Minnesota Vikings 2027 Draft Picks

With trades often involving future draft picks, it can be difficult to keep track of which picks a team has in an upcoming NFL Draft. After the trade of quarterback J.J. McCarthy to the New York Giants for a 2027 fifth-round pick, I was wondering what picks the Minnesota Vikings currently held in the next draft. Fortunately, the team’s website had the answer. 

Minnesota Vikings 2027 Draft Picks

First Round

Second Round

Third Round

Third Round (from Philadelphia Eagles in the Jonathan Greenard trade)

Fifth Round

Fifth Round (from Carolina Panthers in the Adam Thielen trade)

Fifth Round (from the New York Giants in the J.J. McCarthy trade)

Sixth Round (from the New England Patriots in the Walter Rouse trade)

Sixth Round (from the New York Jets in the Harrison Phillips trade)

***

The Vikings currently hold nine picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. It could bump to 10 draft picks if the Vikings receive a compensatory pick for the loss of receiver Jalen Nailor in free agency. 

The Vikings currently don’t hold picks in the fourth and seventh round. It’s nice to have two picks in the third and three picks in the fifth but it isn’t nice to sit out the first round of Day 3. 

That trade for Adam Thielen before the start of the 2025 season sure was expensive. It felt expensive at the time. It feels even more expensive with the loss of that fourth-round pick on the horizon. Having an extra fifth from that trade does offset a little bit of the pain of not having a fourth. It was nice to have Thielen back in Minnesota but he didn’t do much and was eventually sent on to the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

The sixth-round pick from the New England Patriots for Walter Rouse originally belonged to the Vikings. That pick was sent to the Patriots during the 2026 NFL Draft in the trade that put the Vikings in position to select Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne. Last summer’s trade of Rouse returned the pick to where it belongs. 

Now, back to thinking about the 2026 season. 

Another Vikings Roster Move

The Minnesota Vikings made several roster moves on Tuesday. None of the moves garnered much attention across the league. That changed on Wednesday. The Vikings signed a couple receivers to the practice squad. 

Jeshaun Jones 

Odell Beckham Jr. 

Jeshaun Jones spent the first three weeks of the season on the league’s suspended list. He joined the 53-man roster last week after his suspension ended and was released from the roster on Tuesday. Now, he’s back on the practice squad. 

Jeshaun Jones joining the practice squad wasn’t the move that received league-wide attention. That was the signing of Odell Beckham Jr. to the practice squad. At 33, and a few years removed from impacting games, Beckham still gets attention. I guess it’s an indication of the star that he once was and personality that he still is. The New York Giants selected Beckham 12th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. He ripped up the league immediately with postseason honors each of his first three seasons. After five years in New York, Beckham bounced to Cleveland for 2.5 years. He joined the Los Angeles Rams during the 2021 season. There, he met and played for then Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell. Beckham quickly established a role with that stacked Rams team. It was a role that contributed to the team rolling to Super Bowl LVI. Just as it looked like Beckham was going to contend for MVP of the big game, he tore his ACL. It’s an injury that ended his Super Bowl and took away his 2022 season. It was the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 and the Miami Dolphins in 2024. No team in 2025. He returned to the New York Giants for the 2026 season. The reunion lasted three games. The last time Beckham played near a Beckham-level with the Ravens in 2023. At 33, his days are behind him. Perhaps he can still flash the freaky talent that he once had. Perhaps playing with long-time Louisiana and LSU pal Justin Jefferson will rekindle some of the magic that he once had. Perhaps his familiarity with O’Connell will ease the transition to a new team. 

The Vikings signing Odell Beckham Jr. to the practice squad is no great commitment. It’s probably more like a prolonged job interview. His veteran presence can be a benefit. He’s a playful individual and his long-time friendship with Justin Jefferson could be fun. I think that he’s too far removed from his impact days for his sometimes problematic personality to be a problem. Some have speculated that Beckham’s signing might be an indication that Jefferson’s ankle injury is more serious than reported. Why does there always have to be a negative reason for a move? I believe that Beckham’s signing is more an opportunity to see if a player still has some magic left. The Vikings offense could use a boost. I think it’s far more likely that Jauan Jennings finally makes an impact as a third receiver than Beckham seeing the field as the fourth or fifth. While it’d be fun to see two Louisiana and LSU legends on the field together, I believe that signing Beckham to the practice squad is simply an opportunity to see if he has anything left. I believe that expectations have been set low. 

