A Way, Way, Way Too Early Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft

I’m not sure if I’ve ever done a mock draft in December. I’ve always thought mock drafts before the order is set is a ridiculous waste of time. The Minnesota Vikings being eliminated from the playoffs and playing on Christmas gave me way too much time before the bulk of the Week 17 games are played today. I’m still basking in the glorious play of the Vikings defense against the Detroit Lions but I’ve also been thinking about potential additions from the 2026 NFL Draft. December is way too early for that. I’ve done it anyways. Here’s a way, way, way too early Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft.

1. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

2. Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

3. Connor Lew, C, Auburn

3. Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State

4. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

The draft order is an unknown. The Vikings work in free agency is an unknown. There are so many unknowns right now. In December, I feel like the Vikings biggest needs moving forward are a boundary corner, a center, a run stopper on the defensive line, and a running back. The first four picks address each of those positions. Unless Ohio State safety Caleb Downs or Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love miraculously fall, I really like cornerback in the first round. The Vikings likely draft slot should put them in position to select LSU’s Mansoor Delane or Clemson’s Avieon Terrell. Either would complete a solid corner trio with Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers. There are a few interesting centers in this draft. Auburn’s Connor Lew, Florida’s Jake Slaughter, Iowa’s Logan Jones, and Oregon’s Iapani Laloulu probably intrigue me the most. In order to secure one of them, the Vikings might need to use their second round pick. A running back and a defensive tackle could be the choices with the two third round picks. Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez was a terrific college linebacker. I’m not sure if he’s an NFL linebacker. At worst, he’s a key special teams player. At best, he’s all-hustle, super efficient, glue player, and fan favorite. 

In December, I like the above draft. I think Mansoor Delane and Connor Lew would be immediate starters. Jadarian Price and Darrell Jackson Jr. would have early rotational roles. Jacob Rodriguez? Who knows?