The Minnesota Vikings hold the 18th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and have nine total selections. Interim GM Rob Brzezinski will lead the draft process, with input from head coach Kevin O'Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Key points
Minnesota Vikings hold the 18th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
They have a total of nine draft selections
Rob Brzezinski is the interim general manager
Kevin O'Connell and Brian Flores will influence draft decisions
Dillon Thieneman is projected as the first-round pick
Mentioned in this story
Rob BrzezinskiKevin O'ConnellBrian Flores
Dillon ThienemanOregonMinnesota Vikings
The 2026 NFL Draft is less than 24 hours away, and there hasnāt been a lot of excitement surrounding what the Minnesota Vikings might do. They own the 18th overall pick in the first round, and a total of nine selections overall, the most theyāve had since 2022, Kwesi Adofo-Mensahās first season on the job.
But Adofo-Mensah wonāt be calling the shots this time around. Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski will have final say over the teamās draft selections, but you can be sure head coach Kevin OāConnell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores will have a heavy influence over the teamās decisions.
While many projections have the team taking the same safety prospect in the first round, the Vikings also have other needs to address. Below is our best crack at a 2026 Minnesota Vikings mock draft, projecting every pick from No. 18 to 244.
First Round, No. 18 Overall ā Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft
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I know itās a bit boring, only because every Vikings mock draft projects Dillon Thieneman, but we just donāt envision Kenyon Sadiq or Spencer Fano falling to 18. Yet, Thieneman as a prospect should excite Vikings fans, as he boasts freakish speed (4.35-second 40 time) and is a versatile piece who can make an impact at the line of scrimmage, lined up deep, or in the nickel. Heād be a human chess piece for coach Flores.
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NCAA Football: Cincinnati at Central Florida
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Linebacker isnāt an immediate need, but adding competition to a group that only has Eric Wilson under contract past 2026. Meanwhile, the 6-foot-4 Golday possesses impressive sideline-to-sideline quickness, reaching speeds of up to 22 mph. The former edge rusher will continue to improve in coverage, but Golday will consistently record over 100 tackles at the next level.
Third Round, No. 82 Overall ā Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
NCAA Football: Iowa at Iowa State
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After releasing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, the Vikings have a need in the trenches. Jalen Redmond is developing into an excellent pressure threat, but Domonique Orange or āBig Citrusā can make life easier as an excellent run-stopper with extreme strength. Yet, with only one sack in college, heāll have to continue developing as a pass-rusher at the next level.
Third Round, No. 97 Overall ā Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
NCAA Football: Rate Bowl-Rutgers at Kansas State
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Last offseason, the Vikings signed Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly because he was not only known for being good but also incredibly smart at his position. This offseason, Kelly retired due to a high frequency of concussions. While Blake Brandel replaced him admirably in 2025, bringing in more competition is a must. A former walk-on guard, Hecht has worked himself into being an above-average center who plays with a high IQ and strong instincts.
Fifth Round, No. 163 Overall ā Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati
NCAA Football: Central Florida at Cincinnati
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Rare size-speed freak as a 6-foot-5 receiver who clocked a 4.31-second 40-yard dash. Caldwell is not only an on-field blazer, but he also has experience playing special teams, and even blocked two punts in college.
Sixth Round, No. 196 Overall ā Eli Heidenreich, FB, Navy
NCAA Football: Army at Navy
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The Vikingsā fullback and special teams captain C.J. Ham retired. The Vikings could look to replace him with Navyās all-time leading receiver. Heās used to all sorts of trick plays at Navy, but thereās no doubt Heidenreich is an excellent pass-catcher, but the 6-foot, 198-pound athlete would need to bulk up to become a fullback/tight end. Still, with his 4.44 speed, thereās a chance he could develop into a unique weapon in coach OāConnellās offense.
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In need of more defensive back depth, taking a flier on a 6-foot-1 corner with 4.4 speed is well worth it in the seventh round. Especially considering Domani Jackson was a top-five recruit coming out of high school. Yet, after losing valuable development time due to injury, Jackson would benefit from NFL coaching and patience, but he has the traits to excel in his likely special teams role early on.
Seventh Round, No. 235 Overall ā Jam Miller, RB, Alabama
NFL: Combine
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Chances are, the Vikings will address the RB position before the seventh round, but with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason returning, itās not an urgent need for 2026. Thus, they can afford to take a chance on a lotto ticket like Jam Miller later on. The 5-foot-10, 209-pound back undoubtedly needs to improve in pass protection after just 40 total receptions in his college career. Yet, thereās some upside here for an athlete who disappointed with a 4.42 40 time.
Seventh Round, No. 244 Overall ā David Gusta, DT, Kentucky
NFL: Combine
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We could wrap up the draft class with another offensive lineman, a tight end to compete for TE3 duties, or even a punter to battle Johnny Hekker, but instead, we turn back to a defensive line that has struggled to field impact players. Thus, making a late-round scratch ticket gamble on a 6-foot-3, 310-pound lineman who flashed explosiveness (4.88 40 time) on tape and in athletic testing feels like a worthy risk. Gusta is another nose tackle who plays with a mean streak, and heāll surely compete for snaps in time.