Vikings Roster Moves

A 4-0 start to the season doesn’t keep an NFL team from roster moves during the week. As they look toward Week 5, the Minnesota Vikings made several tweaks to the roster on Monday and Tuesday.

The Moves:

Placed G Donovan Jackson on Injured Reserve

Waived:

WR Jeshaun Jones

Released from Practice Squad:

P Johnny Hekker

RB Devin Neal

CB Natrone Brooks

Signed to Practice Squad:

OT Tristan Leigh

Waived from Injured Reserve:

CB Tyreek Chappell

Of course, the most significant of the roster moves is the loss of guard Donovan Jackson with a torn meniscus. He will have surgery and is expected to miss the season. Those that lean optimistic might hope to see him return for a long playoff run. While the Vikings offense has mostly struggled through the first four games, Jackson has been a solid and consistent presence on the offensive line. Paired with Christian Darrisaw, the Vikings have one of the best left sides in the league. Jackson’s loss is significant. Formerly undrafted and in his second season, Joe Huber is first up at left guard. He played well as a rookie least season against a talented Cleveland Browns defensive front. He held up when forced on the field Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. Whether he can handle the job full-time for the rest of the season remains to be seen. He’s the top internal option. Perhaps, the Vikings will look around the league for an additional option.

As for the other roster moves, I was glad that Johnny Hekker was available when rookie punter Brett Thorson came out of the Week 2 game against the Chicago Bears with a hamstring injury. Hekker punted in Week 3 and Week 4. He started both games well but didn’t finish them well. It’ll be good to see Thorson back on the field. When Devin Neal was signed to the practice squad last week, I had some hope for him. I really like him coming out of Kansas when he was in the 2025 NFL Draft. With Jordan Mason on short-term injured reserve, the Vikings needed some running back depth. I thought that Neal could provide it. Apparently not. The Vikings signed offensive tackle Tristan Leigh as a priority undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft. Through offseason workouts and training camp and bringing several desirable tackle traits, he projected as a roster long-shot. He didn’t make the initial 53-man roster but was immediately signed to the practice squad. He was released from the practice squad the next day. A month later, he’s back. Maybe he can play guard. 

The roster moves this week leave the Vikings with two open spots on the 53-man roster and two open spots on the practice squad. More roster moves are expected. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 4 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Miami Dolphins on Sunday 15-10. The defense and special teams were excellent. The offense finally got into a bit of a rhythm at the end of the game. Better late than never. Here are some of the players that helped secure the big win and keep the Vikings undefeated on the season.

Offensive Player of the Game

T.J. Hockenson, TE

Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray needed to get comfortable in the offense. It looked like he finally found some comfort when he started targeting T.J. Hockenson.

13 targets

13 catches

119 yards

Hockenson would’ve had an easy walk-in touchdown at the end of the game. It must have been tempting to get that touchdown seeing as the Vikings offense has had such difficulty scoring them. Instead, Hockenson wisely downed the play at the Dolphins two-yard line with two minutes to play. The first down secured the win as Murray only had to kneel down three times to drain the clock. 

Honorable Mention:

Aaron Jones Sr., RB

20 carries

94 yards

4 catches 

34 yards

128 total yards

Over the past three weeks, Jones has been the Vikings biggest offensive threat. Often, he’s been their only offensive threat.

Defensive Player of the Game

Dallas Turner, OLB

Once again, it’s difficult to pick a single player to be Defensive Player of the Week. Turner has been a regular contender. His two sacks, one forcing a fumble, of Malik Willis gets him the nod this week.

Special Teams Player of the Week

Will Reichard, K

Will Reichard is the best kicker in the league. Through four weeks, he’s probably the Vikings MVP. He scored all 15 points against the Dolphins. It’s just another game for Reichard. 

