4 Vikings Draft Losers
The 2026 Draft is in the books and the Minnesota Vikings added nine new players via picks and another 19 undrafted rookies. Some players certainly won the draft, while others might have lost their jobs.
Here are four losers.
Levi Drake Rodriguez
Defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez was the team’s starting nose tackle just a week ago following Javon Hargrave’s exit, but his role might have changed within the team’s first three selections.
At first, the club added Caleb Banks in the first round, who’s expected to be a defensive end and join the rotation next to Jalen Redmond. In a base defense, there’s still room for Rodriguez sandwiched by the two. On Day 2, however, the Vikings acquired Domonique Orange, who is expected to slide into the nose tackle role.
Rodriguez might still have a chance, as defensive line rotation is important, but the clear path to a starting job is gone.
Johnny Hekker
Punter Johnny Hekker was signed to replace departed punter Ryan Wright, who signed a massive deal with the New Orleans Saints.
Hekker, 36, is well past his prime, but he was signed to a one-year deal. In the draft, the Vikings didn’t pick a punter, but they got one of the premier options in this year’s class as an undrafted rookie in Georgia’s Brett Thorson.
Suddenly, Hekker’s job is in danger. The two will battle throughout the summer, but it would hardly be a surprise to see the Vikings opt for the younger player, hoping to find a solution for years to come, rather than relying on a stopgap.
Pass Rush
On Friday, the Vikings selected three defenders for Brian Flores’ defense, but they also shipped away the heart and soul of that unit. Jonathan Greenard was sent to Philadelphia for a pair of third-rounders.
Without Greenard, the Vikings are down to Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner on the edges. The depth is alarming, with special-teamer Bo Richter the next man up and off-call linebackers such as Eric Wilson and rookie Jake Golday coming to mind right after him.
Greenard was the primary pass rusher under Flores. Adding some juice in free agency is crucial.
Dwight McGlothern
Corner Dwight McGlothern had a promising start to his career, but never found a way to establish himself in the defensive rotation. He was still the top developmental cornerback on the squad.
In the fifth round, the front office drafted Charles Demmings, an athletic prospect out of Stephen F. Austin, who’s taking over as the developmental cornerback behind last year’s starters, Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers, as well as free agency addition James Pierre.
McGlothern needs a strong summer to stay on the roster.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.