Final 2026 NFL Draft Player Rankings: By Position

The 2026 NFL Draft is just two days away. The endless draft evaluation process is finally coming to an end. Here’s a look at five of the top draft prospects at each position.

2026 NFL Draft Player Rankings: By Position

Quarterbacks

1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

2. Ty Simpson, Alabama

3. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

4. Carson Beck, Miami

5. Drew Allar, Penn State

Running Backs

1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

2. Jadarian Price, Notre Dame

3. Emmitt Johnson, Nebraska

4. Jonah Coleman, Washington

5. Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas

Receivers

1. Carnell Tate, Ohio State

2. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

3. Makai Lemon, USC

4. KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

5. Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

Tight Ends

1. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

2. Max Klare, Ohio State

3. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

4. Jack Endries, Texas

5. Dallen Bentley, Utah

Offensive Tackles

1. Francis Mauigoa, Miami

2. Monroe Freeling, Georgia

3. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

4. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

5. Max Iheanachor, Arizona State

Guards

1. Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

2. Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M

3. Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon

4. Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech

5. Gennings Dunker, Iowa

Centers

1. Connor Lew, Auburn

2. Logan Jones, Iowa

3. Jake Slaughter, Florida

4. Sam Hecht, Kansas

5. Brian Parker II, Duke

Edge

1. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

2. David Bailey, Texas A&M

3. Kendric Faulk, Auburn

4. Akheem Mesidor, Miami

5. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Defensive Tackles

1. Kayden McDaniel

2. Peter Woods, Clemson

3. Lee Hunter, Texas Tech

4. Christen Miller, Georgia

5. Caleb Banks, Florida

Linebackers

1. Arvell Reese, Ohio State

2. Sonny Styles, Ohio State

3. CJ Allen, Georgia

4. Jake Rodriguez, Texas Tech

5. Jake Golday, Cincinnati

Cornerbacks

1. Mansoor Delane, LSU

2. Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

3. Chris Johnson, San Diego State

4. D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana

5. Colton Hood, Tennessee

Safeties

1. Caleb Downs, Ohio State

2. Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

3. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

4. Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh

5. A.J. Haulcy, LSU

Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft Monday

Finally, it’s the last Monday in front of the 2026 NFL Draft. Here’s a final Minnesota Vikings mock draft before the real one. 

1. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

2. Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

3. Connor Lew, C, Auburn

3. Kaleb Proctor, DL, SE Louisiana

5. Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest

6. VJ Payne, S, Kansas State

7. Kaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa

7. Riley Nowakowski, TE/FB, Indiana

7. Tyler Onyedim, DL, Texas A&M

In Jermod McCoy, the Vikings select arguably the most skilled corner in the draft. If not for a January 2024 torn ACL, he probably isn’t getting out of the top 10. I’ve wondered if the Vikings see corner as a first round option but I’m not sure they can pass on McCoy. 

Germie Bernard and Georgia State’s Ted Hurst have emerged as my favorite Day 2 receivers. In this mock, Bernard is the pick in the second round. The Vikings must select a center on Day 2. Connor Lew is the pick here. He should be an immediate starter. In the last couple weeks, Kaleb Proctor has become one of my favorite defensive linemen in the draft. Coming out of a small school, I’ve hoped that he’d slip into Day 3. I doubt that happens. He closes out the Day 2 mock draft picks in this mock draft. 

When it comes to the real draft, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Vikings grab a running back on Day 2. Unfortunately they have only three picks for about a half dozen significant needs. I have running back being the position pushed to Day 3 mostly because of the potential availability of Demond Claiborne. He’s a speed back similar to De’Von Achane of the Miami Dolphins. Frank Smith helped craft the Dolphins run game in which Achane flourished. Smith was hired by Kevin O’Connell in February to help with the Vikings offense. Claiborne, Aaron Jones, and Jordan Mason would be a strong and versatile trio of backs. I would’ve preferred to address safety earlier than the sixth round. VJ Payne would be a solid Day 3 option. Myles Price emerged as a returner as a rookie last season. Despite that, Kaden Wetjen could immediately be one of the best returners in the league. Riley Nowakowski replaces the retired C.J. Ham as a blocker. I don’t think there’s any chance Tyler Onyedim is available in the seventh round. I don’t even think he’ll be available in the fifth round. He was available in this mock draft simulation and is a steal in the seventh round. 

Next up: The real draft. Finally. 

New First Round Order

After about a month of getting set with the order of the 2026 NFL Draft’s first round, the New York Giants and Cincinnati Bengals jumbled things. With negotiations at an impasse between defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and the Giants, it felt like a trade could happen. Yesterday, a trade did happen. The Giants traded the gigantic offense-wrecker to the Cincinnati Bengals for the tenth pick. Already holding the fifth pick, New York now has two picks in the top ten. Here’s the new look order of the first round. 

1.   Las Vegas Raiders

2.   New York Jets

3.   Arizona Cardinals

4.   Tennessee Titans

5.   New York Giants

6.   Cleveland Browns

7.   Washington Commanders

8.   New Orleans Saints

9.   Kansas City Chiefs

10. New York Giants (from Bengals)

11. Miami Dolphins

12. Dallas Cowboys

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons)

14. Baltimore Ravens

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

16. New York Jets (from Colts)

17. Detroit Lions

18. Minnesota Vikings

19. Carolina Panthers

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers)

21. Pittsburgh Steelers

22. Los Angeles Chargers

23. Philadelphia Eagles

24. Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars)

25. Chicago Bears

26. Buffalo Bills

27. San Francisco 49ers

28. Houston Texans

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams)

30. Miami Dolphins (from Broncos)

31. New England Patriots

32. Seattle Seahawks

Six teams now have two picks in the first round.

