Vikings Get One Across the Finish Line
The Vikings getting a compensatory pick across the finish line didn’t arrive as a huge shock. There is, nevertheless, merit in seeing the possibility become a reality.
Tom Pelissero, probably the NFL’s top insider for Vikings news, relayed that the NFL officially divvied up the comp picks. Sitting atop the pile is the Minnesota Vikings, meaning that the No. 97 selection is being added into the mix ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Vikings Get a Comp Pick Across Finish Line
As if there needed to be any further confirmation, the Vikings have posted about the selections. These are the nine draft picks rolling into the ’26 NFL Draft:
- 1st Round: No. 18
- 2nd Round: No. 49
- 3rd Round: No. 82
- 3rd Round: No. 97
- 5th Round: No. 163
- 6th Round: No. 196
- 7th Round: No. 234
- 7th Round: No. 235
- 7th Round: No. 244
Last year, Minnesota had the No. 97 selection, as well. The move ended up being to trade down, going from No. 97 to No. 102. In that slot, Minnesota added receiver and special teams menace Tai Felton. He had a modest rookie season but is now looking to seize the WR3 job after Minnesota saw Jalen Nailor walk.
Right now, the vast majority of the attention rests in what’s taking place in free agency. And, to be sure, there’s good reason for that being the case. Money is flying around out there.
What’s notable for Minnesota, though, is that money isn’t abundant. As a result, the largest helping of new talent is going to arrive in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Vikings can’t be too shortsighted, but there’s going to be an emphasis on adding players who help both now and in the future.
LG1 Donovan Jackson from last year’s draft is an excellent example of the Vikings getting someone for today and tomorrow.
Perhaps the top takeaway when looking at the collection of Vikings picks is that there’s a cluster of four that sit within the top one-hundred selections. Admittedly, that’s an arbitrary cutoff for talent, but there’s some merit within the recognition of being able to scoop up four players on Days 1 and 2.
Sitting atop the Vikings’ roster needs are running back, center, corner, linebacker, and maybe a couple other spots. Nailing at least one or two with early draft picks would appear to be wise.
The Vikings get the chance to continue flirting with external talent for a couple more days before pen can put to paper. Officially adding players into the mix allows for a clearer view of what’s going to be prioritized in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Teams regularly talk about the merits of drafting the best player available rather than forcing a need. The talking point contains lots of truth and a bit of dishonesty. Best case for the Vikings involves seeing both addressed in the same selection: the best player happens to address a roster need.
Sometimes, though, teams have multiple players with basically the same draft grade. In that instance, roster need can be the tiebreaker.
So, keep an eye on what the Vikings do in the coming days. Shoring up lingering roster weaknesses allows the Vikings to be more flexible in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Still much that needs to be determined, so keep swinging by.
