2026 NFL Draft: Vikings Select CB Charles Demmings

TL;DR

The Minnesota Vikings selected cornerback Charles Demmings from Stephen F. Austin with the 163rd pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Demmings, a First-Team FCS All-American, is expected to contribute on special teams as he transitions to the NFL.

Key points

Minnesota Vikings selected Charles Demmings in the 2026 NFL Draft
Demmings played college football at Stephen F. Austin
He was a First-Team FCS All-American in 2025
Demmings recorded 35 pass deflections and nine interceptions in college
Vikings' next pick is in the seventh round of the draft

Minnesota VikingsCharles Demmings

HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 28: Tanner Koziol #9 of the Houston Cougars is tackled by Charles Demmings #1 of the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks during the first half at TDECU Stadium on August 28, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Maria Lysaker/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Minnesota Vikings have made another selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, and with this pick, they have headed back to the defensive backfield with a small school prospect.

Charles Demmings

**Date of Birth**: **College**: Stephen F. Austin **Drafted**: Round 5, #163 overall **Height**: 6’1” **Weight**: 190 pounds **Career Accomplishments**: First-Team FCS All-American (2025), First-Team All-Southland (2025) With the 163rd pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Vikings have picked Charles Demmings, a cornerback from Stephen F. Austin. Demmings got a late start to his football career, as he didn’t pick up the game until his senior year of high school. He had a breakout season for the Lumberjacks in his senior season of college, racking up five pass deflections and four interceptions. For his career, he set a program record with 35 pass deflections while also recording nine interceptions. The scouting reports show that Demmings’ strengths show the most when he’s allowed to play press coverage and play on the boundary, as he has the size and speed to keep receivers from gaining too much separation on him. He’s going to have a bit of an adjustment coming up from the Southland Conference to the National Football League, but he’s likely going to be able to at least make a contribution on special teams right away while he learns the nuances of the NFL game under Brian Flores and company in Minnesota. The Vikings won’t pick next until the seventh round of this year’s NFL Draft. Welcome to Minnesota, Charles Demmings!

Q&A

Who is Charles Demmings and what are his college achievements?

Charles Demmings is a cornerback from Stephen F. Austin, recognized as a First-Team FCS All-American and First-Team All-Southland in 2025.

What round and pick was Charles Demmings selected in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Charles Demmings was selected in the fifth round as the 163rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

What strengths does Charles Demmings bring to the Minnesota Vikings?

Demmings excels in press coverage and boundary play, utilizing his size and speed to limit receiver separation.