New York Jets: 2,16

New York Giants: 5,10

Cleveland Browns: 6,24

Kansas City Chiefs: 9,29

Miami Dolphins: 11,30

Dallas Cowboys: 12,20

Four more days…

Draft Favorites By Round

The 2026 NFL Draft is less than a week away. Here are some of my favorite players for the Minnesota Vikings in each of the seven rounds.

First Round

Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State

Through the draft process, Dillon Thieneman and Keldric Faulk have emerged as my first round favorites. Followed closely by the rest. 

Second Round

Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

AJ Haulcy, S, LSU

Keionte Scott, CB, Miami

Third Round

Connor Lew, C, Auburn

Logan Jones, C, Iowa

Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State

Jake Slaughter, C, Florida

Kaleb Proctor, DL, SE Louisiana

Jaishawn Barham, Edge, Michigan

Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh

Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington

Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska

Fourth Round

Unfortunately, the Vikings have no fourth round pick. It’s going to be a frustrating start to Day 3.

Fifth Round

Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest

Devin Moore, CB, Florida

Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati

Ahmari Harvey, CB, Georgia Tech

Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston

Sixth Round

Kaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa

Deven Eastern, DL, Minnesota

Jordan van den Berg, DL, Georgia Tech

Jaydn Ott, RB, Oklahoma

Eli Heidenreich, RB/WR, Navy

Tyren Montgomery, WR, John Carroll

Seventh Round

Max Bredeson, TE/FB, Michigan

Zxavian Harris, DL, Mississippi

Brett Thorson, P, Georgia

Tristan Leigh, OT, Clemson

Uar Bernard, DL, Nigeria/IPP

Eric Gentry, LB, USC

A draft haul from the above favorites might look a little something like this:

1. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

2. Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

3. Connor Lew, C, Auburn

3. Kaleb Proctor, DL, SE Louisiana

5. Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest

6. Kaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa

7. Max Bredeson, TE/FB, Michigan

7. Zxavian Harris, DL, Mississippi

7. Eric Gentry, LB, USC

The Athletic’s Draft Haul For The Vikings

Fresh off of dropping “The Beast,” the Athletic’s Dane Brugler released his seven-round mock drafts. Brugler is one of my favorite talent evaluators. He puts so much work into all that he does. A seven-round mock is a daunting thing. Here’s what he got for the Minnesota Vikings. 

1. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

2. Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

3. A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU

3. Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State

5. Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati

6. Mason Reiger, Edge, Wisconsin

7. J.C. Davis, OT, Illinois

7. Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky

7. Josh Cuevas, TE, Alabama

It’s always a bit startling when Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman isn’t mocked to the Vikings at 18. In this mock, Thieneman was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the next pick. Jermod McCoy would be an outstanding addition to the Vikings secondary. It’s been since Xavier Rhodes started to fade that a corner of McCoy’s talent has been in Minnesota. Shortly after the combine, Lee Hunter was one of my favorites for the first round. Preferably with a little trade back. With the way that he moved, I could see a little Dexter Lawrence in Hunter. Getting him in the second round would be a steal. A.J. Haulcy in the third would also be a steal. The Vikings must find a center on Day 2. Sam Hecht works for me. 

The biggest challenge of this year’s mock drafts has been trying to appropriately address all of the Vikings top needs with their four picks in the first three rounds. It’s both difficult and frustrating. Through this draft evaluation process, I’ve become convinced that the Vikings will address receiver or running back on Day 2. If the draft falls their way, I could see both positions being addressed. With center being a priority, Day 2 could be all offense. In Brugler’s mock, I might be tempted to pass on Lee Hunter for Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price. I like Hunter but I might like Price more. Even with Clemson receiver Antonio Williams, I don’t think I’d give up A.J. Haulcy for a receiver. In mocks, Haulcy has often been my pick in the second round if Dillon Thieneman isn’t the pick in the first. 

As for the receiver concerns, Jeff Caldwell would be a fine addition. The Vikings could use a receiver with his size and speed. With edge being a team strength, I’be debated the need for a pass rusher. In today’s NFL, a team can never have enough players that get after the quarterback. Mason Reiger is one of the best Day 3 options. Brugler didn’t get the Vikings a running back on Day 2 but he found an intriguing one in the seventh round. Seth McGowan is one of my favorite Day 3 backs. I’m surprised that he’s available in the seventh round. J.C. Davis looks like a solid offensive line depth addition. I see Josh Cuevas as a nice C.J. Ham replacement. 

Even though I’d swap Jadarian Price for Lee Hunter, I’d be thrilled if the Vikings real draft fell like Dane Brugler’s mock draft. 

Throwback Thursday: A Look Back At An Old Draft

With NFL Drafts on the mind, I took another look at the 1961 NFL and AFL Drafts. The young, renegade AFL was challenging the old NFL for college talent. So much so that the two leagues were drafting players before the college bowl games were even played. The AFL conducted the first six rounds of their 1961 draft on November 23, 1960, by phone. The draft was completed on December 5th and 6th. The NFL held their 1961 draft on December 27 and 28. The 1961 AFL Draft went for thirty rounds. The 1961 NFL Draft went twenty rounds. With six fewer teams, the AFL selected 240 players to the NFL's 280. As this draft was the first draft of the Minnesota Vikings, I was taking another look at the draft that started it all. I'm always thrilled when I find little nuggets of football history that I've never noticed before. I found one while I was looking through the 1961 drafts of the rival professional football leagues.

