Popular Vikings Draft Idea Loses Momentum

Jasen Vinlove

The Minnesota Vikings kicked two starting defensive tackles to the curb in March, offloading Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, a pair that logged over 1,300 snaps in 2026. Therefore, Minnesota is a prime candidate to draft a defensive tackle in Round 1, right? Not so fast.

The DT idea still has life, though the 1st-Round version is starting to wobble.

While a youthful DT would be fantastic for Brian Flores’s defense, some April momentum suggests a man from that position will not be the pick for the Vikings in Round 1.

The Better Path May Be Waiting on the Interior Defensive Line

Rethink your Round 1 DT Vikings takes.

Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) stands on the field during pregame warmups, preparing for a marquee matchup against a top opponent under the bright lights. Aug 31, 2024 set the stage at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where Woods readied himself for a physical test in the trenches against Georgia. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images.

Round 1 DT Class Is Evidently Underwhelming

At least one defensive tackle habitually frequents the Round 1 discourse before any draft, and through a few months of draft build-up, 2026 is no different. But the reality of a DT leaving the board in Round 1 may not be true.

ESPN’s Jordan Reid wrote last week, “For the first time since 2021, it is possible that no defensive tackles could be selected in Round 1. I haven’t found a team that has a true first-round grade on any defensive tackle.”

“With Caleb Banks (Florida) recently having foot surgery, he’s likely to be a Day 2 pick. The inconsistencies of Peter Woods (Clemson) throughout the season and during the predraft process have caused most teams I have spoken with to put an early-to-mid second-round mark on him. Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) has mixed reviews because of his lack of pass-rushing ability; many teams wouldn’t use a first-round pick on a two-down interior defender.”

Until Reid’s revelation, many have simply assumed that because Minnesota cut two veteran interior defensive linemen, one would be in play early in the draft. That theory could be toast if Reid is onto something.

Code for Peter Woods

For the Vikings’ sake, this is a translation to one man: Peter Woods of Clemson.

Aside from perhaps Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald at the very end of Round 1, no defensive tackle has 1st-Round draft stock right now. It’s Woods, maybe McDonald’s, and nobody else. That actually jibes with Reid’s assessment.

Therefore, if you’re scouting the Vikings’ draft, and DT is either the spot that you predict or want, you must circle Woods and study him — is he worthy of a Round 1 pick? Should Minnesota stick-and-pick at No. 18 for Woods? Can interim general manager Rob Brzezinski perhaps trade down a few spots and still get him? Is that argument valid for McDonald, who is a nose tackle?

The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler on Woods: “Woods flashes the ability to win with quickness, strength and hand usage — and the next step in his development is for him to do so more consistently. He offers scheme diversity, although he projects best as a three-/4i-technique DT. Draft projections for Woods will depend on a team’s willingness to grade to his flashes.”

“He moves with big-man twitch and has the foot quickness to elude blocks in tight quarters. However, for a player with his explosive traits, he doesn’t have many quick wins on his tape and needs to learn how to diversify his rush approach. But he consistently saw four hands from blockers each snap and produced enough splash plays to believe he will be a more stable player in the future.’

How about Round 2?

It’s important to note that the DT dip only applies to Round 1. The pundits are saying none are worth the squeeze in the first 32 picks.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates a takeaway with teammates after forcing a turnover, bringing energy to the defense during a road contest. Oct 11, 2025 featured action at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign, where McDonald helped swing momentum against Illinois with a disruptive play in the first half. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-Imagn Images.

However, when teams arrive at Round 2 on Friday, April 24th, the state of play changes. Very reasonably, a handful of interior defensive linemen will fly off the board. Depending on the accuracy of would-be tumbles for Woods and McDonald, the Round 2 DT board might look like this:

• Peter Woods (Clemson)
• Kayden McDonald (Ohio State)
• Caleb Banks (Florida)
• Christen Miller (Georgia)
• Lee Hunter (Texas Tech)

Think of this way: drafting Woods at Pick No. 18 might be a no-no for some. Drafting Lee Hunter at No. 49 is totally fair game and should be considered wise. It’s a matter of value.

Don’t Forget Dexter Lawrence

Meanwhile, there’s the Lawrence angle. Lawrence, the NFL’s best nose tackle, requested a trade last week, and he won’t be on the New York Giants’ roster much longer, so long as he and general manager Joe Schoen don’t have a kumbaya.

New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) runs out from the tunnel, leading the charge as the team takes the field ahead of kickoff. Nov 3, 2024 captured the pregame atmosphere at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, where Lawrence energized the crowd before a divisional matchup against Washington. Mandatory Credit: Julian Leshay Guadalupe-Imagn Images.

Pretend the Vikings really, really want a defensive tackle after letting Allen and Hargrave leave for nothing besides salary cap relief. There’s a world where they use the 18th pick in a trade for Lawrence, perhaps selling it to New York for Lawrence and a 2nd- or 3rd-Round pick, depending on Lawrence’s actual trade value.

That would take the mystery out of the Round 1 DT debate and unite Minnesota with a supreme 28-year-old defender.

Otherwise, the Vikings have to decide if Woods is worth the Round 1 flyer — or a Day 2 or 3 defensive tackle checks more boxes.