Minnesota Vikings 2026 NFL Draft Guide

The Minnesota Vikings are coming off a very strange season. While the JJ McCarthy experiment looks like a disaster, the team finished with a winning record at 9-8. There is still plenty to like about this team even though they had to make some significant cuts to get under the salary cap. Even with league average quarterback play, this team could surprise some people especially if they can nail the 2026 NFL Draft

Minnesota Vikings 2026 NFL Draft Picks

The Minnesota Vikings have nine picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

• Round 1: No. 18
• Round 2: No. 49
• Round 3: No. 82
• Round 3: No. 97 (Compensatory Selection)
• Round 5: No. 163 (from Eagles)
• Round 6: No. 196 (from Colts)
• Round 7: No. 234
• Round 7: No. 235 (from Panthers)
• Round 7: No. 244 (from Texans)

The Minnesota Vikings have spent the past few seasons with limited draft capital. While many remember the team trading up for McCarthy in the 2024 NFL Draft, many forget that they also traded up for Dallas Turner. Thanks to a compensatory pick, they have four picks in the top 100 which gives them plenty of capital to restock the shelves of this roster.

Team Needs

The Minnesota Vikings need to replenish their defense, more specifically their secondary. Harrison Smith is likely gone and the Vikings lack a dynamic corner to take out the top receivers in the league. On the defensive line, the loss of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave makes the need for interior linemen very high.

No matter who is under center, a dynamic running back would be extremely helpful. Aaron Jones took a pay cut to stay with the team but he hasn’t been able to avoid the injury bug. Getting the run game going would take pressure off of the passing game and open up the field for Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Additionally, better interior line play would also help open up running lanes.

Vikings 7-Round Mock Draft

A quick note about the mock draft. I am avoiding trades for my own sanity. It doesn’t matter what crazy offer I’m given, I’m ignoring it.

• Round 1: No. 18: DT Peter Woods, Clemson
• Round 2: No. 49: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
• Round 3: No. 82: CB Malik Muhammad, Texas
• Round 3: No. 97: OG Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame
• Round 5: No. 163: EDGE Caden Curry, Ohio State
• Round 6: No. 196: OG Beau Stephens, Iowa
• Round 7: No. 234: QB Luke Altmyer, Illinois
• Round 7: No. 235: WR Barion Brown, LSU
• Round 7: No. 244: LB Scooby Williams, Texas A&M

Mock Draft Analysis

The Minnesota Vikings get one of the best defensive tackles in the class in Woods. He will immediately become a week 1 starter which is often what you want in the first round. Price is an interesting back out of Notre Dame. While Jeremiyah Love gets all the love (pun absolutely intended), Price is a dynamic back in his own right. There is a scenario where he beats out Jones for the RB1 position in training camp.

Later in the draft, I have the Minnesota Vikings taking some dart throws. Taking two interior linemen builds depth and makes it more likely one of them hits. The Vikings should also look to take a day three quarterback and I have them landing Altmyer. While many have applauded the Murray signing, there is no guarantee he is the long term option for the team.

The Minnesota Vikings outlook seems bleak because of all the noise around McCarthy. However, this team still has a great coaching staff and All-Pro level players on both sides of the ball. Can the team nail the 2026 NFL Draft and compete in a tough NFC North?