A Trio of Vikings Draft Sleepers as the 2026 NFL Draft Nears
Unearthing sleepers is difficult business. Even still, there are late-round ball players who are within the Vikings’ orbit who are worth monitoring.
To clarify who is generating interest for the Vikings, there has been a turn toward the PurplePTSD Vikings draft tracker. Opting for someone like WR Ted Hurst isn’t good enough for our purposes since he’s looking like a Day 2 selection (2nd or 3rd Round). Think of those who are going to go in the 6th, 7th, or possibly within the undrafted free agency frenzy. Check out a trio who are swirling around the Vikings.
The Vikings Draft Sleepers
Defensive Tackle Uar Bernard
All about upside.
Think back to receiver Moritz Boehringer, the German wide receiver who stood at a hulking 6’4″ and who weighed 225 pounds. Minnesota snagged him in the 6th of the 2016 NFL Draft, the same event that brought players such as Laquon Treadwell, Mackensie Alexander, Stephen Weatherly, and Jayron Kearse to town. Sinking the No. 180 pick into Boehringer was worth it even if it didn’t work.
Likewise, the move for Bernard would be about scratching a lottery ticket. The odds say that there’s not going to be a huge payout. But what happens if the Vikings do get the winning ticket? Doing so means turning $2 into $2 million.
His RAS Score comes in at 9.90, which is elite. Some of the most notable names within the NFL draft chatter are astounded by his potential and improvement. Worth it to use a 7th? He’s 6’4″, weighs north of 300 pounds, and has essentially zero fat on his frame. The NFL is full of well-built, imposing players, but Bernard stands out.
New Mexico Edge Rusher Keyshawn James-Newby
Check out the scouting report from Lance Zierlein: “From Montana Tech to Idaho to New Mexico, James-Newby has stayed hungry and productive at every stop. He’s undersized by NFL standards but plays much longer than he measures. He keeps his eyes on the prize instead of getting locked into long battles with the blocks in front of him. Power and length get the best of him, but not as often as I expected.”
Further: “He flashes good get-off, smart angles and efficient cornering that keeps him tight to the pocket as a rusher. James-Newby’s rush lacks diversity but a dangerous stab move is waiting to be unlocked. His high motor and disruptive ability should make him a solid sub-package edge rusher.”
Lots to like in those words even as an edge rusher who is just 6’1″ does raise concerns. Presumably, standing at 6’6″ with super long arms would mean that he would get picked far higher, but that’s not something that can get changed.
An all-effort edge rusher who goes in the 7th brings back memories of Kenny Willekes, a Vikings defender who showed some promise but was undermined by injury.
Wisconsin Safety Cole Wisniewski
Any rumblings out there that Minnesota needs help at safety? Someone named Harrison Smith is contemplating retirement.
Check out the current depth chart:
- Josh Metellus
- Jay Ward
- Theo Jackson
- Tavierre Thomas
- Kahlef Hailassie
The cluster of safety talent offers a sturdy floor but there’s not a ton of upside unless Metellus has a major rebound while either of (both?) Ward or Jackson explode. Tossing a well-built young fella into the mix makes a ton of sense for the Vikings.
Wisniewski played ball with the Texas Tech Red Raiders. He stands at 6’4″ and weighs 220 pounds, giving him a build that’s roughly similar to Jayron Kearse. Per PFF, the safety played 452 snaps as a free safety but then 244 snaps in the box and 100 snaps in the slot. At the very least, the Vikings could lean on him as a special teams ace early before integrating him into the defense as the future unfurls.