Honorable Mention:

Myles Price, Returner

Myles Price might’ve taken the honors this week if the offense had taken better advantage of his two big returns. He returned the opening kick 47 yards to midfield. The offense went three-and-out. He set the offense up nicely on their second possession with a 36-yard punt return to the Dolphins 38-yard line. The offense didn’t do much and had to settle for Reichard’s first field goal. 

Vikings - Dolphins

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Miami Dolphins 15-10. 

When I was a kid learning football in the 1970s, winning the game was all that mattered. It really didn’t matter how it looked or the margin. 10-7. 6-3. 15-10. Your team having more points than the other team at the end of the game was the only thing that mattered. Just win. Football in the 2000s is different. For many fans and most in the media, teams have to roll over teams for a win to really mean something. Points. There has to be a lot of points. It takes a lot of points for a team to be of value.

Because the Vikings managed five field goals, and more significantly no touchdowns, there are many unhappy fans. Fans being unhappy after a win feels weird. There were even grumbles when tight end T.J. Hockenson decided to secure the win rather than score a touchdown. That alone seemed to show that points are more important than a win. The Vikings are 4-0. Would the media and fans be happier if Kyler Murray was lighting up defenses but the team was 1-3? Who knows? 

It would’ve been nice if the Vikings had scored some touchdowns against one of the worst teams in the league but NFL games rarely follow a hoped-for script. The one objective every team schemes is having more points at the end of the game than their opponent.  

During the game, it was stressful that the Vikings wasted a 48-yard Myles Price kick return to open the game. Start around midfield and have to punt after three offensive plays? Very disappointing. Price set up the offense on their second possession at the Dolphins 38-yard line with a 36-yard punt return. While not quite as wasteful as the first “big” return, the Vikings could only move the ball nine yards and settled for a 47-yard Will Reichard field goal. It’s a good thing Reichard doesn’t miss because the Vikings offense is having serious difficulty putting the ball in the end zone. 

Myles Price is evolving into quite the special teams weapon. The Vikings have to take better advantage of the excellent field position he’s creating. 

The Vikings Defense. If the defense keeps playing like it’s playing, the Vikings will be in every game. 

The Vikings defense suffocated the Dolphins offense. The Dolphins could only manage eight first downs. Five of the nine possessions went three-and-out. Malik Willis passed for only 85 yards. The Dolphins managed only 198 yards of offense. If not for a couple Ollie Gordon II runs, that output would’ve been closer to 130 yards. 

The Dolphins had a drive at the end of the third quarter that was an outlier from their other eight possessions. That singular drive was only four plays for 55 yards. It was an outlier because each of the four plays gained yards in chunks.

17-yard pass to Malik Washington

9-yard run by Ollie Gordon II

17-yard pass to Malik Washington

12-yards touchdown run by Ollie Gordon II

It was shockingly quick and surgical. The drive was such an outlier that it felt like the Vikings defense simply took an ill-advised break. Ill-advised because it gave the Dolphins some momentum. That momentum didn’t last. 

Fortunately, the Vikings answered that shocking touchdown with their best offense of the season so far with Kyler Murray. It was just two possessions but the offense finally moved the ball. Perhaps, they moved the ball because Murray found a consistent target. T.J. Hockenson. It’s been a while since Hockenson has made an impact like he made yesterday. 

Hockenson’s day:

13 targets

13 catches

119 yards

He would’ve had an easy walk-in touchdown but wisely decided to down the play at the Dolphin’s two-yard line with two minutes to play. The wise play secured the win as three kneel-downs drained the clock. The Dolphins offense never held the ball again. That play crushed any hope they might’ve had. 

Murray on those final two possessions:

13/14 for 120 yards. 

