The Vikings’ 5-Item Checklist for the 2026 NFL Draft
The Vikings’ 5-item checklist is too simple. Nevertheless, there’s some merit in a straightforward, stripped-down approach.
Sitting on nine draft choices, the Vikings need to graft at least two or three strong starters onto the roster. Adding three or four solid contributors more broadly looks similarly important. The UDFA process will take place afterwards, but that’s a different task for a different day. Consider, in no particular order, the priorities that Minnesota should target from April 23rd until April 25th.
The Vikings’ 5-Item Checklist for the ’26 Draft
A Young, High-End Talent for the Secondary
As things stand, the Vikings’ secondary doesn’t have a cornerstone player. Instead, there’s a collection of solid talent, the vast majority of whom being guys who are in their late 20s.
That needs to be addressed.
An ideal world means scooping up a versatile talent who is only 21 or 22. The hope is then to build around him for the next decade in the same way as with Harrison Smith (and, to a lesser extent, with Xavier Rhodes). Grabbing Ohio State safety Caleb Downs looks too good to be true, but the same was said of Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton (an opportunity that was fumbled). Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman, a safety, has been in the Minnesota mocks.
A Well-Rounded Runner with Youth in Tow
Aaron Jones is essentially the perfect Minnesota Vikings running back, at least in terms of his various abilities. The concerns are age, injury, and cost. What’s desired, though, is a running back who can do exactly what he does. Jones is a good runner, a great receiver, and a great blocker.
Basically every NFL team wants well-rounded running backs. In Minnesota, the desire is quite prominent given the emphasis on passing the ball while pretending that running matters. A key component of how Kevin O’Connell operates is through an unpredictable, aggressive offense. A new RB who can do essentially everything well is the ideal, but there needs to at least be a pickup to shore up the depth.
Trenches, Trenches, and More Trenches
In a perfect world, the Vikings can snag a strong center on Day 2 of the draft (either the 2nd or 3rd). Losing Ryan Kelly creates a situation where Blake Brandel is being considered to start.
Similarly notable is that Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave have been subtracted. Nobody has been added to replace them, suggesting that there will be a turn toward Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. Redmond, in particular, is excellent, but there needs to be more help.
The Needs that are a Year Away
Playing a game tonight would lead to very few problems at edge rusher and linebacker. The same can’t be said for playing a game in 2027.
Andrew Van Ginkel is moving into a contract year. Jonathan Greenard has just two more. Blake Cashman is venturing into his final season under contract. Getting youth in the pipeline at both spots makes a pile of sense, especially at off-ball linebacker.
Not lacking in youth, the receiver spot does have a notable drop off after Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Tai Felton is a player to monitor after some sizzling play on specials as a rookie, but he has much to prove. Another promising player for the receiver spot makes a lot of sense.
Direction for the Front Office
Long-time executive Rob Brzezinski is leading the front office. Whether that remains so over a long-term time frame remains to be seen. Crushing the draft will function as a final, persuasive act for securing the job.
After the 2026 NFL Draft, the Wilfs (Minnesota’s ownership) will work toward filling the GM position on a permanent basis. Whoever gets added needs to digest the vision that’s in place. There won’t be a Ryan Poles approach from a few years ago where he fully tore down the Bears. Ironically, there will need to be a form of what Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did by competing in the immediate moment while nevertheless infusing new ideas into the mix.
