The Vikings’ 1st-Round Pick Slot, Team Needs, and a Few Names to Know
The precise order of the 2026 NFL Draft remains a work in progress. If, however, the event began today, the Vikings’ 1st-Round pick would arrive at No. 11, just a hair outside of the coveted opening ten selections.
On CBS Sports, there’s a breakdown of the full draft order. The Minnesota Vikings — a team that boasts an expected nine draft selections — gets dropped down alongside an indictment of what the offense has been doing lately: “Max Brosmer, J.J. McCarthy, the outcome is all the same. Minnesota has failed to score 20 points or more in four straight games.”
The Vikings’ 1st-Round Pick Slot
Note, as well, that CBS takes a stab at the roster needs.
Five positions get shoved into the conversation as needs: linebacker, corner, safety, defensive line, and running back. Oddly, there’s no mention of quarterback within those needs. Moreover, there’s just a single position for the offense even when it’s Kevin O’Connell’s side of the ball that’s playing so poorly.
Nevertheless, there’s a lot of merit in the position list that’s been provided.
The Vikings’ secondary hasn’t been very good. Newcomer Isaiah Rodgers is fulfilling expectations as a strong CB2. The issue at corner is that CB1 Byron Murphy is playing like a CB3, allowing completions while proving to be less of a playmaker on the ball.
At safety, Harrison Smith looks like someone in his late-30s. Josh Metellus has been solid but not spectacular. Theo Jackson has been average. Giving Jay Ward more playing time seems warranted.
Infusing the back end of the Brian Flores defense with a top-tier player would make a massive difference. One wonders about safety Caleb Downs of Ohio State, someone currently sitting at 2nd on PFF’s board and Jordan Reid’s board on ESPN. Seeing a safety chosen in the top trio would be odd; seeing a safety chosen in the top ten (or around that range) wouldn’t be quite so difficult to foresee.
If corner is the preference, the Vikings’ 1st-Round pick could end up getting sunk into Mansoor Delane of LSU or Jermod McCoy of Tennessee.
Choosing a runner in the opening round would be risky but arguably worth it. Aaron Jones is great when he’s healthy but is getting older; Jordan Mason is a very good player but has limited abilities catching the ball. Dropping an elite young running back — Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame, perhaps — into the offense could make life a lot easier for the passer.
The linebacker position does need help. Blake Cashman is moving into his final contract year, Eric Wilson will be a free agent, and Ivan Pace Jr. a restricted free agent. Finding a linebacker worthy of being a fringe top-ten selection isn’t impossible (see: Luke Kuechly) but difficult. The last time Minnesota opted for this particular route, Anthony Barr got added…while Aaron Donald went a couple of picks later. That’s one of the all-time draft blunders in franchise history.
Depending on one’s perspective, quarterback could be a need (but opting for a veteran appears to be the way to go). So, too, could help for the d-line be nice, as CBS suggests.
Otherwise, note that tight end has lots of options but T.J. Hockenson isn’t making the desired difference (though he did some nice things in Seattle, especially since he was allowed to work down the middle for a nice gain). Kenyon Sadiq of Oregon gets some 1st-Round love from both of PFF and ESPN.
One could make the case that opting for an edge rusher is never a bad option (I’m in this camp). Greenard and Van Ginkel are a touch older. Restocking the cupboards with someone who could ratchet up the Minnesota pressure would obviously be a nice boost. Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) and Arvell Reese (Ohio State) seem likely to go too high. What about Keldric Faulk (Auburn) or David Bailey (Texas Tech)?
As 2025 continues limping forward, Minnesota isn’t going to be throwing in the towel. Or, at least, there won’t be any intentional benchings to lower the chances of winning. The Vikings will try to win on Sunday, but the odds are against them.
Continuing to perform in the manner that they have been will mean that the Vikings’ 1st-Round selection could climb a touch higher.
