Draft Center 2026
Pittsburgh, PA · April 23–25 · Updated Mar 28, 2026
R1 #14
R2 #46
R3 #78
R4 #110
R4 #126
R5 #158
R6 #195
R7 #230
COUNTDOWN
00
DAYS
00
HRS
00
MIN
00
SEC
1st Round #14 Overall
Total Picks 8
Capital Value 1,983 pts
Top Need IDL
Consensus Pick David Hicks
Sources 8
IDL
Critical
Interior D-Line
CB
High
Cornerback
OL
High
Offensive Line
S
Moderate
Safety
EDGE
Moderate
Edge Rusher
WR
Low
Wide Receiver
Draft Capital
2026
R1
#14
OWN
1100
R2
#46
OWN
440
R3
#78
OWN
210
R4
#110
OWN
98
R4
#126
COMP
72
R5
#158
OWN
40
R6
#195
OWN
18
R7
#230
OWN
5
TOT
8 picks
1,983
Round 1 History
Last 8
2024
#10
QB
A-
2024
#17
EDGE
B+
2023
#23
WR
A
2022
#32
S
D
2021
#23
OT
A+
2020
#22
WR
A+
2019
#18
C
C-
2018
#30
CB
D+
Needs Detail
IDL
Critical
Jonathan Allen released. Zero proven interior pass rush threat. Most critical void on the roster heading into April.
CB
High
Need a true alpha CB1 opposite Byron Murphy. Secondary gave up 4th-most passing TDs in 2025.
OL
High
Interior line depth thin after departures. Must protect Kyler Murray investment. Run game ranked 22nd in 2025.
S
Moderate
Harrison Smith turns 37 in February. Succession plan needed. Camryn Bynum solid but need FS range.
EDGE
Moderate
Van Ginkel and Greenard are capable starters but depth is paper-thin. Need a developmental pass rusher.
WR
Low
Jefferson and Addison locked in. Depth-only pick. Could target a slot specialist in later rounds.
Mock Draft
Pick #14 · 8 sources
David Hicks
IDL · Texas · 3/8 mocks
38%
David Hicks
IDL
3x
Benjamin Morrison
CB
2x
Derrick Harmon
IDL
1x
Tyler Booker
OG
1x
Mykel Williams
EDGE
1x
ESPN
David Hicks
IDL
Mar 25
NFL Network
Benjamin Morrison
CB
Mar 24
The Athletic
Derrick Harmon
IDL
Mar 23
PFF
Tyler Booker
OG
Mar 22
CBS Sports
David Hicks
IDL
Mar 21
Yahoo Sports
Benjamin Morrison
CB
Mar 20
Pro Football Network
Mykel Williams
EDGE
Mar 19
Sports Illustrated
David Hicks
IDL
Mar 18
Prospect Board
18 prospects
1
Jeremiah Smith
WR
HT6-3
WT215
404.39
VERT42″
BENCH14
Vikings Fit
45%
Comp: Randy Moss
Generational talent with elite body control and contested-catch ability. Dominated the Big Ten as a sophomore with 78 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 TDs. Uncanny ability to high-point the ball and create separation at the top of routes. Not a Vikings fit with Jefferson and Addison locked in, but the best player in the class by a wide margin.
2
Arch Manning
QB
HT6-4
WT225
404.67
VERT33″
BENCH22
Vikings Fit
30%
Comp: Peyton Manning
The most anticipated quarterback prospect since his uncle. Took over as Texas starter in 2025 and led the Longhorns to the SEC Championship game. Elite processing speed, pinpoint accuracy on intermediate routes, and the poise of a ten-year veteran. Not a Vikings need with J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray on the roster.
3
David Hicks
IDL
HT6-3
WT305
404.88
VERT31″
BENCH30
Vikings Fit
96%
Comp: Aaron Donald
Elite interior disruptor with rare combination of explosiveness and anchor. Recorded 8.5 sacks and 14 TFL from the 3-technique in 2025. First-step quickness creates immediate penetration and collapses the pocket with regularity. Fills Minnesota's most critical void left by the Jonathan Allen release. Highest-graded interior defender in the class and the consensus pick at #14.
4
Mykel Williams
EDGE
HT6-5
WT265
404.55
VERT37″
BENCH26
Vikings Fit
78%
Comp: Myles Garrett
A physical freak who can win with power, speed, or finesse. Totaled 11 sacks in his senior campaign despite constant double teams. Can kick inside on passing downs for positional versatility. Would give Brian Flores a chess piece to deploy across the entire defensive front. Strong Vikings fit if Hicks is off the board at #14.
