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The Dream 2026 NFL Draft Prospects for the Minnesota Vikings
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- The Dream 2026 NFL Draft Prospects for the Minnesota Vikings
The Dream 2026 NFL Draft Prospects for the Minnesota Vikings
The 2026 NFL Draft is fast approaching with the combine set to begin in just a couple of days.
The Minnesota Vikings have a pretty wide open slate of options in this spring's draft in terms of which position they could target with their first round pick, and here is a look at a few of the dream prospects they could target this spring.
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RB Jeremiyah Love
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) celebrates after getting a first down in the first half of a NCAA football game against Southern California at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in South Bend. © MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
It's entirely unlikely that Jeremiyah Love will be on the board at No. 18, but hey, NFL Network's Charles Davis just opened the door to the possibility that he could be.
Over the past few years since Dalvin Cook 's departure, the Vikings have struggled to find a consistent rushing attack. Love would instantly change that weakness to a strength. He was one of the most highly productive players in all of college football over the past two years, totaling 2,497 yards rushing and 35 touchdowns since 2024.
S Caleb Downs
Oct 4, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) reads the formation during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
One of the Vikings' sneaky needs this offseason could be at safety, particularly if Harrison Smith decides to hang up his cleats. Josh Metellus wasn't as impressive this season, and Theo Jackson never quite emerged enough to make fans feel entirely comfortable with him as a full-time starter.
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Caleb Downs would fix that problem in a hurry with elite athletic ability. He can play a traditional free safety spot, he can step in as a slot corner, or he can go into the box and provide pressure on an opponent's running game or quarterback.
Again, there is a decent chance that he isn't on the board when the Vikings pick, but as a safety and with a pretty loaded group of edge rushers, maybe Downs tumbles a bit.
DT Caleb Banks
Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) hypes the crowd during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 7, 2023. © Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK.
The Vikings didn't get what they wanted out of their high-roller free agency acquisitions at the defensive tackle position last offseason, so now they might need to be aggressive once again to get a true disruptor in the middle of their defensive line.
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Caleb Banks is a tank at 6'6″ and 330 pounds, and while his 2025 season was cut short due to injury, his tape in 2023 and 2024 showed he can make a difference both against the pass and against the run. He totaled seven tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2024.
CB Mansoor Delane
Aug 30, 2025; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) celebrates after a play against the Clemson Tigers during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
LSU has been a popular target for the Vikings in the draft during the 2020s, and cornerback is one of the most glaring needs on this roster right now, particularly for young depth. There are four cornerbacks on the active roster right now, and Byron Murphy is the only one under contract past 2026.
As a result, enter Mansoor Delane. Delane is a lockdown force on the boundary, and he allowed just 14 receptions on 35 targets in 2025 without giving up a single touchdown. He also added a pair of interceptions to his resume.
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Once again, the concern will be that he won't be on the board by the time the Vikings are on the clock at pick No. 18, but perhaps the Vikings get frisky and put together a trade to move up.
LB Sonny Styles
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
With Eric Wilson heading into free agency, would the Vikings dare take an off-ball linebacker in free agency? If so, Sonny Styles would be the guy. Styles is another player who very well could go in the top 10 if teams throw positional value out the window and for good reason.
Styles can do just about everything. He is an excellent run stopper at the second level of a defense, and he can also make an impact blitzing a quarterback. Toss in some quick feet that can drop back into coverage, and we have the making of a real difference maker at the linebacker position.
