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.