Here's the top of the Minnesota Vikings 1961 NFL Draft:

1. Tommy Mason  RB  Tulane
2. Rip Hawkins  LB North Carolina
3. Fran Tarkenton  QB Georgia

Here's the top of the Boston Patriots 1961 AFL Draft:

1. Tommy Mason  RB  Tulane
2. Rip Hawkins  LB  North Carolina
3. Dan LaRose  T  Missouri
4. Mike Zeno  G  Virginia Tech
5. Fran Tarkenton  QB  Georgia

Well, something looks a little fishy there. The Vikings top three selections were three of the Patriots top five selections. They were also taken in the same order. The AFL Draft came first, so the Patriots selected Tommy Mason, Rip Hawkins, and Fran Tarkenton over a month before the Vikings did the same. The Vikings, as an expansion team, had the first pick in the NFL Draft. The Patriots had the second pick in the AFL Draft. Mason was widely considered the top senior back in college football so his selection by teams with one of the top two picks in a draft isn't a surprise. There's just too many variables to even imagine that the Patriots will select three of the same players in the first 34 picks of their draft as the Vikings select in the first 29 picks of their draft. It's as if the two teams had the exact same scouting reports and rankings. Mason selected #1 by the Vikings and #2 by the Patriots. Hawkins selected #15 by the Vikings and #10 by the Patriots. Tarkenton selected #29 by the Vikings and #34 by the Patriots. I guess that the Patriots decided that they could wait a little bit, take care of their offensive line, and grab Tarkenton in the fifth round of their draft.

The threat of losing college players to the AFL was very real for NFL teams. The Houston Oilers, Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers, and Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs dominated the early years of the new league. The Buffalo Bills came on a couple of years later. The Boston Patriots were 5-9, last in the AFL's Eastern Conference in 1960. Maybe the Vikings, despite being an expansion team, didn't see the Patriots as much of a threat to sign players that they drafted. The Vikings saw that the Patriots drafted players that they liked and drafted them with the confidence that they could sign them. It turns out that they were right as the Vikings were able to sign all three players. Each made an impact with the new team. Tommy Mason had a fine career in Minnesota with some Pro Bowl appearances. Rip Hawkins was a prominent member of a defense that would become dominant by the end of the decade. Fran Tarkenton is in the Hall of Fame so he was pretty good.

This little draft nugget is fascinating. There's too many variables for it to be just a coincidence. There's a reason for it. The ability to sign the players may have played a role but there's something more. There's something sinister here. I just know it. 

Another Mock Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft is only eight days away. That leaves enough time for a couple more mock drafts. This one and a last one. Here’s this one.

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

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

3.   Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

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

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

6.   Cleveland Browns: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

7.   Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

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

9.   Kansas City Chiefs: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

11. Miami Dolphins: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

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

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

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

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

17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

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

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

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Emmanuel McNeill-Warren, TE, Toledo

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

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

25. Chicago Bears: Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson

26. Buffalo Bills: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami

27. San Francisco 49ers: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon

28. Houston Texans: Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams): Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

30. Miami Dolphins (from Broncos): Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

31. New England Patriots: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State

32. Seattle Seahawks: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

Until the last one. 

Minnesota Vikings Top 30 Visits

In advance of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings hosted several prospects at the spectacular TCO Performance Center over the weekend. Each team is allowed to bring to their facilities 30 of the draft’s prospects. These little “meet and greets” have come to be called “Top 30” visits. It’s a bit of a misnomer as the visits aren’t necessarily with the top players on each team’s draft board. Team’s just want to get to know these players a bit better, meet a little longer. Thanks to many dedicated draft sleuths, it’s been reported that the following players visited with the Vikings this weekend.

Minnesota Vikings Top 30 Visits

Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest

Jonah Coleman, RB. Washington

Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska

Vinny Anthony II, WR, Wisconsin

Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati

CJ Daniels, WR, Miami

Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Mississippi

Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia

Lance Mason, TE, Wisconsin

Triston Leigh, OL, Clemson

Shiyazh Pete, OL, Kentucky

Uar Bernard, DL, no college

Darrell Jackson, DL, Florida State

Domonique Orange, DL, Iowa State

Mason Reiger, Edge, Wisconsin

Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech

I’m not sure of the exact statistics but it feels like a couple, maybe a few, of the players that make these pre-draft visits are selected by the Vikings in the draft or are signed after the draft. So, a few of the above will soon be calling Minnesota home. That’s exciting as I really like several of these players. That starts with the running backs and receivers. Jonah Coleman, Emmitt Johnson, and Demond Claiborne are at the top of my running backs wish list. Receiver Ted Hurst is one of my favorite Day 2 players regardless of position. As for defense, the Vikings could use a run-stuffer. Domonique Orange and Darrell Jackson are two of best in the draft at stuffing the run. Jake Golday and Anthony Hill Jr. are two of the best linebackers in the draft. It’s a damn shame that the Vikings have only three Day 2 picks. They need five to secure Emmett Johnson, Ted Hurst, Domonique Orange, Jake Golday, and a center.

Speaking of center. The Vikings bringing no centers to TCO Performance Center might be the biggest surprise of the weekend visits. I’m guessing that the Vikings are keeping their interests in that position a secret. In my opinion, and many share it, the Vikings must come out of Day 2 with their franchise center. 

As for some of the potential Day 3 players, safety Cole Wisniewski and edge Mason Reiger intrigue me the most. The freakishly talented Uar Bernard is certainly a curiosity. His natural explosion sure has caused a stir in talent evaluation circles. Is his untapped potential enough for a team to use a late-round pick? Or is he destined to be an undrafted project? Who knows? I do know that I wouldn’t mind if the Vikings took a swing at Bernard’s remarkable potential. 