Going in, this game against the Dolphins felt like it should be a get-right game for Kyler Murray. For most of the game he wasn’t getting right. The Dolphins hadn’t sacked a quarterback in the first three games. It took one play for them to get that first sack against the Vikings. Murray simply hasn’t looked comfortable in the offense. He finally looked a little comfortable on those last two drives. While Hockenson was often the target, he wasn’t always the target. Murray threw a nice 27-yarder to Jordan Addison on the second of the two drives. Hopefully, Murray can build on the end of this game. 

Getting Justin Jefferson back can only help in getting Murray right. 

The Vikings are 4-0 because of the outstanding play of the defense and special teams. The offense showed some spark at the end of this win over the Dolphins. It’s a start. Now, go to New Orleans and thrash the Saints next week. 

And, enough with the penalties. 11 penalties is too damn many penalties. 

Flea Flicker Week 4 Predictions

It’s already Week 4. Here are some guesses at the games. 

Miami Dolphins @ Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Vikings

Rematch of Super Bowl VIII goes to the Vikings. 

Indianapolis Colts @ Washington Commanders

Pick: Colts

The NFL’s ridiculous Europe games begin with this one. The travel and logistics of these international games often have a greater impact than the talent and scheme of the respective teams. It’s impossible to pick these stupid games. So, Colts.

New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills

Pick: Bills

These two teams were expected to battle for the AFC East title. Through three weeks, they are headed in different directions. The Bills look like the best team in the league. The Patriots have had a rough start to the season. 

New York Jets @ Chicago Bears

Pick: Bears

How is it that the Bears have played three of their first four games at home? The Jets continue their run through the NFC North. They gave the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions all they could handle the last two weeks. With three weeks without any travel, the Bears should be able to handle the Jets at home. 

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Bengals

This could be a fun game. 

Arizona Cardinals @ New York Giants

Pick: Giants

The Cardinals throwing a scare into the San Francisco 49ers last week is the only that gives me pause in this game.

Los Angeles Rams @ Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Rams

After seeing the Eagles flopping around against the Chicago Bears, it’s difficult seeing them beating the Rams.

Green Bay Packers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Packers

Battle of the Bays. Even the Packers should be able to handle the Buccaneers without Baker Mayfield.

Tennessee Titans @ Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Ravens

The Ravens roll.

Dallas Cowboys @ Houston Texans

Pick: Texans

It’s been a tough start for both teams. Just going with the home team.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Las Vegas Raiders

Pick: Chiefs

The Chiefs hand the Raiders their first loss.

Denver Broncos @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: 49ers

Rematch of Super Bowl XXIV. Same outcome.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Seahawks

I want to pick the Chargers. They have too much talent to be 0-3. With the way they’ve played through three weeks, I can’t pick the Chargers.

Detroit Lions @ Carolina Panthers

Pick: Panthers

Dan Campbell will find a way to lose this one. 

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints

Pick: Saints

20 years ago, Steve Gleason blocked a Falcons punt to wake up a Saints team and a city. The Saints can’t lose this game. 

Miami Dolphins All - Time Team

The Minnesota Vikings host the Miami Dolphins tomorrow. Being in different conferences, the Vikings haven’t played the Dolphins too often over the years. They did have a significant meeting on January 13, 1974. Super Bowl VIII. That game didn’t go well for the Vikings. On the eve of the rematch of that Super Bowl, here are some of the best players in Dolphins franchise history. Several of the players on this team played in that Super Bowl. 

Offense

Quarterback 

Dan Marino

Running Back

Ricky Williams

Fullback

Larry Csonka

Wide Receivers

Paul Warfield

Mark Clayton

Tight End

Bruce Hardy

Tackles

Richmond Webb

Norm Evans

Guards

Bob Kuechenberg

Larry Little

Center

Dwight Stephenson

Defense

Defensive Ends

Jason Taylor 

Cameron Wake

Defensive Tackles

Manny Fernandez

Bob Baumhower

Linebackers

Zach Thomas

Nick Buoniconti 

John Offerdahl

Cornerbacks

Sam Madison

Patrick Surtain

Safeties

Dick Anderson

Jake Scott

Special Teams

Kicker

Garo Yepremian

Punter

Reggie Roby

Kick Returner

Jakeem Grant

Punt Returner

O.J. McDuffie