4 Vikings Draft Winners
The 2026 Draft is in the books and the Minnesota Vikings added nine new players via picks and another 19 undrafted rookies. Some players lost their jobs, but others are thriving, primarily because of the picks the club didn’t make.
Blake Brandel
A clear need entering the offseason was the center position, especially since veteran Ryan Kelly announced his retirement following a concussion-plagued campaign. However, instead of spending money in free agency or a draft pick last week. Minnesota’s decision-makers appear happy with the current top option, versatile backup Blake Brandel.
He entered the league as a tackle and was moved to guard, starting the entire 2024 season. Last year, he was replaced by rookie Donovan Jackson and returned to the bench role. When Kelly sustained his injuries, the Vikings turned to Michael Jurgens, but ultimately had to give Brandel the nod due to another injury.
Brandel played half the season at center and certainly had his inconsistencies. The franchise decided to stick with him in the middle of the line.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert wrote in an article last month, “O’Connell said the Vikings plan to make center the permanent position for longtime backup Blake Brandel, making him the early front-runner for the job that was vacated by Ryan Kelly’s retirement.”
At that time, the asterisk was that a new center could still arrive in the draft, but only seventh-rounder Gavin Gerhardt joined, who’s certainly unlikely to take over. It’s Brandel’s position now.
Tai Felton
Receiver had some early-, even first-round buzz, but just like center, the position wasn’t addressed in a meaningful way. Jalen Nailor left in free agency, leaving the top duo of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison without much depth behind them.
The next man up is last year’s rookie, Tai Felton. A third-rounder out of Maryland, Felton starred in coverage units on special teams, but barely saw the field on offense, catching three passes for 25 yards.
He came into the league as a raw player, but with some intriguing speed in the 4.37 range. The hope is that he can develop into a third option, just like Nailor and, before him, K.J. Osborn did.
This week, the Vikings hosted free agent Jauan Jennings at TCO Performance Center. A new signing would ruin the momentum. For now, though, Felton is the favorite for WR3 duties.
Dallas Turner
Perhaps the most consequential move in the draft was the departure of 2024 Pro Bowler Jonathan Greenard. The edge rusher wanted a new deal and the Vikings were unwilling to hand him one. Instead, he is headed to Philadelphia.
The third-rounder in return was used to acquire blocker Caleb Tiernan (another third-rounder in 2027 was part of the deal). No edge rusher was drafted, outside of Jake Golday, who might be a hybrid between off-ball linebacker and pass rusher.
The good news in all of this is that the Vikings spent a ton of capital in 2024 to get their hands on Alabama’s Dallas Turner, who’s now expected to become a full-time starter. He showed a disruptive skill set in 2025 when Greenard missed time and the upcoming season could present a prime breakout scenario.
Jay Ward
At safety, Harrison Smith’s future remains a mystery. The long-time starter could opt for retirement, but a return can’t be ruled out. The Vikings were widely expected (by the media) to address the position in the draft by adding Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman.
They didn’t, and now the safety room looks like last year’s, but with Smith potentially out and Jakobe Thomas, a third-rounder in. It remains to be seen if Thomas can clinch a significant role in his debut season.
Jay Ward usurped Theo Jackson late in the 2025 season and should be the front-runner for the second starting job next to Joshua Metellus.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.