All Things 2026 Vikings Mock Draft Thread

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Gopher_In_NYC said:
Both tackles missed multiple games due to injuries last season and O’Neil is turning 30 - even if he’s extended it won’t be forever🤦‍♂️

If you actually read the article I shared or did some of your own research, it addresses the trade value specifically.

Thsts what the market would pay and that’s what people who eat at the grown up table understand.

He is one of several; Addison also and if Murray plays at a high level they need money for him as well.


He can play either tackle position, as he did in college, and this was addressed in the Seifert analysis you quoted before🤦‍♂️

Then don’t watch - no one on here likely cares if you do or not. It’s a choice, just like do I wanna be happy or not today?

I’m not going to waste any more of my day with the board’s 🎭👸🏾. Back to ignoring you.

Tootles 🐩
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Then don’t extend O’Neill. Why would you want to extend Addison when he gets in trouble off the field every season?

It doesn’t matter if the deal is ‘fair’ for Greenard. It makes the team worse this season to save money they may or may not use. The Vikings chopped 100 million off this roster, which is no different than what the Twins did at the deadline last season.

You’re such a little baby that can’t handle a differing opinion. Not surprising for someone who lives in their mom’s basement.
 

Seifert’s take on the round 5 selections

Round 5, No. 159: Max Bredeson, TE/FB, Michigan​

My take: Bredeson is listed as a tight end, but he's essentially a fullback. The Vikings certainly had a need following the retirement of C.J. Ham. But we'll just gently point out that Ham played 19% of offensive snaps during the four years since O'Connell arrived. In other words, even on a team that values the fullback, it's a relatively small part of the offense. Bredeson is without question a rugged run blocker, which the Vikings hope to capitalize on, but O'Connell used Ham most often as a pass blocker in recent years.


Round 5, No. 163 overall: Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin​

My take: Demmings is a very athletic player who will get a chance to play based purely on the numbers at the Vikings' cornerback position. At the combine, he had a 42-inch vertical jump, an 11-foot broad jump and a 4.41-second time in the 40-yard dash. The Vikings' top three cornerbacks appear set in Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers. and free agent acquisition James Pierre. After that, however, it's a wide-open competition for depth and playing time.
 


I’ll take this in the 6th round

Seifert’s analysis -

Round 6, No. 198 overall: Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest​


My take: The Vikings have been very interested in adding an explosive element to their backfield, which entering the draft included veterans Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason. They inquired about Travis Etienne Jr. early in free agency before bowing out as the bidding got high.

Claiborne ran a 4.37 in the 40-yard dash at the combine and would add a different element to the backfield if he can get onto the field. As the Vikings navigate their quarterback competition, they would love to have the ability to make big plays in the running game.
 



Slim Tubby said:
Please cite a single poster here that wanted McCoy after it was revealed that he will most likely require a second surgery.

This is such a moronic statement that it doesn't even require an additional comment.

Buh-bye.
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Bold: might want to check post #49

"I hope McCoy falls to us, he’s going to be a better player than Theineman"
 

golf said:
Given our recent draft history with kwesi, i have to believe vikes did extreme due diligence on the injury situation with banks.
I wanted a def lineman so am really happy getting one of this caliber.
I trust the vikes and their medical team on this. Time will tell.
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This is correct
 

TruthSeeker said:
They could have easily traded back fir this guy. He wasn't getting drafted by anyone in Round 1.

It doesn't matter who is in charge, the drafting remains the same. It's ownership's fault for stuff like this.

They need to fix the scouting department and/or learn how to properly manage the NFL Draft. It should be a simple concept of economic principles to figure out value of a pick and a player, and then you draft or trade up/down accordingly.
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Chiefs would've taken him instead of Peter Woods. Prove it wrong. You can't
 



Slim Tubby said:
* Four (4) injuries to the same foot
* Three (3) separate fractures
* Two (2) different surgeries
* Last fracture was "no contact" during drills
* Poor tackler and run stopper in college

I'm sure other teams were all lining up to take this prospect in the 1st Round and give him the fully guaranteed four (4) year contract that comes with it.

We apparently are mysteriously drawn to Florida Gator DT's with significant injury concerns. I'll gladly eat crow if he pans out but this was a horrific pick any way you slice it.
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Bold: :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO: yep that's Flores's MO for sure

Think I'll go with him over you.
 

GophersInIowa said:
I wonder if they were able to keep Flores by saying they’d let him run the draft.
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More like, they told him they would fire Kwesi.

Seriously though, they fired him then suddenly Flores was back.

