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The 4 Realistic Paths the Vikings Could Take in Round 1 of the Draft
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- The 4 Realistic Paths the Vikings Could Take in Round 1 of the Draft
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
The 2026 NFL Draft is 19 days away, and after the Minnesota Vikings have wrapped up free agency — for the most part — the clues are there to peek at a possible strategy. Consider the following list the most realistic outcomes on Thursday, April 23rd.
Minnesota has four credible Round 1 routes, each tied to roster needs and long-term draft value.
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The Vikings have nine picks this cycle, up from five when they embarked on the 2025 NFL Draft .
Minnesota's First-Round Board Offers Flexibility at No. 18
Ranked in ascending order, these are the Vikings' most likely draft outcomes (No. 1 = most realistic).
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods addresses reporters during a preseason media session, discussing expectations and preparation ahead of a marquee matchup Aug. 27, 2024, at the Smart Family Media Center in Clemson, South Carolina. The appearance came days before Clemson's highly anticipated opener against Georgia in Atlanta. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY NETWORK
4. Draft Peter Woods (DT) at No. 18
The Vikings may want a defensive tackle early in the draft after electively releasing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave last month. Allen joined the Cincinnati Bengals , and Hargrave picked the Green Bay Packers . What a world.
Woods is probably the only defensive tackle who merits the 18th overall pick — for those who believe in the purest form of his upside. It might be strange for Minnesota to reach at No. 18 for Kayden McDonald or Caleb Banks, for example.
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Woods is the no-nonsense stick-and-pick DT option at No. 18.
Zone Coverage 's Preet Shah on Woods : "Clemson's scheme wasn't a good fit for his style of play. However, at some point, talent should lead to production. The lack of it is definitely a red flag that has taken Wood's position as the undisputed DT1 in the draft down a notch."
"Peter Woods has all the tools and could be a monster in this defensive unit. However, that will only happen if he buys in and shows a willingness to curb some of his reckless tendencies while developing his skills. Still, given just how high the upside is, it's a risk the Vikings should consider taking if they are determined to add to an already fun and young defensive line ."
3. Trading Down + Drafting a Defensive Back
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No matter what, the Vikings need cornerback and safety help for the long haul. Heading into the 2027 offseason, the Vikings will have these defensive backs under contract:
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Byron Murphy Jr. (CB)
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James Pierre (CB)
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Josh Metellus (S)
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Theo Jackson (S)
Isaiah Rodgers , Jay Ward , and Harrison Smith are not scheduled to be on the 2027 roster, and this draft should be just as much about planning for 2027 as 2026.
In this scenario, the Vikings traded down 5-10 spots, grab a 3rd-Rounder or so, and pick one of these defensive backs:
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Brandon Cisse, CB (South Carolina)
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Colton Hood, CB ( Tennessee )
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Chris Johnson, CB (San Diego State)
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Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S (Toledo)
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Avieon Terrell, CB (Clemson)
They'd add a young cornerback or safety while ensuring five Top 10 draft picks are on the menu.
2. Trading Down + Drafting a DT
Take that logic from the Woods pick and tweak it just a little bit.
Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks meets with reporters while representing his program during conference media availability July 16, 2025, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia. Banks discussed team outlook and preparation during SEC Media Days, offering insight into Florida's defensive front heading into the upcoming season. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Minnesota could prefer a defensive tackle with its first pick, but after Woods, the other iDL options can likely be drafted later in Round 1 or early in Round 2. We're talking these four players:
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Kayden McDonald (Ohio State)
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Caleb Banks (Florida)
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Lee Hunter (Texas Tech)
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Christen Miller (Georgia)
The Vikings could love McDonald, Banks, Hunter, or Miller, trade down about 10 spots, and perhaps add a 2nd- or 3rd-Rounder while still getting their man.
1. Draft Dillon Thieneman (S) at No. 18
This take is everywhere, and this take is everywhere for a reason.
The aforementioned Smith will either retire in a couple of months or a year in a couple of months. No matter what Smith decides, the Vikings need a safety. Thieneman, after an outstanding showing at the NFL Combine, blends the Vikings' team need with the best player available at pick No. 18. That's why you see Thieneman selected by Minnesota in 90% of all mock drafts.
Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman steps in front of a pass for an interception during second-half action, shifting momentum in a rivalry matchup Nov 29, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The turnover highlighted his awareness and ball skills against Washington in a tightly contested game. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
While Minnesota could prefer the contrarian approach, it really might be as simple as choosing Thieneman and calling it good.
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SI.com 's Will Ragatz on Thieneman : "If he isn't taken before the 18th pick, it would not be surprising at all to see Thieneman end up in Minnesota. But the consensus formed by mock drafters suggests it would be a surprise if he doesn't become a Viking, and that's worth pushing back on. There are a few reasons why this shouldn't be viewed as a slam dunk or a foregone conclusion."
"For one, Thieneman isn't the only safety who could make sense at 18. The lone safety who earned a higher PFF grade than him last year was Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, who has a legitimate case to be the second player drafted at that position after Ohio State's Caleb Downs . It's entirely possible the Vikings wind up preferring EMW, who is three inches taller and arguably a better open-field tackler than Thieneman."
He currently ranks 18th on the Consensus Big Board , and — checks notes — the Vikings have the 18th overall pick.