None of the 19 players listed have any first-round steam. Several are projected to be selected on Day 2, a handful on Day 3, and a few are more likely priority free agents. News came yesterday that the Vikings are bringing in a player this week that will most certainly be selected in the first round. Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq is coming to Minnesota this week. The Vikings selecting the explosive play-maker at #18 has many fans. I’m not sure if I’m one of them. While I wouldn’t protest the pick, I just see more and greater needs on defense. I also see running back and receiver as greater needs than tight end on offense. 

There are so many events in the annual draft evaluation process. It starts with the all-star games, on to the Scouting Combine, and then the Pro Days. The player visits, in particular the “Top 30” visits, are the final event. Only the Draft remains. That can’t get here soon enough. Nine more days. 

Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft Monday

It’s a Monday closer to the real draft. Only one more Monday after this one. Thankfully, the 2026 NFL Draft is almost here. It’s time for another Minnesota Vikings mock draft. 

All of these mock drafts are done with Pro Football Focus’s draft simulator. So, I’m at the mercy of their player rankings. With top draft evaluators like the Athletic’s Dane Brugler, ESPN’s Matt Miller, and NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah releasing their “final” rankings, it’s interesting to see that PFF’s evaluations often don’t match those that have been doing this a long time. It’s safe to say that they won’t match how NFL teams see the players either. PFF is what I have so I’m forced to mock with their rankings. This is what I got this week.

1. Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn

2. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

3. Connor Lew, C, Auburn

3. Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

5. Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest

6. Tanner Kozoil, TE, Houston

7. Max Dredeson, TE/FB, Michigan

7. Micah Morris, G, Georgia

7. Jakobe Thomas, S, Florida

This is one of my favorites of the Monday mocks. Keldric Faulk has emerged as one of my top choices for the 18th pick. He and Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman are currently running as my top picks. At 6’6” and about 280 lbs, Faulk is the biggest of the draft’s top edge rushers. He has the frame to add even more size. An edge rusher for most teams, I think the Vikings might see him as a defensive tackle in their defense. 

I don’t think there’s any chance for Chris Johnson to be available for the Vikings in the second round. But, it’s fun to dream. The Vikings need a center. It’s nice timing as there are a handful of centers in this draft that project as early starters in the NFL. It’s expected that they’ll come off the board as early as the second round and into the third. Connor Lew has emerged as my favorite and I’d be thrilled if he’s the pick with one of their Day 2 picks. I believe that the Vikings will select a receiver and/or a running back on Day 2. Ted Hurst is easily my favorite Day 2 receiver. If a running back isn’t one of the picks in the second and third rounds, Demond Claiborne would be an excellent option on Day 3. With no pick in the fourth round, I’d be hoping that he’s available in the fifth round. 

The final four picks in this mock draft include a couple late-round staples in Houston tight end Tanner Kozoil and Michigan blocker Max Bredeson. The mock newcomers are Georgia guard Micah Morris and Florida safety Jakobe Thomas. I’d like to see the Vikings add some offensive line depth. Tackle is probably the priority but Morris is difficult to pass on in the seventh round. I believe that he goes much earlier on Day 3. I also believe that the Vikings will address safety earlier than the seventh round in the real draft. Thomas is a nice late-round option. 

Until the next, and last, one. 

Possible Minnesota Vikings Picks

The 2026 NFL Draft is creeping closer. As it’s creeped closer, the Athletic released Dane Bugler’s “The Beast.” It’s brilliant as usual. Many of the other top talent evaluators have released their “final” rankings. ESPN’s Matt Miller is one of those evaluators. He released his ranking of the top 482 players on Friday. With nine picks in the draft, the Minnesota Vikings are projected to select nine of those players. Since Miller has taken his rankings well past the 256 players that will be selected, a few more of 482 may be coming to Minnesota as undrafted free agents. 

The nine picks currently held by the Vikings:

1(18)

2(49)

3(82)

3(97)

5(163)

6(196)

7(234)

7(235)

7(244)

As things stand, I’m going to miss that fourth round pick. It always sucks to sit out an entire round. It especially sucks when that round is the first round of Day 3. Still, it’s better than sitting out the second round. The Vikings have been sitting out second rounds since 2022. Finally having a second-round pick is a beautiful thing.

Using Matt Miller’s rankings, this is a look at some of the players that the Vikings could select at each of their nine picks.

1. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

2. Jaishawn Barham, LB, Michigan

3. Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

3. Connor Lew, C, Auburn

5. Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington

6. Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana 

7. Kaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa

7. Andre Fuller, CB, Toledo

7. Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama

The one problem, perhaps only problem, I have with the above draft haul is the lack of a cornerback before the seventh round. That problem is easily solved by swapping Jaishawn Barham for one of several corners available in the second round. Edge isn’t an immediate need but Barham is a particular favorite. I wish that Andrew Van Ginkel could play forever. Since he can’t, Barham projects as a similarly versatile defender. Perhaps, he could learn some of the nuances of Van Ginkel’s game in their time together. It’s tough to give up Barham but he is something of a luxury pick. Keionte Scott, Treydan Stukes, or Keith Abney II might be more responsible picks. 

I love the Day 1 and Day 2 picks. I’m stunned that Matt Miller has Jonah Coleman and Kaleb Proctor projected as fifth- and sixth-round picks. I often try to find ways to select both players in the third round. I’m rarely able to secure those two and the very-much needed center. 

