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Is This the Make-or-Break 2026 Draft for the Vikings? Bunting’s Honest Take
TL;DR
Drew Bunting discusses the critical nature of the 2026 NFL Draft for the Vikings, emphasizing the need for a strong performance due to their current roster situation. He highlights the potential for developmental talent in the later rounds, suggesting this draft could be pivotal for the team's future.
Key points
- Drew Bunting discusses the 2026 NFL Draft for the Vikings.
- The Vikings are at pick 18 with an interim GM and head coach.
- Bunting emphasizes the draft's importance for avoiding a rebuild.
- He identifies potential talent in rounds four through seven.
- Concerns exist about the scouting department's effectiveness.
January 7, 2026; The 2026 NFL Draft logo is displayed atop the NFL Draft countdown clock. | Ethan Morrison / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Drew Bunting reveals his perfect 2026 Vikings draft and big board on Two Old Bloggers podcast with Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano – the ultimate Vikings draft preview packed with film breakdowns, Vikings Watch across the draft including the sleepers, and a realistic 9-pick plan on this Vikings 1st & SKOL production.
In this fireside chat episode of Two Old Bloggers, Drew Bunting joins Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano to deliver his legendary horizontal big board and raw film-room takes on the 2026 NFL Draft. The trio opens with the snarky hook: “The Vikings are sitting at pick 18 with an interim GM, a head coach who wants to call shots, and a roster that’s one bad draft away from another rebuild. No pressure.” Bunting calls the class “developmental gems” that could become one of the best drafts in years once the young talent matures, noting it’s “strong in rounds four through seven” and loaded with Day 3 value for Minnesota’s five late picks. He stresses this draft is make-or-break: “They have to have the best draft they’ve had in many, many years… zero wiggle room.” Concerns about the interim GM structure and scouting department surface, yet Bunting remains optimistic about the talent alignment with Vikings needs.
Key highlights include:
• Draft temperature — weak at QB, OT, and interior OL; deep at WR, EDGE, CB, S, and center.
• Vikings priorities — WR, EDGE/DL, secondary, RB, and OL depth.
• #18 strategy — strong trade-back crowd (5–8 spots max) to gain extra Day 2/3 capital.
• Applause picks still available — Kenyon Sadiq (TE Oregon) highlighted as “totally in play at pick #18… a mismatch nightmare.”
• Vikings Watch favorites — Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price, Emmett Johnson, Jeff Caldwell, Jake Slaughter, Kayden McDonald, Malachi Lawrence, D’Angelo Ponds, Dillon Thieneman, and Demond Claiborne (with noted Vikings buzz).
Q&A
Why is the 2026 NFL Draft considered make-or-break for the Vikings?
The 2026 NFL Draft is seen as make-or-break for the Vikings due to their interim GM situation and the risk of needing a rebuild if the draft does not yield strong talent.
What are the key highlights of Drew Bunting's draft analysis for the Vikings?
Drew Bunting's analysis includes a focus on developmental gems, a realistic 9-pick plan, and the potential for significant talent in rounds four through seven.
What challenges does the Vikings' draft strategy face in 2026?
The Vikings' draft strategy faces challenges from having an interim GM and a head coach wanting to influence decisions, creating pressure to perform well in the draft.
