Adam New’s Final 2026 Vikings Mock Draft

He reads the game well and hits hard. Allen is an incredibly rangy and explosive athlete in pursuit and as a blitzer, which Brian Flores should be able to put to good use. It’s not a flashy pick, but it’s a solid one that also provides the Vikings with an extra pick in round three.

Round 2: Pick 49 – AJ Haulcy (S) LSU

Minnesota never replaced Camryn Bynum last year, which was a mistake. With AJ Haulcy, they would get a true deep safety with strong range, ball skills, and an aggressive playmaking mentality.

It’s what the Vikings need and comes at a better value than the two safeties being talked about a lot in the first round. Haulcy projects as a starter in systems that keep him in a traditional backend role, which is what the Vikings need while Flores does his exotic stuff upfront.

Round 3: Pick 70 – Emmett Johnson (RB) Nebraska

Emmett Johnson is a Minnesota guy who hasn’t been shy about his wish to play for his hometown team. This extra pick from the trade with the Browns at the start of this mock puts the Vikings in a good position to do just that. Johnson would bring excellent footwork and quickness to the backfield, while also being a good receiving back. Kevin O’Connell’s offense needs the RBs to make plays in the passing game. Johnson can do just that, which can be his pathway to early involvement during his rookie year.

Round 3: Pick 82 – Domonique Orange (DT) Iowa State

Minnesota needs to beef up its defensive line, and they don’t come much more beefier than Dominique Orange. He is a massive defensive line prospect with elite power potential, supported by impressive weight-room strength.

Iowa State football player Dominique Orange throws a first pitch during an Iowa Cubs game at Principal Park on June 14, 2025, in Des Moines. © Lily Smith/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

At 6’2, 322 lbs, and with huge levers for arms, he is a big dude. Add in first-step explosiveness, and Orange is a force in the middle. However, his hand speed and pass-rush finesse are limited, which is why he’s seen as a Day 2 pick. As a high-effort, power-based lineman, he can excel next to Jalen Redmond.

Round 3: Pick 97 – Logan Jones (C) Iowa

The Vikings need a center, and Day 2 of the draft is where to find one, with a few options available. Logan Jones (25) is an older draft prospect but brings a wealth of experience as a four-year starter in college, and he can come in and start right away.

He is a smaller center prospect (6’3, 300 lbs), which makes him susceptible to power rushes. That might give some people Garrett Bradbury flashbacks, but Logan wouldn’t come in with the pressure of being a first-round pick. He has the intelligence and athleticism to potentially develop into a starting center.

Trade: Vikings receive pick 142 and a 2027 7th rounder in exchange for picks 163, 234, and a 2027 6th rounder.

Round 5: Pick 142 – De’Zhaun Stribling (WR) Ole Miss

The Vikings need to add a receiver, and the addition of DeZhaun Stribling would give the team something different. Stribling is a strong, competitive receiver coming in at 6’2 and 207 lbs. with natural hands and a physical playstyle that shows up as a blocker and after the catch; at the catch point, he can add a different dimension to the Vikings offense.

Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (1) against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

He has sufficient long speed to remain a vertical threat from any alignment. The interest is there from Minnesota, which hosted Stribling for a pre-draft visit earlier in the month.

Round 7: Pick 235 – Cole Wisniewski (S) Texas Tech

Cole Wisniewski is a different type of safety to Haulcy (who I selected in the second round), projecting as a box safety with good awareness and the ability to match up with tight ends. Picking him this late in the draft would see the Vikings head towards training camp with a strong group at the position with a variety of skillsets.

Round 7: Pick 244 – Jack Velling (TE) Michigan State

My final Vikings mock draft pick this year is Michigan State tight end Jack Velling. A fitting way to end with Velling being a favorite of mine this year, appearing on three of my four mock drafts. The Vikings went TE-heavy towards the end of last season to help out their QB. Even with Kyler Murray likely to take the reins of the Vikings offense this season.

That trend should continue, making it sensible to bring in a fresh face at the position to compete for the depth spots on the roster.