5
Benjamin Morrison
CB
HT6-0
WT190
404.38
VERT40″
BENCH16
Vikings Fit
88%
Comp: Sauce Gardner
Lockdown corner with elite ball production: 14 PBUs and 5 INTs in 2025. Excels in press-man coverage with fluid hips and quick recovery speed. Length at 6-0 creates challenges for receivers at the line of scrimmage. Would instantly upgrade Minnesota's secondary as a true CB1 and addresses the second-biggest hole on the roster.
6
Ryan Williams
WR
HT6-1
WT195
404.35
VERT41″
BENCH12
Vikings Fit
40%
Comp: Tyreek Hill
The fastest player in the draft class with legitimate 4.3 speed and electric after-the-catch ability. Averaged 18.2 yards per catch in his sophomore season at Alabama. Creates explosive plays at all three levels of the defense. Not a positional need for Minnesota but his speed could tempt teams ahead of the Vikings.
7
Colin Simmons
EDGE
HT6-3
WT250
404.52
VERT38″
BENCH24
Vikings Fit
75%
Comp: Micah Parsons
Twitched-up pass rusher with an explosive first step and relentless motor. Led the Big 12 in total pressures as a sophomore. Can convert speed to power and has improved his counter moves significantly. Positional versatility allows him to line up standing or with his hand in the dirt for Brian Flores.
8
Deone Walker
IDL
HT6-6
WT345
405.02
VERT28″
BENCH33
Vikings Fit
90%
Comp: Vince Wilfork
A 345-pound mountain who commands double teams and swallows run lanes whole. His sheer mass and surprising agility make him nearly impossible to move at the point of attack. Would pair with an interior penetrator to give Minnesota the best IDL duo in the NFC North. Character and work ethic are off the charts per multiple team sources.
9
Tyler Booker
OG
HT6-5
WT325
405.15
VERT27″
BENCH35
Vikings Fit
82%
Comp: Quenton Nelson
The best interior offensive lineman in this class. Pancake machine who finished first in the SEC in blown-block rate at just 1.2 percent. Would immediately upgrade Minnesota's run game and provide Kyler Murray clean pockets from day one. Rare combination of power, technique, and nastiness at the guard position.
10
Mason Taylor
TE
HT6-5
WT250
404.55
VERT35″
BENCH20
Vikings Fit
58%
Comp: Travis Kelce
The son of NFL legend Jason Taylor brings athleticism and route-running polish rarely seen at the tight end position. Led all SEC tight ends with 67 catches and 8 TDs in 2025. Can flex out wide or work the seam with equal effectiveness. Hockenson makes this a depth pick for Minnesota, not a priority.
11
Jalon Walker
LB
HT6-2
WT240
404.52
VERT39″
BENCH22
Vikings Fit
70%
Comp: Patrick Queen
Versatile linebacker who can rush the passer, drop into coverage, and make plays against the run with equal proficiency. 9.5 sacks from the linebacker position is rare production at any level. Brian Flores' defense thrives on versatile chess pieces and Walker fits that mold.
12
Derrick Harmon
IDL
HT6-4
WT310
404.92
VERT30″
BENCH28
Vikings Fit
92%
Comp: Chris Jones
Explosive interior lineman who can win with quickness or power from multiple alignments. Racked up 7 sacks from the interior in Oregon's elite defense. Testing numbers suggest significant untapped athletic potential. Could be the best value IDL target if Minnesota trades down from #14. High ceiling with a moderate floor.
13
Tacario Davis
CB
HT6-3
WT200
404.42
VERT39″
BENCH14
Vikings Fit
85%
Comp: Richard Sherman
The longest corner in the draft at 6-3 with 34-inch arms. Dominated the Pac-12 with his ability to disrupt receivers at the line and challenge every contested throw. 4 INTs and 11 PBUs in 2025. That size-speed combination is exceptionally rare and would give Minnesota a physical presence in the secondary.
14
Tyleik Williams
IDL
HT6-3
WT290
404.95
VERT29″
BENCH27
Vikings Fit
88%
Comp: Fletcher Cox
Quick-twitch interior disruptor who lived in opposing backfields all season. 6.5 sacks and 12 TFL in his final collegiate season at Ohio State. Lighter than traditional IDL but wins consistently with leverage and elite hand technique. Another strong IDL option for Minnesota on Day 2.