Other than Andre Fuller, I’d project all of the above players as immediate contributors. I’d be very happy with this draft. 

Draft Night Invites

Sixteen prospects have accepted invites to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. 

David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami

Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

With their life-long dreams becoming real, it’s a big night for the 16 prospects. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza will be celebrating his likely #1 selection with family at home in Miami. 

With nearly a third of the invites, Ohio State players are expected to dominate the first night of the draft. 

Caleb Downs

Kadyn McDonald

Arvell Reese

Sonny Styles

Carnell Tate

All but Kadyn McDonald should be among the first ten selections. They may even be among the first six or seven selections. 

Perhaps the most curious of the 16 invites is Tennessee corner Colton Hood. He may be one of the best cornerbacks in the draft but he isn’t the top-ranked cornerback on his own college team. The top-ranked Volunteers corner is Jermod McCoy. He should challenge LSU’s Mansoor Delane as the first corner selected and will surely be off the board before the draft is half complete. Hood should hear his name in the second half of the first round. Or early on Day 2. 

If Colton Hood is selected in the first round, I believe the Green Room will be empty at the start of Day 2. Depending on the ranker, Ty Simpson might be the lowest ranked of the 16. It shouldn’t surprise if the second quarterback in this draft is selected in the first round. The NFL is all about the quarterback. 

Congratulations to the 16 prospects on the invites to their big night. 

Minnesota VIkings Second Round Draft History

Yesterday was a look at the first round draft history of the Minnesota Vikings. Today, it’s the second round. Over 65 drafts, the Vikings have selected 61 players in the second round. Here are those second round selections:

1961: Rip Hawkins, LB, North Carolina

1962: No Pick

1963: Bobby Bell, LB, Minnesota

1964: Hal Bedsole, TE, USC

1965: Archie Sutton, OT, Illinois

          Lance Rentzel, RB, Oklahoma

1966: Jim Lindsey, RB, Arkansas

1967: Bob Grim, WR, Oregon State

1968: Charlie West, DB, Texas-El Paso

1969: Ed White, G, California

1970: Bill Cappleman, QB, Florida State

1971: No Pick

1972: Ed Marinaro, RB, Cornell

1973: Jackie Wallace, DB, Arizona

1974: John Holland, WR, Tennessee State

          Matt Blair, LB, Iowa State

1975: Art Riley, DT, USC

1976: Sammy White, WR, Grambling

1977: Dennis Swilley, C, Texas A&M

1978: John Turner, CB, Miami

1979: Dave Huffman, C, Notre Dame

1980: Willie Teal, CB, LSU

1981: Mardye McDole, WR, Mississippi

          Robin Sendlein, LB, Texas

          Jarvis Redwine, RB, Nebraska

1982: Terry Tausch, OT, Texas

1983: No Pick

1984: No Pick

1985: Issiac Holt, CB Alcorn State

1986: No Pick

1987: Ray Berry, LB, Baylor

1988: Brad Edwards, S, South Carolina

1989: David Braxton, LB, Wake Forest

1990: No Pick

1991: No Pick

1992: Robert Harris, DE, Southern

1993: Qadry Ismail, WR, Syracuse

1994: David Palmer, RB/WR, Alabama

1995: Orlando Thomas, S, SW Louisiana

          Corey Fuller, CB, Florida State

1996: James Manley, DT, Vanderbilt

1997: Torian Gray, S, Virginia Tech

1998: Kailee Wong, LB, Stanford

1999: Jim Kleinsasser, TE, North Dakota

2000: Fred Robbins, DT Wake Forest

          Michael Boireau, DE, Miami

2001: Willie Howard, DT, Stanford

2002: Raonall Smith, LB, Washington State

2003: E.J. Henderson, LB, Maryland

2004: Dontarrious Thomas, LB, Auburn

2005: Marcus Johnson, G, Mississippi

2006: Cedric Griffin, CB, Texas

          Ryan Cook, C, New Mexico

          Tarvaris Jackson, QB, Alabama State

2007: Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina

2008: Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State

2009: Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma

2010: Chris Cook, CB, Virginia

          Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford

2011: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

2012: No Pick

2013: No Pick

2014: No Pick

2015: Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA

2016: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson

2017: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

2018: Brian O’Neill, T, Pittsburgh

2019: Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama

2020: Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State

2021: No Pick

2022: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

          Ed Ingram, G, LSU

2023: No Pick

2024: No Pick

2025: No Pick

A Breakdown:

Hall of Famers:

Bobby Bell

From 1960-65, the National Football League and upstart American Football League waged an annual recruiting war for college football players. Each league had a draft and then the race was on to get the players signed. Some unusual tactics were used. Some ran real close to kidnapping. The more established NFL usually had the edge but the AFL stole more than a few college stars. The recruiting and signing war was the reason for the NFL-AFL merger in 1966. From 1961-65, nearly all of the Vikings draft picks ended up in Minnesota. The big one that got away is Bobby Bell. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Bell was the best outside linebacker of his era and one of the best outside linebackers of any era. His great career earned him a bust in Canton. I’ve spent many sleepless nights imagining Bobby Bell playing behind the great Purple People Eaters. Vikings history would be so different if Bell was a significant part of it. 

Hall of Fame adjacent is 1964 second-round pick Hal Bedsole. In 1967, the Vikings traded Bedsole, Tommy Mason, and a second round pick to the Los Angeles Rams for a first round pick. The Vikings used that first round pick to select Alan Page.

