The Vikings Have an Underrated Draft Class

With the possibility to learn from Cashman, Ginkel, and Wilson while being coached by Brian Flores, Golday can be a key player for the Vikings’ defense. And, if Golday impresses with his versatility, Dominique Orange does it with his ability as a role-defined player. He probably won’t see the field in passing situations, but he won’t leave it when teams are trying to run the ball, and Big Citrus dares teams to run over the middle.

Oct 11, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday (11) attempts to tackle UCF Knights quarterback Cam Fancher (14) in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images.

Caleb Tiernan is arguably the only pick that no one wants to see on the field as a rookie. A safety pick, he will add much-needed depth in the offensive tackle position. There’s also a possibility that the Vikings give him snaps at either guard spot, as their super-sub, Blake Brandel, is likely to be the starting center. Tiernan can also be a future starter, considering that Brian O’Neill is scheduled to be a free agent in 2027.

Jakobe Thomas was the other pick that deviated from the Consensus Board, but he should fit this defense like a glove. He was highly productive in his lone season with the Miami Hurricanes, recording 5 picks and 3.5 sacks. A very versatile safety, he should make an early push to be a starter.

Max Bredeson was a weird pick to many, but it shows O’Connell’s commitment to improving the running game. Frank Smith, whom he brought from Miami to be the assistant head coach, used a fullback in 25% of the snaps, second only to the 49ers. As fullbacks don’t get used anymore, finding a true FB is very hard, and Bredeson was the best one in this Draft. If the Vikings plan to use heavier personnel, he’s a great option to fill C.J. Ham’s shoes.

Even though he’s a fifth-round pick, Charles Demmings has a clear path to an important role. He would be picked way higher if he played in the FBS, as he has the physical tools to be a starting cornerback in the NFL. His level of competition is the main problem, but holding his own during training camp can make him the primary backup in 2026 and maybe a starter as soon as 2027.

Jan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; National cornerback Charles Demmings (16) of Stephen F. Austin guards National wide receiver Josh Cameron (34) of Baylor during National Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

If you think Caleb Banks is a boom-or-bust player, meet Demond Claiborne. Over his final two seasons, he had 407 total carries, with 1956 yards and almost 5.0 per carry. He has that home-run threat that the Vikings’ running game has been lacking since prime Dalvin Cook, which is why the team selected him. But he also fumbled the ball 10 times, an absurd amount. If Claiborne can improve his ball security, his explosiveness can change this offense.

With their last pick, the team finally addressed the center position. I admit that I didn’t know Gavin Gerhardt before the Draft, but he’s a very experienced player with over 50 starts and 3000 snaps in college. He impressed the coaches during his Top30 visit, completing a full install with the coaching staff. With what should be an open competition at center, Gerhardt’s experience will give him a chance to challenge Blake Brandel.

The big picture that emerged after the Draft is a franchise tired of losing in the trenches. 2024’s defense was great against the run, but Phillips and Bullard’s ineffectiveness in pressuring the QB proved to be exploitable. Allen and Hargrave didn’t make the impact that the team envisioned, and the front got weaker against the run.

Big Citrus can help with the last problem, while Banks, if healthy, can form a strong, balanced duo with Jalen Redmond. Golday offers versatility and physicality in the front seven, while Thomas does the same in the backend. Offensively, the idea is that a better QB play will drastically improve what this team can do with the ball.

It may not have looked like it at the beginning, but the Minnesota Vikings are a better team now than they were a week ago.