relief when the signing was announced. Everybody loved his sterling PFF grades. Many liked his size and overall solid play. I know that I liked that Vikings new secondary coach Gerald Alexander coached Pierre with the Pittsburgh Steelers. I’ve been a fan of Alexander’s coaching and ability to develop players since his days at Cal nearly a decade ago. If he likes James Pierre, I like James Pierre. 

Cornerback is often a draft need for the Vikings. From first round to seventh round, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see corner be the pick at just about any round of the upcoming draft. A top-notch rookie corner making the trio of Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, and James Pierre a quartet is an exciting prospect. 

Up next: Safeties

Vikings Linebackers

The linebackers are next in this pre-draft run through the position groups of the Minnesota Vikings. 

Minnesota Vikings Linebackers

Outside

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Bo Richter

Tyler Batty

Chaz Chambliss

Inside

Blake Cashman

Eric Wilson

Ivan Pace Jr.

Jacob Roberts

Josh Ross

The outside and inside linebackers are very different position groups. It’s best to separate them.

With Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner at the top of the depth chart, outside linebacker is a Vikings strength. The biggest problem with the three is finding enough snaps for all of them. It’s a luxury for defensive coordinator Brian Flores and his coaches. Bo Richter, Tyler Batty, and Chaz Chambliss were all undrafted and provide some rotational snaps.

As for the inside linebackers, Blake Cashman has been brilliant, when healthy, both of his seasons in Minnesota. The fact that he’s missed some time each season is the only concern. Eric Wilson was signed last season for his special teams play. He earned a contract extension this offseason for his excellent play on defense. In Cashman and Wilson, the Vikings have a strong inside linebacker duo. Ivan Pace Jr. has had an up-and-down three years with the Vikings. In his high moments, he looked like a future franchise fixture. In his down moments, he looked like a solid special teams player. His contributions last season were mostly on special teams. If he rebounds this season, the Vikings have a strong interior trio. Jacob Roberts and Josh Ross signed reserve/future contracts in January. Roberts was signed out of the Canadian Football League.

The biggest question about the Vikings linebacker group is probably the age of Andrew Van Ginkel, Blake Cashman, and Eric Wilson. While each will be over 30 at the start of the season, I believe that all have at least two more strong seasons in them. Is that enough to not see either linebacker group as a need in the upcoming draft? Not at all. I can easily see the Vikings using a high pick on an inside or outside linebacker. Especially outside linebacker. An NFL team can never have enough pass rushers. 

Up next: Cornerbacks