8 Ways the Vikings’ Draft Could Shake Out

Former Minnesota Vikings tight end Stu Voigt announces the team’s third-round selection at the NFL Draft, with Apr. 25, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin capturing the on-stage moment as fans reacted to the No. 102 pick during the second night of draft festivities. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason-USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

You are 11 days away from learning how the Minnesota Vikings proceed in Round 1 of the NFL draft, all of a sudden an exciting event because Kevin O’Connell’s team could be quite good in 2026 with Kyler Murray in the house. Here’s a look at the main eight ways the draft could shake out on April 23rd.

Minnesota could stay put, move back, or get aggressive.

The Vikings pick 18th, though they could, in theory, trade up or down.

The Realistic Draft Paths for Minnesota at Pick No. 18

Ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most realistic outcome), this is what to expect from Minnesota in Round 1.

Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles (0) stands ready during game action against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium, Oct 18, 2025, as the Buckeyes defense prepares for the next snap in a physical Big Ten matchup under a charged atmosphere. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

8. Trade No. 18 for a Star — or Trade Up

Three men could be the object of the Vikings’ desire for a trade up the board:

• Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
• Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
• Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)

Is a Vikings trade-up for a non-premium position likely? No, it is not. Can it be ruled out? No, it cannot.

Or — another wild scenario — Minnesota could use the 18th overall pick to land a big fish via trade, like Philadelphia Eagles DT Jalen Carter or New York Giants DT Dexter Lawrence.

For context, this option is mentioned “just in case.”

7. Trade Jonathan Greenard and Draft an EDGE

Greenard has frequented the trade rumor mill for about five weeks. Truth be told, when the Vikings’ leaders speak about Greenard, they never use words like “untouchable.” There remains a chance that Greenard is traded for a 2nd-Rounder.

Then, equipped with the 50th pick in addition, for example, interim general manager Rob Brzezinski could use his 1st-Round pick on Keldric Faulk (Auburn) or Akheem Mesidor (Miami).

6. Draft a WR at No. 18

A Round 1 wide receiver is in play for two reasons:

a) The Vikings have no WR3 right now unless Tai Felton takes a huge summer leap.

b) Jordan Addison’s behavior isn’t necessarily reliable.

Some mock drafts have hinted that Minnesota could pick Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson; it’s not the craziest idea, especially for a franchise now led by an offense-first head coach, Kevin O’Connell, who might be the Team CEO.

5. Draft TE Kenyon Sadiq at No. 18

Sadiq possesses a rare combination of skills — strong receiving, reliable blocking, and exceptional physical attributes — and at just 21 years old, his potential is immense.

This is particularly relevant to the Vikings’ long-term plans. With T.J. Hockenson’s recent contract rework leading him towards free agency in March 2027, the Vikings may want to secure their future at tight end. If they believe Sadiq is the best player available at pick No. 18, drafting him is absolutely in play.

4. Draft a CB at No. 18

This is code for two players, in all likelihood:

1. Jermod McCoy (Tennessee)
2. Avieon Terrell (Clemson)

McCoy may not be available at the Vikings’ spot, but if he is, they might have to pounce. Terrell’s draft lead-up is riddled by injuries, but if Minnesota just doesn’t care, he’s in play, too.

Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) celebrates with a symbolic prop after defeating the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium, Oct 12, 2024, as the Volunteers mark a rivalry win and energize the home crowd following the final whistle. Mandatory Credit: Angelina Alcantar-Imagn Images

The Vikings haven’t drafted productive cornerbacks since Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander, so we’re talking a decade-long drought.

3. Draft a DT at No. 18

Translation? Clemson’s Peter Woods.

Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave played over 1,300 defensive snaps at defensive tackle for the Vikings in 2025. However, that production is now gone. Minnesota moved on from both veterans a month ago after their one-year stints, creating a clear void in the middle of the defensive line.

If the Vikings stay at No. 18 and seek a young defensive tackle, Woods would be the pick.

2. Trade Down a Bit + Draft a DB, DT, or LB

Minnesota has an opportunity to sell the 18th overall pick, stay in Round 1, and stockpile a 2nd-, 3rd-, or combination of those picks, depending on how far they’re willing to drop down the board.

Brzezinski would add another Top 100 or pick or two, and then consider drafting one of these players with a pick between 26 and 32:

• Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo)
• Kayden McDonald (DL, Ohio State)
• C.J. Allen (LB, Georgia)
• Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State)
• Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina)
• Caleb Banks (DT, Florida)

1. Draft a Safety at No. 18

Sticking-and-picking a safety remains the most plausible draft scenario for the Vikings for four reasons:

• Harrison Smith may retire.
• Dillon Thieneman might be the best player available at No. 18.
• Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would fit wonderfully in Brian Flores’s scheme.
• Just two safeties are under contract for 2027: Josh Metellus and Theo Jackson.

Tucson, Arizona, USA; Wyoming running back Harrison Waylee (4) carries the ball against Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (22) during second-half action in the Arizona Bowl, Dec 30, 2023, as both teams compete for yardage in a postseason matchup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The only argument against a safety is that the position isn’t considered premium. Want an example? The Vikings could sign any one of these free-agent safeties today for cheap, and that player would do just fine in the rotation:

• Jamal Adams
• Ashtyn Davis
• Quandre Diggs
• Terrell Edmunds
• Mike Edwards
• Rayshawn Jenkins
• Ifeatu Melifonwu
• Isaiah Oliver
• Jabrill Peppers
• Jordan Poyer
• Taylor Rapp
• Justin Simmons
• Xavier Woods
• Donovan Wilson

General managers should only draft safeties in Round 1 if they’re confident that the rookie will be an utter game-changer — like Harrison Smith 14 years ago.

Perhaps that’ll be Thieneman or McNeil-Warren. You’ll find out in a week and half.