SportsPreview
The biggest question facing every WNBA team in training camp
WNBA training camps open with key questions for each team.
ESPN News1 min read
Sports
Round 1 Frontrunners for the Vikings, 10 Days before the Draft
TL;DR
The Minnesota Vikings are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft with the 18th overall pick, amidst uncertainty due to the absence of a general manager. Key candidates for selection are being evaluated as the draft approaches.
Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) during an SEC conference game between Tennessee and Alabama in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. © Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
No Minnesota Vikings fan knows for sure how Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft will shake down; that’s what happens when a franchise has no official general manager and the roster holes are arguably plentiful.
These are the clearest paths to Pick No. 18.
But here’s a look at the leading candidates to join the Vikings in 10 days. Minnesota has the 18th overall pick.
8 Prospects Emerging as Minnesota’s Most Realistic 1st-Rounders
Ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most likely Round 1 draft picks), this is the field for Minnesota.
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood (8) celebrates with teammates after a key defensive stop against New Mexico State during NCAA action, Nov 15, 2025, as the Volunteers defense swarms following a momentum-shifting play in front of a home crowd at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Imagn Images
8. Colton Hood | CB, Tennessee
Hood just turned 21, and the Vikings haven’t connected on a rookie cornerback in about 10 years. For now, he lives at No. 35 on the Consensus Big Board, but he’s included on this list because in 2025, Donovan Jackson ranked No. 39, and Minnesota picked him anyway.
It’s also worth noting that Hood is an outside corner, which the Vikings could put to immediate use.
7. Kenyon Sadiq | TE, Oregon
T.J. Hockenson reworked his contract last month, now scheduled to hit free agency in March 2027. If Minnesota believes Sadiq is the best player available at No. 18, there is absolutely no reason not to draft him and prepare for life after Hockenson.
Sadiq is a pass-catcher and a blocker; he’s the total package. He’s considered a physical freak and just turned 21.
6. Kayden McDonald | NT, Ohio State
If the Vikings desire a “safe” draft selection after perhaps trading down 5-12 spots, McDonald is perfect. He’s a run-stopping nose tackle, and Minnesota hasn’t employed a genuine version of one of those since Linval Joseph and Dalvin Tomlinson.
McDonald is the No. 31 rookie on the Consensus Big Board. Minnesota, for example, could trade with the Miami Dolphins at No. 30, add two 3rd-Rounders, and draft McDonald.
5. Jermod McCoy | CB, Tennessee
McCoy would be higher on this list, but his recent draft momentum suggests he’ll be gone by the time Minnesota is called to the podium. He’s considered CB2 behind LSU’s Mansoor Delane, who will be picked somewhere in the Top 15 — probably Top 12.
McCoy is 20 years old and recovering from a torn ACL that cancels his 2025 season at Tennessee. Like Hood, McCoy usually plays on the outside.
NFL Draft Buzz on McCoy: “McCoy belongs in the conversation as one of the most complete corners in this class, and the Pro Day removed the last real caveat attached to his evaluation. The 4.37 forty and 38-inch vertical, turned in on a surgically repaired knee, confirm the closing burst and recovery speed that his 2024 tape suggested but never got to prove against NFL-caliber testing.”
4. Keldric Faulk | EDGE, Auburn
Pretend the Jonathan Greenard trade rumors come true; the Vikings trade him to an EDGE-needy team for a 2nd-Rounder. Well, interim general manager Rob Brzezinski can somewhat easily draft Faulk minutes later.
Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) participates in position drills during the program’s pro day at the Woltosz Performance Center, Mar 24, 2026, as NFL scouts and team personnel evaluate his athleticism, movement skills, and readiness for the next level. Mandatory Credit: Jake Crandall-Imagn Images
Faulk is almost a forgotten man behind rookie EDGEs David Bailey, Arvel Reese, Rueben Bain, and Akheem Mesidor. But his current draft slot aligns with the Vikings’ long-term OLB need if they trade Greenard.
Keep in mind, Andrew Van Ginkel’s contract expires after 2026.
3. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S, Toledo
The best way for Minnesota to get McNeil-Warren is probably a trade down a handful of spots, adding a 2nd- or 3rd-Round pick and still filling the safety void that will be evident if Harrison Smith retires.
McNeil-Warren has the prototypical safety size, he’s rangy, and he forces turnovers. Drafting safeties in Round 1 may not be totally ideal, but the Toledo product might just be worth it.
2. Peter Woods | DT, Clemson
One month ago, the Vikings ended the one-year stays of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. They don’t work here anymore. Combined, those two played over 1,300 defensive snaps at DT for the 2025 Vikings.
One might think that a rookie defensive tackle is on the way; Allen and Hargrave leaving is sufficient evidence.
If Minnesota sticks-and-picks at No. 18 and wants a young defensive tackle, Woods is the pick.
1. Dillon Thieneman | S, Oregon
If you’re reading an article like this, you’ve probably scanned at least 10+ NFL mock drafts by now. There’s a decent chance that Thieneman landed with the Vikings in 90% of them.
Thieneman reminds everyone of Harrison Smith, and Smith could retire at any time. Therefore, probably needing a safety as early as now, Thieneman has morphed into Minnesota’s mock-draft darling.
Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Texas Tech running back J’Koby Williams (20) is brought down by Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) during second-half action of the Orange Bowl playoff quarterfinal, Jan 1, 2026, as both teams battle for field position in a high-stakes postseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler on Thieneman: “With his open-field athleticism, Thieneman has a lot to offer in the NFL because of his versatility making plays over the top in coverage or downhill versus the run. He shows impressive range and anticipation from the deep half of the field, as well as the intelligence to understand what opponents are trying to do.”
“Although he doesn’t always play up to his testing numbers, he can guard both sidelines and sort through routes. He can clean up some things in the run game, too — he has a nose for the ball and doesn’t hesitate flying to the contact point.”
Draft heads perceived him as a 2nd-Rounder two months ago, but he balled out at the Combine, and now the world believes he’ll be a Viking.
Q&A
Who are the top candidates for the Vikings' 18th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The leading candidates for the Vikings' 18th pick include various prospects, with specific names not detailed in the current analysis.
What challenges are the Vikings facing ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Vikings are facing challenges due to the lack of an official general manager and numerous roster holes that need to be addressed.
When is the 2026 NFL Draft scheduled to take place?
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in 10 days from the current date mentioned in the article.
What is the significance of the Vikings having the 18th overall pick?
Having the 18th overall pick is significant for the Vikings as it provides an opportunity to address critical roster needs and shape the team's future.