I don't think it's far off at all ...
 

GopherWeatherGuy said:
Totally makes sense with so many successful 6'-8" guards all over the NFL :rolleyes:
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Seifert is wrong about him getting a look at Guard.

This guy is the new backup tackle. Skule was a bomb that we correctly let walk.

With Darrisaw and ONeill you're almost guaranteed going to need a 3rd tackle at some point to step in for some time
 




Seifert’s comments about the center

Round 7, No. 235 overall: Gavin Gerhardt, C, Cincinnati​

My take: The Vikings addressed a key need with their final pick of the draft. The retirement of Ryan Kelly left the starting job open heading into this offseason, and the Vikings had hoped to land a center earlier than this point. But that's the way the board fell, and Gerhardt will go to camp with two veterans who shared the load last season when Kelly was injured: Blake Brandel and Michael Jurgens. Brandel remains the favorite for the job, at least heading into the start of offseason workouts.
 




Despite not drafting any WR's, the Vikings signed 4 WR's in their big crop of Undrafted Free Agents, with some promising looking players

"The team announced the signing of 19 undrafted free agents to go with their nine draft picks and the group includes wideouts Dillon Bell, Shaleak Knotts, Marcus Sanders Jr., and Luke Wysong.

Bell had 119 catches over four seasons at Georgia while Knotts led Maryland with 717 receiving yards last season. Sanders had 50 catches for 797 yards at Georgia Southern in 2025 and Wysong wrapped up his college time at Arizona after playing four years at New Mexico.

The Vikings also signed North Carolina cornerback Marcus Allen, North Texas cornerback Da’Veawn Armstead, Notre Dame linebacker Jordan Botelho, Texas A&M cornerback Tyreek Chappell, South Carolina defensive lineman Monkell Goodwine, UCF linebacker Keli Lawson, Clemson offensive lineman Tristan Leigh, Dartmouth offensive lineman Delby Lemieux, FIU running back Kejon Owens, Virginia Tech offensive lineman Tomas Rimac, Temple linebacker Cam’Ron Stewart, James Madison safety Jacob Thomas, Georgia punter Brett Thorson, Colorado linebacker Arden Walker, and Texas A&M linebacker Scooby Williams."
 

Ogie Ogilthorpe said:
Despite not drafting any WR's, the Vikings signed 4 WR's in their big crop of Undrafted Free Agents, with some promising looking players

"The team announced the signing of 19 undrafted free agents to go with their nine draft picks and the group includes wideouts Dillon Bell, Shaleak Knotts, Marcus Sanders Jr., and Luke Wysong.

Bell had 119 catches over four seasons at Georgia while Knotts led Maryland with 717 receiving yards last season. Sanders had 50 catches for 797 yards at Georgia Southern in 2025 and Wysong wrapped up his college time at Arizona after playing four years at New Mexico.

The Vikings also signed North Carolina cornerback Marcus Allen, North Texas cornerback Da’Veawn Armstead, Notre Dame linebacker Jordan Botelho, Texas A&M cornerback Tyreek Chappell, South Carolina defensive lineman Monkell Goodwine, UCF linebacker Keli Lawson, Clemson offensive lineman Tristan Leigh, Dartmouth offensive lineman Delby Lemieux, FIU running back Kejon Owens, Virginia Tech offensive lineman Tomas Rimac, Temple linebacker Cam’Ron Stewart, James Madison safety Jacob Thomas, Georgia punter Brett Thorson, Colorado linebacker Arden Walker, and Texas A&M linebacker Scooby Williams."
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I really like the Bell signing. He looks like Tarzan but often plays like Jane. He was a bit of a gadget guy for UGA and is effective running the football. Reminds me a tad of Cordarrelle Patterson.
 

Now all the Vikings podcasters state they knew the Vikings were going pass on Dillon Thieneman. What a
Load of rich creamery butter.
 

Per Alec Lewis in The Athletic, in an article identifying favorite draft picks of each team:

Minnesota Vikings: Safety Jakobe Thomas

"Everything about this selection made sense. Thomas is a versatile safety who transformed a Miami secondary that reached the national championship game. He blitzes, sees the field well and is sharp enough to absorb multiple positions and communicate on the field. All of these traits are hallmarks of defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ system. The Vikings were never going to force a fit at safety in the first round. Instead, they targeted Thomas early and made sure to snag him in the third round. — Alec Lewis
 

I love a lot of the work that Warren Sharp does and the content he produces. This is alarming to say the least

 


ESPN grades:

Minnesota Vikings: C​

Top needs entering the draft: Safety, cornerback, defensive tackle, running back, center

Save for the Kyler Murray veteran minimum signing, the Vikings didn't do a lot in free agency. The biggest changes might have been releasing Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen on the interior of the defensive line in cap-saving measures. Jalen Redmond had a six-sack campaign in 2025, but defensive tackle was definitely an issue coming into the draft.