The Vikings Second Round By Position: 

Quarterbacks (2)

Bill Cappleman

Tarvaris Jackson

Running Backs (6)

Lance Rentzel - played receiver in the NFL

Jim Lindsey

Ed Marinaro

Jarvis Redwine

Toby Gerhart

Dalvin Cook

Receivers (7):

Bob Grim

John Holland

Sammy White

Mardye McDole

Qadry Ismail

David Palmer

Sidney Rice

Tight Ends (4):

Hal Bedsole

Jim Kleinsasser

Kyle Rudolph

Irv Smith Jr.

Offensive Linemen (11):

Archie Sutton

Ed White

Dennis Swilley

Dave Huffman

Terry Tausch

Marcus Johnson

Ryan Cook

Phil Loadholt

Brian O’Neill

Ezra Cleveland

Ed Ingram

Defensive Linemen (6):

Art Riley

Robert Harris

James Manley

Fred Robbins

Michael Boireau

Willie Howard

Linebackers (11):

Rip Hawkins

Bobby Bell

Matt Blair

Robin Sendlein

Ray Berry

David Braxton

Kailee Wong

Raonall Smith

E.J. Henderson

Dontarrious Smith

Eric Kendricks

Defensive Backs (14):

Charlie West

Jackie Wallace

John Turner

Willie Teal

Issiac Holt

Brad Edwards

Orlando Thomas

Corey Fuller

Torian Gray

Cedric Griffin

Tyrell Johnson

Chris Cook

Mackensie Alexander

Andrew Booth Jr.

Some Second Round Observations:

In 1981, the Vikings traded the 12th pick in the 1981 NFL Draft to the Baltimore Colts for two second round picks and a fifth round pick. As a result, the Vikings had three picks in the second round. No first round pick. But three second round picks. At the time, I had mixed feelings about this trade. I could understand adding a couple more shots at picking a keeper(s). I just wasn’t sure if two seconds and a fifth equaled the 12th pick. Before the second round, I didn’t like the trade. After the second round, I liked the trade. 

Mardye McDole

Robin Sendlein

Jarvis Redwine

Mardye McDole was a receiver I liked at the 12th pick. The Vikings got him with the 39th pick. I also liked what I’d seen of Robin Sendlein and Jarvis Redwine in college. McDole, Sendlein, and Redwine played a combined 10 seasons for the Vikings. McDole did little. Sendlein started a handful of games. Redwine was a decent returner for a couple years. Hindsight makes things even more painful as Mike Singletary, Howie Long, and Rickey Jackson were second round picks that year. Russ Grimm went in the third. All four ended their great careers in Canton. The Vikings could’ve selected at least a couple of them. Hindsight is fun. 

During the 1983 season, the Vikings traded their 1984 second round pick for Archie Manning. The Chicago Bears damn near killed Manning in a game during the 1984 season. He retired after that season. History will hold Peyton and Eli as better quarterbacks but Archie was the more talented quarterback. History would be kinder to Archie Manning if he didn’t have to start his career with such a shit New Orleans Saints team.

The second round can be a tease. It’s close enough to the top of the draft that it’s expected to be something like a 1a. In reality, it’s more of a crap shoot than the first round and the first round is already a crap shoot. 

One of the best examples of the second round being a tease is 2002 second round pick Raonall Smith. I saw him several times while he played at Washington State. He was a terrific football player, a first round talent, and a steal in the second round. Unfortunately, the touch of a feather could put him on IR. 

Matt Blair is the only second round pick in the Vikings Ring of Honor. Ed White should join him. Jim Kleinsasser and Kyle Rudolph should join him as well. 

Speaking of Matt Blair, several of my favorite Vikings players over the years have been selected in the second round. 

Ed White (I’ll always favor Cal players)

Matt Blair

Sammy White

Orlando Thomas

Jim Kleinsasser

E.J. Henderson

Sidney Rice

Kyle Rudolph

Eric Kendricks

Dalvin Cook

Brian O’Neill

The Vikings second round history is a mixed bag. As soon as I start thinking why bother and trade that second for a third and a fifth, the Vikings pull in a Matt Blair or a Jim Kleinsasser. Rip Hawkins was the first second round pick in franchise history. He became a defensive cornerstone at middle linebacker from 1961-65. He paved the way for Lonnie Warwick, Jeff Siemon, Scott Studwell, E.J. Henderson, and Eric Kendricks. Hawkins started a strong Vikings tradition of middle linebackers. I like many of the Vikings second round picks. I really like a few of them. If the Vikings had managed to pull Bobby Bell from the Chiefs, the Vikings second round history, and franchise history, would be a whole lot different. 

Minnesota Vikings First Round Draft History

The Minnesota Vikings have been taking part in the NFL Draft for 65 years. In those 65 drafts, the Vikings have selected 68 players in the first round. Here are those first round selections:

