
Judge grants Oklahoma LB Heinecke extra year
Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke granted an extra year of eligibility for 2026 after court ruling.
The article presents a comprehensive 7-round mock draft for the Minnesota Vikings, focusing on players they have shown interest in through confirmed visits and discussions. This mock draft aims to provide a unique perspective amid the abundance of draft predictions.
Tork Mason-Imagn Images
At this stage, the Vikings mock drafts are plentiful. Ideally, what’s included below will be set apart due to going the complete 7 Rounds while highlighting players whom Minnesota has shown interest in through a tangible action.
Guiding my understanding of who is within Minnesota’s orbit is the prospect tracker on PurplePTSD. The lonely exception — a picked player without the guidance of the tracker — occurred in the final slot when opting for a guard; the rationale was simply that none of the late-round names were on the ESPN mock board (shout out to ESPN for the mock machine).
No. 18, RD1 — Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq hauls in a touchdown catch as the Oregon Ducks host the USC Trojans on Nov. 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. © Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Most will see this as a luxury pick rather than a total slam dunk. Shouldn’t the top pick go toward a need? Ideally, two birds get stoned at once: a need will get addressed while also opting for the best player available. Sadiq could be the best available and there’s a need at TE from 2027 onward.
No. 49, RD2 — Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
The Vikings would greatly benefit from an excellent young linebacker. Blake Cashman is moving into his final season. At best, Eric Wilson can replicate what he did last year (but that could be asking too much). Golday in RD2 makes sense.
No. 82, RD3 — Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

Nov 1, 2024; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Georgia State Panthers wide receiver Ted Hurst (16) makes a touchdown catch against the Connecticut Huskies in the second quarter at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
He’s huge and fast. Something to be said for that, especially as a WR3 or WR4. At the very least, Hurst would be tasked with blazing down the field while helping on specials. Can’t teach 6’4″, folks.
No. 97, RD3 — Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
The tough part of adding Johnson has nothing to do with Johnson. In this Vikings mock, there have been a trio of picks for Kevin O’Connell and only a single one for Brian Flores. That’s very unlikely to occur. Nevertheless, Johnson is added, as per the prophecy.
No. 163, RD5 — Mason Reiger, EDGE, Wisconsin

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
He’s the Andrew Van Ginkle clone. Pretty quietly, the Vikings don’t have perfect edge rusher depth. It’s a top heavy crew that sees a large drop off after the Greenard/Van Ginkel/Turner trio.
No. 196, RD6 — Louis Moore, S, Indiana
Minnesota has conducted lots of research into the young safety talent. Choosing one so late isn’t the end of the world even as there’s very little chance of getting a Week 1 starter. The Vikings likely go for a DB earlier.
No. 234, RD7 — Malik Benson, WR, Oregon

Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Per Lance Zierlein, Benson boasts “electric, track-caliber speed.” Not a bad swing late in the draft.
No. 235, RD7 — Rahsul Faison, RB, South Carolina
Carrying four runners can happen. What would need to occur is to see Faison turn into a helper on specials. Essentially, replace Ty Chandler. Returning kickoffs while helping with other areas for Matt Daniels means being able to exist alongside Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, and Johnson from the 3rd.
No. 244, RD7 — Jaeden Roberts, G, Alabama

Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Michael Jurgens (65) anchored the line of scrimmage on Aug. 9, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during second-quarter action of the preseason matchup against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The rookie center showcased his poise and technique in live reps as Minnesota’s offensive unit continued to evaluate depth and cohesion ahead of the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
The rationale is ultra simple. There’s a weakness at center for the Vikings and nobody was added at a higher spot to help. Tossing in another option for guard further frees Blake Brandel and Michael Jurgens — both of whom are capable of playing guard — to focus in at center.
The mock draft features players that the Minnesota Vikings have shown interest in through confirmed visits and discussions.
This mock draft is unique as it covers all 7 rounds and highlights players based on tangible actions taken by the Vikings.
The prospect tracker helps identify players within Minnesota's interest, providing insights into their draft strategy.
A guard was chosen in the final slot due to the absence of late-round names on the ESPN mock board.

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