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.