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3 Options for the Vikings in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft?
TL;DR
The Minnesota Vikings hold the 18th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and have several options for potential prospects. Key candidates include Dillon Thieneman, a safety from Oregon, and Kenyon Sadiq, a tight end also from Oregon.
Key points
- Minnesota Vikings have nine total picks in the draft
- Vikings hold the 18th overall selection
- Dillon Thieneman is a top mocked prospect for Minnesota
- Thieneman's playstyle fits Brian Flores's defense
- Kenyon Sadiq is another potential pick from Oregon
Dillon ThienemanKenyon SadiqMinnesota Vikings
We are just days away from arguably the most important event of the entire off-season: the NFL Draft. The Minnesota Vikings have nine picks in total, including the 18th overall selection. There are a number of routes the Vikings could go down, and in this one, we will take a look at three potential prospects that Minnesota could take at pick 18.
Option 1: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
The single most mocked prospect to Minnesota during this entire pre-draft process, Oregon's Dillon Thieneman, would be a seamless transition from Harrison Smith. Thieneman plays the kind of roaming, run-supporting playstyle that would thrive in Brian Flores's defense.
Option 2: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Staying in the Pacific Northwest, Minnesota could look to bolster its weapons by adding the explosive playmaker Kenyon Sadiq. Sadiq would bring an athletic playstyle that has been missing from this offense for years, and could carve out a massive role in this offense in year one.
Option 3: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
The final option for the Minnesota Vikings in the 2026 NFL Draft is to replace some huge losses to the interior of the defensive line. Minnesota parted ways with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave to carve out some cap space, and McDonald fits a similar playstyle that could disrupt offenses in year one.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: 3 Options for the Vikings in Round 1?
Q&A
Who are the top prospects for the Vikings in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The top prospects include Dillon Thieneman, a safety from Oregon, and Kenyon Sadiq, a tight end from Oregon.
What position does Dillon Thieneman play and why is he a good fit for the Vikings?
Dillon Thieneman plays safety and is considered a good fit due to his roaming, run-supporting playstyle that aligns with Brian Flores's defensive strategy.
What is the significance of the Vikings' 18th overall pick in the draft?
The 18th overall pick is significant as it allows the Vikings to select a high-impact player that could address key needs on their roster.
