The Vikings are expected to focus on defense in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman as their top pick. They also plan to add South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse, Florida center Jake Slaughter, and Texas Tech edge rusher Romello Height in the following rounds.
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh next week, a city that could be where the Vikings select the next star they add to their roster in hopes of righting the proverbial ship. Before then, though, there will be plenty of speculation and buildup for the team and who they may add to the roster through the draft. Thankfully, we now have some added context for players now that the scouting combine has come and gone.
CBS Sports' Mike Renner recently released the latest 2026 NFL mock draft of the cycle, which has the team going with a familiar name for fans. He has them going with Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, who is nearly cemented to be a Viking based on how mock drafts are going.
Renner explains the Thieneman pick, writing, "Thieneman is the type of versatile coverage player who can be a weapon in Brian Flores' defense. His range and ball skills are special on the back end."
Renner's mock goes beyond round one as he went a full three rounds. In the next two rounds, the Vikings landed South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse, Florida C Jake Slaughter, and Texas Tech edge rusher Romello Height. Those are two starters and one meaningful pass-rush piece for Brian Flores.
If the Vikings come away with this type of haul, then they may be on the up-and-up in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: NFL Mock Draft: Vikings land star CB in 3-Round projection
The Vikings' top pick is expected to be Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman.
The Vikings are targeting defensive positions, including safety, cornerback, and edge rusher.
In addition to Dillon Thieneman, the Vikings are projected to select South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse, Florida center Jake Slaughter, and Texas Tech edge rusher Romello Height.
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