This Minnesota Vikings 2026 mock draft includes trades. Thanks to Pro Football Network for the draft simulation tool and player stats. Thanks to Fox Sports for NFL team stats and rankings.
The Carolina Panthers felt the need to move up just one spot. In return for this pick, the Vikings received picks 19, 158, and a 2027 fourth-round pick. The Panthers drafted running back Jeremiah Love out of Notre Dame.
Four different teams approached with offers for this pick, but Minnesota cannot pass on both Love and safety Dillon Thieneman from Oregon. The defense was commendable last season, especially the pass defense. The looming retirement rumors around safety Harrison Smith will leave a black hole. Thieneman has all of the traits to make an immediate impact, including elite run support and ball skills. If the defense had one main concern last year, it was the run game.
The team is popular in this Vikings 2026 mock draft. After some negotiation, the New York Giants gave up pick 105 in this draft, along with a 2027 second, third, and fourth-round pick, for this and pick 196. The Giants felt it necessary to give up that capital to move up for wide receiver Chris Brazzell, from Tennessee.
Two more teams came knocking on Minnesota’s door, but DT Darrell Jackson Jr. can’t be missed. After finishing with the 21st-ranked rushing defense last season, the team would covet the enormous size and play strength of this 6’5″, 337-pound nose tackle. Jackson would be an interior disruptor on day one.
Minnesota’s dual-threat running back tandem of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason is on its deathbed, and the team is looking to raise the next generation. RB Emmett Johnson has all the makings to be that guy. While Jeremiyah Love is widely accepted as the RB1 of this draft, Johnson actually ranked first in PFSN’s CFP Impact Scores. His explosiveness and vision separate him from the rest of the pack.
It was the Houston Texans’ turn to approach the team. The resulting negotiations sent picks 105, 234, and 235 to the Texans in return for picks 106 and 141. OT Isaiah World, from Oregon, was ultimately drafted in this spot of the Vikings 2026 mock draft.
The team lost one of the best centers in the game to retirement when Ryan Kelly made the announcement this offseason. OC Matt Gulbin has the projections of a starting center, but also proven positional flexibility. Gulbin finished college with double-digit starts at center, left guard, and right guard. He’s worth a look to see if he’s the next starter, but he promises offensive line depth in this Vikings 2026 mock draft, regardless.
The Dallas Cowboys felt the need to move up and draft cornerback Devin Moore out of Florida, so it’s a good opportunity for the team to package some excess later-round picks. The Cowboys sent a 2027 third-round pick for picks 141 and 244, plus a 2027 fifth and seventh-round pick. The major needs have been addressed as much as possible, so it makes sense to aim for higher-end talent next year in this Vikings 2026 mock draft.
Minnesota had a bigger need at cornerback a few weeks ago, but they’ve bought some time by signing a two-year deal with James Pierre. This is a great opportunity to take a stab at CB Daylen Everette. There’s room for growth, but with his physical attributes, it’s more than just a shot in the dark. At 6’1″, 190 pounds, he’s also fast and athletic, with a 4.38 40-yard dash, and 37.5″ vertical. He’s an undeniable athlete who would get time to improve his reads and technical issues.
This final selection of the Vikings 2026 mock draft is more about available talent and less about positional needs. Linebacker Kalem Elarms-Orr tested in the 95th percentile in the 40-yard dash and 98th percentile for vertical leap, at the position. He is also the fourth-ranked LB in PFSN’s CFB Impact Scores.
This Vikings 2026 mock draft would address immediate issues while improving on their 2027 outlook. Stay tuned to Stadium Rant for the latest, all the way up to the draft.
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