1961: Tommy Mason, RB, Tulane
1962: No Pick
1963: Jim Dunaway, DT, Mississippi
1964: Carl Eller, DE, Minnesota
1965: Jack Snow, WR, Notre Dame
1966: Jerry Shay, DT, Purdue
1967: Clinton Jones, RB, Michigan State
          Gene Washington, WR, Michigan State
          Alan Page, DT, Notre Dame
1968: Ron Yary, OT, USC
1969: No Pick
1970: John Ward, OT, Oklahoma State
1971: Leo Hayden, RB, Ohio State
1972: Jeff Siemon, LB, Stanford
1973: Chuck Foreman, RB, Miami
1974: Fred McNeill, LB, UCLA
          Steve Riley, OT, USC
1975: Mark Mullaney, DT, Colorado State
1976: James White, DT, Oklahoma State
1977: Tommy Kramer, QB, Rice
1978: Randy Holloway, DE, Pittsburgh
1979: Ted Brown, RB, North Carolina State
1980: Doug Martin, DE, Washington
1981: No Pick
1982: Darrin Nelson, RB, Stanford
1983: Joey Browner, S, USC
1984: Keith Millard, DE, Washington State
1985: Chris Doleman, LB, Pittsburgh
1986: Gerald Robinson, DE, Aubrun
1987: D.J. Dozier, RB, Penn State
1988: Randall McDaniel, OG, Arizona State
1989: No Pick
1990: No Pick
1991: No Pick
1992: No Pick
1993: Robert Smith, RB, Ohio State
1994: DeWayne Washington, CB, North Carolina State
          Todd Steussie, OT, California
1995: Derrick Alexander, DE, Florida State
          Korey Stringer, OT, Ohio State
1996: Duane Clemons, DE, California
1997: Dwayne Rudd, LB, Alabama
1998: Randy Moss, WR, Marshall
1999: Daunte Culpepper, QB, Central Florida
          Dimitrius Underwood, DE, Michigan State
2000: Chris Hovan, DT, Boston College
2001: Michael Bennett, RB, Wisconsin
2002: Bryant McKinnie, OT, Miami
2003: Kevin Williams, DT, Oklahoma State
2004: Kenechi Udeze, DE, USC
2005: Troy Williamson, WR, South Carolina
           Erasmus James, DE, Wisconsin
2006: Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
2007: Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
2008: No Pick
2009: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
2010: No Pick
2011: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
2012: Matt Kalil, OT, USC
          Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame
2013: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
          Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
          Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
2014: Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA
          Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
2015: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
2016: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi
2017: No Pick
2018: Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida
2019: Garrett Bradbury, C, North Carolina State
2020: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
          Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
2021: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
2022: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

2023: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

2024: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

          Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

2025: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State

A Breakdown:

Hall of Famers:
Carl Eller
Alan Page
Ron Yary
Chris Doleman
Randall McDaniel
Randy Moss

Adrian Peterson will soon join this list.

Kevin Williams should.

If I were to pick a past first round pick that hasn’t received the Hall of Fame consideration that he deserves, that player would be Chuck Foreman. There was a four-five year stretch in which he was arguably the best running back in the league. He was certainly the most versatile. He was such a fun back. 

Joey Browner and Keith Millard would be in Canton if injuries hadn’t whittled away at their career. 

By position:

Quarterbacks (5):
Tommy Kramer
Daunte Culpepper
Christian Ponder
Teddy Bridgewater

J.J. McCarthy

Running Backs (10):
Tommy Mason
Clinton Jones
Leo Hayden
Chuck Foreman
Ted Brown
Darrin Nelson
D.J. Dozier
Robert Smith
Michael Bennett
Adrian Peterson

Receivers (9):
Jack Snow
Gene Washington
Randy Moss
Troy Williamson
Percy Harvin
Cordarrelle Patterson
Laquon Treadwell
Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Offensive Linemen (11):
Ron Yary
John Ward
Steve Riley
Randall McDaniel
Todd Steussie
Korey Stringer
Bryant McKinnie
Matt Kalil
Garrett Bradbury
Christian Darrisaw

Donovan Jackson

Defensive Linemen (18):
Jim Dunaway
Carl Eller
Jerry Shay
Alan Page
Mark Mullaney
James White
Randy Holloway
Doug Martin
Keith Millard
Gerald Robinson
Derrick Alexander
Duane Clemons
Dimitrius Underwood
Chris Hovan
Kevin Williams
Keneche Udeze
Erasmus James
Sharrif Floyd

Linebackers (7):
Jeff Siemon
Fred McNeill
Chris Doleman
Dwayne Rudd
Chad Greenway
Anthony Barr

Dallas Turner

Cornerbacks (5):
DeWayne Washington
Xavier Rhodes
Trae Waynes
Mike Hughes
Jeff Gladney

Safeties (3):
Joey Browner
Harrison Smith
Lewis Cine

It’s interesting that defensive line is by far the most popular first round position but a defensive lineman hasn’t been selected in the first round since 2013. While not technically a defensive lineman, the Vikings did address their pass rush in 2024 with the selection of outside linebacker Dallas Turner. 

During the NFL-AFL bidding wars of the 1960s, drafted players had options. They could sign with the established NFL team that drafted them or they could sign with the newbie AFL team that drafted them. The Vikings lost 1963 first-round pick Jim Dunaway to the Buffalo Bills. He developed into an integral player on one of the best defenses in the AFL. He would’ve paired quite nicely with Alan Page in the middle of Vikings defensive line. Or, maybe the Vikings don’t draft Page if Dunaway is already playing well on the line. We’ll never know. 

The Vikings traded 1965 first-round pick Jack Snow to the Los Angeles Rams before he ever played a snap in Minnesota. Despite playing college football in the Midwest at Notre Dame, I believe Snow didn’t like the snow and wanted to play professionally closer to his Southern California home. 

While I initially liked the selection of Lewis Cine. It’s no stretch to say that he’s fallen far short of the other two safeties the Vikings have selected in the first round. Joey Browner was and Harrison Smith continues to be outstanding. 

Picks that thrilled me to the point of hyperventilation:
Joey Browner
Randall McDaniel
Dwayne Rudd
RANDY MOSS
Chris Hovan
Bryant McKinnie
Chad Greenway
Adrian Peterson
Percy Harvin
Harrison Smith
Anthony Barr
Teddy Bridgewater
Justin Jefferson

J.J. McCarthy

Dallas Turner

The selection of Randy Moss in 1998 damn near killed me.