15
Kelvin Banks Jr.
OT
HT6-4
WT320
405.08
VERT28″
BENCH30
Vikings Fit
78%
Comp: Trent Williams
Three-year starter at left tackle with elite pass protection grades throughout his career. Allowed just 2 sacks in his entire senior season behind clean technique and quick feet. Would solidify Minnesota's blind side protection for Kyler Murray for years to come.
16
Andrew Mukuba
S
HT6-0
WT190
404.42
VERT40″
BENCH15
Vikings Fit
84%
Comp: Jessie Bates III
Dynamic safety with elite range and ball-hawking instincts. 5 INTs and 2 forced fumbles in 2025. Can play both safety positions and has slot experience. Would be the ideal Harrison Smith successor: similar football intelligence with more athletic upside at this stage of his career.
17
Jack Sawyer
EDGE
HT6-5
WT260
404.62
VERT35″
BENCH25
Vikings Fit
72%
Comp: Chase Young
Elite length and power at the point of attack make Sawyer a dominant run defender. Improved his pass rush repertoire significantly in his senior season, finishing with 10 sacks. Sets a dominant edge against the run. Would complement Van Ginkel and Greenard as a rotational piece with legitimate starter upside.
18
Emeka Egbuka
WR
HT6-1
WT205
404.42
VERT38″
BENCH16
Vikings Fit
38%
Comp: Keenan Allen
The most polished route runner in the class with sure hands and excellent body control. Totaled 82 catches for 1,080 yards in his senior year. Does not have elite top-end speed but gets open with precision and veteran savvy. Not a need for Minnesota but represents excellent value if available on Day 2.
Trade Scenarios
Trade Up: Secure Hicks at #5
Target: David Hicks, IDL, Texas
SEND
R1 #141100 pts
R2 #46440 pts
R4 #11098 pts
Total1638
RECEIVE
R1 #51700 pts
Total1700
Aggressive move to guarantee the top IDL. Cost is steep but Hicks is a potential franchise defensive tackle. Vikings have filled enough roster holes in free agency to justify consolidating capital into elite talent. Requires a willing trade partner at #5.
Trade Down: Accumulate at #22
Target: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
SEND
R1 #141100 pts
Total1100
RECEIVE
R1 #22780 pts
R3 #86190 pts
2027 R498 pts
Total1068
Drop back 8 spots and gain significant draft capital. Booker and Harmon should still be available in the low 20s. Extra Day 2 pick addresses secondary needs, and the future pick provides roster-building flexibility.
Double Dip: Add 2nd Round 1 Pick
Target: Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas
SEND
R2 #46440 pts
R3 #78210 pts
R5 #15840 pts
Total690
RECEIVE
R1 #28660 pts
Total660
Keep #14 for IDL or CB and use packaged mid-round picks to re-enter Round 1. Mukuba at #28 solves the Harrison Smith succession plan with a Day 1 starter. Aggressive but mathematically sound per the trade value chart.
Rumors & Reports
Daily Norseman
9h
Vikings Draft: Best Pick 18 Options
Daily Norseman
1d
What Do Vikings Prospect Visits Reveal About the 2026 Draft?
Daily Norseman
2d
SB Nation Reacts Results: Getting Comfortable for Draft Weekend
Daily Norseman
2d
Minnesota Vikings News and Links: The 2026 NFL Draft Is 11 Days Away!
Daily Norseman
3d
What the Vikings’ Draft May Look Like
Daily Norseman
4d
Draft Anticipation Rising
Daily Norseman
4d
Vikings’ Path to Maximize Kyler Murray in 2026 Draft
Daily Norseman
5d
Minnesota Vikings News and Links: Will There Be Trades During The Draft?
Trade Value Chart
Jimmy Johnson
#1
3,000
#5
1,700
#10
1,300
#14
1,100
#20
850
#25
720
#28
660
#32
590
#46
440
#64
290
#78
210
#100
130
#128
68
#160
38
#192
16
#224
5
NFC North Draft
#3
CHI Bears4-13
OL
WR
S
Expected to take a franchise left tackle to protect Caleb Williams. Could trade down for a massive haul.
#28
DET Lions12-5
DL
CB
LB
Looking to reload after several key defensive departures. May target a versatile defensive lineman.
#22
GB Packers9-8
EDGE
S
IOL
Need pass rush help opposite Rashan Gary. Could prioritize safety given struggles since Amos departure.
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