2026 Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft: 7-Round Projection
Draft Capital: 8 picks | Overall Grade: B Last Updated: December 30, 2025Executive Summary
Minnesota Vikings enter the 2026 NFL Draft with 8 selections and critical needs at Running Back, Cornerback, Safety. This mock has them addressing their biggest weaknesses while maintaining draft value.
Complete Draft Class:---
Complete Pick-by-Pick Analysis
Pick #17 - Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell, Nickel Cornerback, Clemson
Rank: #19 overall | Grade: A- | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Detroit addresses their most pressing need with Kadyn Proctor, a true mountain of a man at 6-7, 366 pounds whose run-blocking dominance fits their offensive identity perfectly. While Proctor's pass-protection inconsistency has concerned some evaluators, his ability to crush double teams and create imposing gaps in the running game is exactly what the Lions' power scheme requires. This is a pick that maximizes scheme fit over positional versatility.
The Fit:Proctor's absurd power and willingness to climb to the second level and block defenders in space make him an ideal fit for Detroit's run-heavy attack. His five-star pedigree and experience starting since his freshman year at Alabama provide the resume, even if the 2025 tape shows boom-or-bust reps. The Mekhi Becton comparison cuts both ways—the upside is All-Pro, but the floor involves scheme-dependency and technical refinement.
Scouting Report:If Avieon Terrell was off the board, Minnesota Vikings could target similar Nickel Cornerbacks in the first round range.
See full Minnesota Vikings 7-round draft →---
Pick #48 - Minnesota Vikings: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Safety, Toledo
Rank: #50 overall | Grade: B | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Baltimore adds a freakish size-movement combination by taking Chris Brazzell II, a 6-5 receiver whose ability to move like a much smaller player has captivated scouts. Brazzell's Tennessee numbers—29 catches in 2024 after 44 catches and 711 yards at Tulane—don't tell the full story of his potential as a Mike Evans-like boundary weapon. The Ravens are betting his ball-tracking ability and attack at the highest point give Lamar Jackson a true contested-catch threat.
The Fit:Brazzell's explosive separation and violent breaks create space against coverage that his frame then dominates, giving Baltimore a receiver who wins before and after the ball arrives. His willingness as a run blocker fits the Ravens' physical offensive identity, while his surprisingly nimble feet after the catch add unexpected YAC dimension. The lean 200-pound frame raises durability concerns given his previous shoulder injury, but his DK Metcalf-like ball skills justify the risk.
Scouting Report:If Emmanuel McNeil-Warren was off the board, Minnesota Vikings could target similar Safetys in the second round range.
See full Minnesota Vikings 7-round draft →---
Pick #79 - Minnesota Vikings: Jonah Coleman, Running Back, Washington
Rank: #76 overall | Grade: C+ | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Baltimore addresses their third-ranked need with Romello Height, a Texas Tech edge rusher whose burst off the snap and ability to bend around tackles project to situational pass-rush roles immediately. Height's good length at 6-4 allows him to disengage from blockers and make plays, while his motor and effort in pursuit suggest he'll contribute on hustle plays early. The Ravens are adding a developmental edge with special teams upside.
The Fit:Height's athletic traits and speed-rush ability give Baltimore a rotational edge who can spell starters on passing downs while learning the professional game. His ability to threaten around the corner complements Baltimore's power-based rushing attack, even if his limited pass-rush arsenal beyond speed and inconsistent setting the edge against the run mean significant development is needed. The projection as a developmental edge who earns snaps through special teams fits this draft slot perfectly.
Scouting Report:If Jonah Coleman was off the board, Minnesota Vikings could target similar Running Backs in the Day 2-3 range.
See full Minnesota Vikings 7-round draft →---
Pick #97 - Minnesota Vikings: Cayden Green, Offensive Tackle, Missouri
Rank: #102 overall | Grade: C | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Minnesota addresses their sixth-ranked need with Xavier Chaplin, whose massive 6-7, 340-plus-pound frame earned him third-team All-American honors as a redshirt freshman and All-ACC recognition as a sophomore before transferring to Auburn for SEC competition. Chaplin's elite size creates clear physical advantages over nearly every defensive lineman he faces, and 247Sports' ranking as the 10th-best transfer validated his talent level. The Vikings are betting on physical tools translating with proper technique coaching.
The Fit:Chaplin's prototypical SEC offensive tackle frame with natural length and bulk gives Minnesota an imposing presence who can anchor against bull rushes and use reach advantage to keep speed rushers at bay. His two years of ACC starting experience provides substantial tape, while his move to Auburn in 2025 offers opportunity to prove dominance against the nation's best defensive linemen weekly. The technique fundamentals that mask deficiencies in hand placement and footwork need significant work, but you can't teach his size.
Scouting Report:If Cayden Green was off the board, Minnesota Vikings could target similar Offensive Tackles in the Day 2-3 range.
See full Minnesota Vikings 7-round draft →---
Pick #163: Logan Jones (Center, Iowa) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #198: Max Llewellyn (Edge Rusher, Iowa) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #231: Kyle Louis (Outside Linebacker, Pittsburgh) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #243: Trinidad Chambliss (Quarterback, Ole Miss) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential.---
Minnesota Vikings Draft Class Summary
Overall Grade: B What Went Right:---
Related Content
More Minnesota Vikings Draft Coverage:---
Next Minnesota Vikings Mock Update: Tuesday at 5:00 AM ET