Then, there’s this one. 
I had watched a lot of Darrin Nelson at Stanford and he was a terrific back. I was thrilled when the Vikings drafted him but my thrill was muted a bit by the fact that Marcus Allen was still available. I hadn't seen as much of Allen in college as I'd seen of Nelson but I'd seen enough. I knew that Allen was going to be the better professional running back but I did really like the potential of Nelson’s versatility in the Vikings offense. 

Picks that disappointed so, so much as players:
Dwayne Rudd
Bryant McKinnie

I was thrilled when both players were drafted but I can't remember ever being thrilled watching either play. Dwayne Rudd put more energy into celebrating routine plays than he ever put into actually making plays. For the entirety of his career, Bryant McKinnie simply showed no energy and no interest while he was on the field. He made one Pro Bowl, probably because Brett Favre made him look better than he was, and was sent home before the game was even played. Who does that? McKinnie being sent home from the Pro Bowl was less surprising than his being selected for the game. I've never been one to hate the players that play for the team that I love but I hated seeing these two players play for the Vikings. I was thrilled when both were drafted but I was more thrilled when they left.

On eleven occasions, the Vikings made multiple picks in the first round. The success with those multiple picks is wide-ranging. There’s the high of selecting Clinton Jones, Gene Washington, and Alan Page in 1967. There’s the brutal low of selecting Troy Williamson and Erasmus James in 2005.

On nine occasions, the Vikings made no selections in the first round. Four of those were the rough draft years of 1989-92. The Vikings traded their 1989 first round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for linebacker Mike Merriweather. That was a good trade. The Vikings traded their 1990-92 first round picks, several other picks, and several players to the Dallas Cowboys for Herschel Walker. That was a bad trade. A very bad trade.  

As a youngster in California, I fell for the Vikings in the early 1970s. The first draft that I really remember following was the 1976 draft that brought James White (first round) and Sammy White (second round) to Minnesota. Thanks to the tremendous work during my formative years of Joel Buschbaum, Paul Zimmerman, and Mel Kiper, I gradually started to understand and appreciate the football fun of the NFL Draft. I look forward to every round of every draft but the first round, for obvious reasons, is always my favorite four hours of the NFL offseason. Especially those several minutes when the Minnesota Vikings are on the clock. 

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

Vikings Defensive Line

It’s on to the defense. The defensive line is next in this pre-draft run through the position groups of the Minnesota Vikings. 

Minnesota Vikings Defensive Line

Jalen Redmond

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Taki Taimani

Elijah Williams

Jaylon Hutchings

A year ago, the Vikings defensive line was topped by somewhat big free agent additions in Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Seeing as both have moved to different teams, it’s safe to say that things didn’t work as hoped. Instead of impact plays consistently coming from Allen and Hargrave, Jalen Redmond emerged as one of the better interior defensive linemen in the league. He now tops this plucky group. All six of the above defensive linemen were either late-round picks or undrafted.

Jalen Redmond - undrafted

Levi Drake Rodriguez - seventh-round

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins - fifth-round

Taki Taimani - undrafted

Elijah Williams - undrafted

Jaylon Hutchings - undrafted

This unheralded and mostly undrafted group of football players have become one of my favorite position groups on the Vikings. Playing in the shadow of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave last season, Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins emerged, especially Redmond. People outside of Minnesota might look at the group and exclaim “Who the hell are they?” I kinda like that in a “chip on the shoulder” sort of way. Now, that doesn’t mean that this unheralded group is headed to Canton. Far from it. It definitely looks like the Vikings have found a gem in Redmond. His is an unusual case. If not for a battle with blood clots in college, he might’ve been an early-round pick rather than being ignored in the 2023 NFL Draft. After being released by the Carolina Panthers, he kept his football dream alive playing a few games with the Arlington Renegades of the XFL. That’s where the Vikings found him in 2024. He played a bit that year and earned a starting role last summer. Rodriguez could be the next defensive lineman to step from his unheralded beginnings. He earned a rotational role as a rookie in 2024. That role increased last season. It remains to be seen if he can handle a starting role. Perhaps his ceiling is as a rotational player. His dedication and work ethic seems to make anything possible. Whatever his role, I love his energy and I love having him on the team. Ingram-Dawkins might be the biggest wildcard of the group. It was generally thought that he would’ve been better off staying at Georgia another season rather than entering the 2025 NFL Draft. If he’d stayed in college, he might’ve been an early-round pick this year. Who knows? What is known is that the Vikings might’ve gotten a steal in the fifth round. Now, it’s on Ingram-Dawkins to play to his potential. Elijah Williams might be another 2025 steal. There’s a too long history of players from HBCUs being under-valued and often ignored completely. Williams should’ve been drafted. He didn’t play a lot last season but he did show that he belonged. Taki Taimani is the only defensive lineman on the roster with nose tackle size. He’s bounced between the practice squad and active roster in his two years with the team. The Vikings signed Jaylon Hutchings in January. He was undrafted in 2024, signed by the Chicago Bears, released by the Bears, and signed by the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. His path to Minnesota resembles that of Redmond. He’s yet to take a regular season NFL snap but it’s easy to dream of Hutchings turning into another defensive lineman gem.

Despite my fondness for this plucky group of football players, it’s easy to see the Vikings spending an early-round draft pick on the position. My biggest defensive line question is whether Brian Flores wants a big, space-eating, block-taking nose tackle-type of player in his defense. I think of his Vince Wilfork days with the New England Patriots and believe that he might. This draft has a few of those players. 

Next up: Linebackers