Caleb Banks is a good player. He can wreak havoc on opposing linemen and has legit burst to affect the quarterback in the pocket as an interior pass rusher (4.5 sacks in 2024). He's at his best as a run stuffer, closing gaps with his 6-foot-6, 327-pound frame, and he brings scheme versatility to the table. But his left foot has been a major problem.

He broke it early last season and was limited to three games. Then he broke it again at the combine, requiring surgery and putting him on the sideline until at least June. That was enough to push him down the Big Board a little bit. I had him ranked 62nd, so taking him at No. 18 was too rich. I was mostly surprised Minnesota passed on safety Dillon Thieneman, but even among the defensive tackles, I had four guys ranked higher, starting with Peter Woods and Kayden McDonald.

Minnesota did take a safety in Jakobe Thomas late in Round 3, and he can create takeaways, with five INTs in 2025. It doubled up on defensive tackle with Domonique Orange and picked up linebacker depth with Jake Golday. But my favorite pick of Day 2 was Caleb Tiernan. I had him ranked 47 spots higher than his draft slot, and he is a massive 6-foot-8, 323-pounder with a ton of experience (44 starts, mostly at left tackle).

The Vikings made four picks on Day 3, and my favorite of the bunch is Charles Demmings. He ran a 4.41 in the 40 at the combine, and with nine interceptions and 35 passes defensed in college, he's a ball hawk. But overall, Minnesota just didn't do enough to move the needle.

www.espn.com

2026 NFL draft grades for 32 teams: Winners, losers, steals

Mel Kiper Jr. evaluates the entire 2026 NFL draft, from the good (Cowboys, Jets) to the very questionable (Rams). See all 32 teams' grades.
www.espn.com www.espn.com

Skol Vikes!!
 

BleedGopher said:
ESPN grades:

Minnesota Vikings: C​

Top needs entering the draft: Safety, cornerback, defensive tackle, running back, center

Save for the Kyler Murray veteran minimum signing, the Vikings didn't do a lot in free agency. The biggest changes might have been releasing Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen on the interior of the defensive line in cap-saving measures. Jalen Redmond had a six-sack campaign in 2025, but defensive tackle was definitely an issue coming into the draft.

Caleb Banks is a good player. He can wreak havoc on opposing linemen and has legit burst to affect the quarterback in the pocket as an interior pass rusher (4.5 sacks in 2024). He's at his best as a run stuffer, closing gaps with his 6-foot-6, 327-pound frame, and he brings scheme versatility to the table. But his left foot has been a major problem.

He broke it early last season and was limited to three games. Then he broke it again at the combine, requiring surgery and putting him on the sideline until at least June. That was enough to push him down the Big Board a little bit. I had him ranked 62nd, so taking him at No. 18 was too rich. I was mostly surprised Minnesota passed on safety Dillon Thieneman, but even among the defensive tackles, I had four guys ranked higher, starting with Peter Woods and Kayden McDonald.

Minnesota did take a safety in Jakobe Thomas late in Round 3, and he can create takeaways, with five INTs in 2025. It doubled up on defensive tackle with Domonique Orange and picked up linebacker depth with Jake Golday. But my favorite pick of Day 2 was Caleb Tiernan. I had him ranked 47 spots higher than his draft slot, and he is a massive 6-foot-8, 323-pounder with a ton of experience (44 starts, mostly at left tackle).

The Vikings made four picks on Day 3, and my favorite of the bunch is Charles Demmings. He ran a 4.41 in the 40 at the combine, and with nine interceptions and 35 passes defensed in college, he's a ball hawk. But overall, Minnesota just didn't do enough to move the needle.

www.espn.com

2026 NFL draft grades for 32 teams: Winners, losers, steals

Mel Kiper Jr. evaluates the entire 2026 NFL draft, from the good (Cowboys, Jets) to the very questionable (Rams). See all 32 teams' grades.
www.espn.com www.espn.com

Skol Vikes!!
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Better than being ranked 29 out of 32 by The Athletic

29. Minnesota Vikings​

118Caleb BanksDTFlorida
251Jake GoldayLBCincinnati
382Domonique OrangeDTIowa State
397Caleb TiernanOTNorthwestern
398Jakobe ThomasSMiami
5159Max BredesonFBMichigan
5163Charles DemmingsCB
team-logo-570-50x50.png
Stephen F. Austin
6198Demond ClaiborneRBWake Forest
7235Gavin GerhardtCCincinnati
Favorite pick: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

This is true for most prospects, but Golday’s landing spot was going to be pivotal for his rookie-year success. Drop his rangy athleticism into a Brian Flores-led defense, and he’ll have a chance to make an immediate impact.


