Guessing Game Surrounding Vikings Draft Gathers Momentum
The Vikings’ pivotal offseason is comprised of many pivotal decisions. Essentially, a string of choices are going to be made, greatly influencing whether a talented Minnesota roster can actually do something meaningful in 2026.
Just one of those decisions is going to arrive in the 2026 NFL Draft. As things stand, Minnesota is set to choose at No. 18. Afterwards, there will be eight more selections. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah hasn’t yet put together a tremendous draft, but he has been improving. Who gets scooped up to help a Vikings team that’s seeking to compete sooner rather than later? There have been some guesses.
The Vikings’ Pivotal Decision at No. 18
Tight End Kenyon Sadiq
Dane Brugler — The Athletic
Brugler: “If T.J. Hockenson is a cap casualty this offseason, tight end would move up the Vikings’ needs list. Sadiq is a big, freaky athlete with the adjustment skills to make difficult catches look routine and the mentality to be an asset as a blocker. NFL teams believe he has the talent to be a top-10 pick.”
Commentary: Opting for a tight end would be somewhat controversial. Recent high picks at TE– Kyle Rudolph and Irv Smith — went over fine for the Vikings without either becoming elite (Rudolph had a far better career). The detail to note is that both of those players got scooped up in the 2nd Round. But a 1st? And after T.J. Hockenson was a difference maker until he wasn’t? The expectations would be high, but having a young pass catcher to grow with J.J. McCarthy would be appealing if all of the stars align. Risky.
Corner Avieon Terrell
Max Chadwick — PFF
Chadwick: “The Vikings need help in their secondary, particularly at cornerback. That comes here in Terrell, who has posted 80.0-plus PFF grades in each of the last two seasons at Clemson. He’s the younger brother of Falcons corner A.J. Terrell, who was second among all cornerbacks in PFF grade back in the 2021 season.”
Commentary: A domino effect would take place if a top corner got tossed into that secondary. Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers are good corners but neither are shutdown options. Tasking the CB1 and CB2 with being a CB2 and CB3 would lead to good things, especially with a cluster of safety talent that appears ready for a nice bounce back in 2026. Minnesota hasn’t had a true CB1 since Xavier Rhodes from back in those fantastic Mike Zimmer days. It’s time, isn’t it?
Corner Mansoor Delane
Jordan Reid — ESPN
Reid: “Minnesota lacks young, high-upside players in the secondary, which drafting Delane would solve. He is technically sound with a savvy skill set, which would fit nicely into Brian Flores’ diverse scheme. Delane has the speed to turn and run with targets in man coverage, but his eyes in zone coverage are among the best of any corner in this year’s class. His 27.8% completion percentage allowed was the third-lowest rate in the FBS, and he had 11 pass breakups and two interceptions this season.”
Commentary: Reid is bang on within his assessment. The final details — making plays on the ball with the INTs and PDs — is good to see. Something to be said for production even if that’s not where the analysis ends. So, too, is it intriguing to glean that Delane is capable of both zone and man. A lot of the time, the NFL blends both types of coverage (pattern match). Expect plenty of mocks to connect Delane to the Vikings until the end of April.
