Dane Brugler thinks one Vikings draft pick could surprise folks

TL;DR

Dane Brugler highlights Vikings' fifth-round pick Charles Demmings as a potential surprise player following the 2026 NFL Draft. His athleticism and mental toughness could make him a valuable addition to the team's secondary.

Key points

Vikings have a strong defense, particularly in the secondary.
Dane Brugler identifies Charles Demmings as a potential surprise pick.
Demmings is known for his athleticism and mental toughness.
Brian Flores has a history of developing late-round defensive backs.
Demmings was a standout at the Senior Bowl.

Mentioned in this story

Stephen F. AustinBrian Flores

Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have one of the better defenses in the NFL, and it is in part due to the play of their secondary. Players like Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, and Josh Metellus are expected to play big roles in 2026, but could there be a sleeper in the group following the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Athletic's Dane Brugler laid out his favorite picks and picks that could surprise their teams from last week's annual selection process. For the Vikings, his surprise choice was fifth-round pick and Senior Bowl standout cornerback Charles Demmings out of Stephen F. Austin.

Drugler writes, "Aside from Demmings always being a great quote, he leaves everything he has on the field. With his cover athleticism and mental toughness, Demmings was a worthy bet in the fifth round, and he landed with a team that needed cornerback depth."

Flores has a track record of taking day three defensive backs and turning them into something special in his time in the NFL. Whether it is during his stops with the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, or now the Vikings. Demmings has the stuff to make this pick become a homerun, but it will also be decided by the coaching of Flores.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Charles Demmings could be a surprise for Vikings fans in 2026

Q&A

Who is Charles Demmings and why is he considered a surprise pick for the Vikings?

Charles Demmings is a fifth-round cornerback from Stephen F. Austin, noted for his cover athleticism and mental toughness, making him a potential standout in the Vikings' secondary.

What makes Charles Demmings a good fit for the Minnesota Vikings' defense?

Demmings fits well due to his strong cover skills and the Vikings' need for cornerback depth, along with the coaching expertise of Brian Flores in developing late-round defensive backs.

What is Dane Brugler's assessment of the Vikings' draft strategy?

Dane Brugler believes the Vikings made a smart choice by selecting Demmings, who has the potential to exceed expectations based on his performance and the team's defensive needs.