Day 3 pick who could surprise: Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin

Aside from Demmings always being a great quote, he leaves everything he has on the field. With his cover athleticism and mental toughness, Demmings was a worthy bet in the fifth round, and he landed with a team that needed cornerback depth.
 

I'd say there's a decent chance all 9 of these guys make the week 1 roster. I'm not sure the last time that happened.
 

Minnesota Vikings​

The Minnesota Vikings released defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave early in the offseason. Therefore, it wasn't a total shock to see them target their defensive front on opening night. Still, the selection of Florida's Caleb Banks could be considered a reach.

Banks was the 60th-ranked overall prospect on the B/R board.

Fortunately, the Vikings found much better value in Round 2. Off-ball linebacker Jake Golday has the potential to be a true three-down player for Minnesota and was the 37th-ranked prospect on the Scouting Department's final board.

During Day 2 of the draft, the Vikings also received a pair of third-round picks (one in 2026, one in 2027) from the Philadelphia Eagles for edge-rusher Jonathan Greenard. Minnesota then went back to its defensive interior, adding Iowa State's Domonique Orange.

Orange and Jakobe Thomas will add more defensive depth, while the Vikings should boost their ground game with Demond Claiborne and the draft's top fullback, Max Bredeson.

However, it's hard to feel like the Vikings' roster is any better than it was at the start of the offseason—aside from at quarterback, where Kyler Murray adds real improvement potential—though the team has saved considerable cap space.

Minnesota operated without a general manager over draft weekend, and it shows.

Grade: D
 

Still pissed

You either trade down to about 60 to take Banks (he’d still be there) or you trade up to 10 to take Downs (who might be a HOF’er).

Either way, you get a Caleb, but one is going to disappoint.
 

Unregistered User said:
Still pissed

You either trade down to about 60 to take Banks (he’d still be there) or you trade up to 10 to take Downs (who might be a HOF’er).

Either way, you get a Caleb, but one is going to disappoint.
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All the tc media slobs have reported that the vikes draft was great. A+. Again, access journalism means these media types lose everything if they veer from the company pablum.
 

Wow. Just saw an incredible deep dive on the Caleb Banks injury situation(s), the severity, the treatment, and whether or not we should be worried at all.

Happened to catch this from Luke Braun, from the Locked on Vikings podcast; Braun is really good, for the record. He does his homework, more than pretty much anyone else I've seen on the Locked On network I have to say.

I can try to summarize (but I could butcher some of it) to save some of you some time if you don't want to take the 20+ minutes to listen to the conversation he had with a Pediatrist on the injury specifics. I'll put it in some kind of timeline, best I can from memory;

- Banks gets a Jones fracture on his 5th metatarsal on his left foot, very early 2025 I believe. He elects to not have surgery, let it heal (the opinion of the doctor on the pod was that he WOULD have done the surgery).

- The likelihood of re-injury for a Jones fracture if you let it heal naturally can be as high as 25%; with surgery, that reduces to as little as 4-10%

- Banks tries to play near the beginning of the 2025 season LIKELY a little too early and re-injures the Jones fracture. He then has surgery to repair.

- Heals well, he crushes most of the pre-draft stuff. During the combine (or just before?), he feels a pop in that same foot. Continues the workouts/combine, crushes the workouts still, but feels more discomfort and has it checked out.

- The initial pop was likely a small stress fracture (a bone bruise basically), in the 4th metatarsal (completely unrelated to the Jones fracture in the 5th metatarsal), that could have been fixed without surgery with 4-6 weeks in a boot; but because he continued the workouts, he made it slightly worse. They had it fixed with surgery.

Long story short, my take on this is that I have little to no concern over Banks and either of these injuries impacting him moving forward. Clearly the Vikings feel the same way.

It sounds like a number of other teams had cleared Banks 100% as the Vikings essentially did, hence them taking Banks as high as #18.

Here's the pod; the first segment is just some guy who covers the Univ of Florida, I didn't really take much from what he had to say. The 2nd two segments with the Pediatrist I thought were absolutely fascinating.

 

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