Breaking down the Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft outlook, including their picks, team needs and 2026 first-round mock draft projections.
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Last season was another frustrating chapter for Minnesota Vikings fans, as the team missed the playoffs while former quarterback Sam Darnold went on to win the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks.
The whole thing was such a bad look that the Vikings fired former GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and remain without a permanent replacement in this role. For now, interim GM Rob Brzezinski is set to captain Minnesota’s draft alongside head coach Kevin O’Connell.
The free agency signing of Kyler Murray stole the headlines, but the Vikings also had several veteran departures this offseason. As a result, they could sorely stand to turn around their draft fortunes from recent years.
Let’s take a look at the full list of 2026 Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft picks, team needs and first-round mock drafts.
Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft Picks 2026
| Round | Overall | From |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18 | |
| 2 | 49 | |
| 3 | 82 | |
| 3 | 97 | Compensatory |
| 5 | 163 | via PHI |
| 6 | 196 | via IND |
| 7 | 234 | |
| 7 | 235 | via CAR |
| 7 | 244 | via HOU |
Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft Needs
Defensive Tackle
It really won’t matter how Brian Flores schemes up the defense if the Vikings can’t make hay along the line of scrimmage. Entering the 2026 NFL Draft, this stands out as Minnesota’s biggest draft need. With the team releasing both Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in free agency, the defensive front must be addressed through the draft in some capacity.
Safety
Only Harrison Smith knows for certain what his intentions are with regard to returning for another season. As things stand now, the safety position has to be considered a priority for the Minnesota Vikings’ NFL Draft. If Smith does, in fact, call it a career, the current depth chart at the position could use a boost.
Wide Receiver
Justin Jefferson is arguably the best wideout in the NFL today, but he can’t do it alone. The Vikings are sorely in need of dependable options to step up when opposing defenses key in on their superstar. The need becomes that much more dire following the departure of Jalen Nailor in free agency and Jordan Addison’s continued issues off the field.
Other Vikings Draft Needs
- Cornerback
- Center
- EDGE
With these needs in mind, let’s take a look at how analysts are projecting the Vikings to approach the first round.
Minnesota Vikings Mock Drafts | First-Round Picks
Here are four Minnesota Vikings mock drafts for the first round from ESPN, CBS, NFL Network and FlurrySports. Who do draft pundits think the Vikings will select with the 18th overall pick?
No. 18 | Vikings NFL Draft Pick
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon | ESPN & FlurrySports
Based on the consensus of Vikings mock drafts, it almost feels like a foregone conclusion that Dillon Thieneman will be the pick at No. 18. His physicality and athleticism enable him to roam the field, line up in different spots and excel at multiple duties of the position. He has the kind of savvy and intelligence that would make him an ideal replacement for Harrison Smith.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo | CBS
If Thieneman isn’t the selection, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is another solid option at the safety position. He’s got length both in terms of his physical size and his range across the field. He’s great in run support, but he does not have the speed needed to consistently excel in man coverage. As a result, his upside to play multiple positions is limited.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee | NFL Network
Despite missing all of the 2025 season due to a torn ACL, Jermod McCoy is widely mocked as a first-round pick across the industry. He thrives as a lockdown corner in man coverage, meaning he would fit beautifully within the Vikings’ defensive scheme. This type of cover-corner has been missing throughout Brian Flores’ tenure as defensive coordinator in Minnesota.
