Story by
3 First-Round Targets for the Vikings — With a Catch
- Story by
- 3 First-Round Targets for the Vikings — With a Catch
3 First-Round Targets for the Vikings — With a Catch
The 2026 NFL Draft is a little over two months away, and opinions on who teams should draft are rife. Here at Vikings Territory, we are interested in potential draft picks for the Minnesota Vikings. With their 18th overall pick, there are several potential options. I look at three in particular that come with asterisk – or boom or bust potential .
Three First-Round Options Come with Questions for Vikings
There are very few "can't miss" prospects in this class, and the few that are there aren't going to be on the board at 18. A lot of the top players have significant questions in their scouting reports. There are three of these players who have alluring upside but also concerns that must be addressed, and I believe the Vikings should look at them closely.
Advertisement
Jermod McCoy (Cornerback), Tennessee
Jermod McCoy has phenomenal tape that warrants a high draft selection, and the Vikings' search for a lockdown CB1 has been ongoing for years. McCoy has been one of the best coverage corners in college football since he arrived on the scene. However, there are some injury concerns. McCoy missed the entire 2025 season with a torn ACL that he suffered in an offseason workout last January.
Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) reacts after gaining control of a fumble during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. © Stephanie Amador / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
A full recovery in time for the NFL Combine and a big week there, both on the field and in medical testing, could put McCoy out of reach for the Vikings at 18, such is his talent. If he does slide to 18, do the Vikings take the risk? It's a big question, and who else is also on the board always has a say in the matter, and we won't know that until the day. McCoy is an exceptional talent and worth the risk associated with injury history if you can get him.
Advertisement
Kenyon Sadiq (Tight End), Oregon
If the Vikings decide to move on from TJ Hockenson, then they could be in the market for the top TE in this year's draft. That is unanimously, Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq, who is expected to become the fifth TE to go in the first round over the past four drafts. He doesn't come quite as highly rated as any of Dalton Kincaid, Brock Bowers, Colston Loveland, or Tyler Warren.
Dec 7, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) reacts after a touchdown during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 2024 Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Sadiq is still an excellent separator and willing run blocker who is dangerous after the catch. The concern is drop issues, not something you want from your first round pick. Positional value makes me think a team should shy away from Sadiq unless their roster is stacked everywhere and they are just looking for a stud TE – that's not the Vikings.
Advertisement
Caleb Banks (Defensive Tackle), Florida
Caleb Banks has been a productive pass-rusher throughout his collegiate career at Florida, which is why he's a projected top-25 pick whose draft stock appears to be on the rise after a strong showing at the Senior Bowl. Boasting an impressive 12% pressure rate since 2023, he is built to pass-rush from the interior, while his run defense is solid enough, though it could use improvement.
Jul 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida State Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks answers questions from the media during the SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
The major questions regarding Banks stem from his medical history and his unavailability in 2025. He's had foot issues in the past and suffered another injury that required a procedure and ultimately caused him to miss most of the 2025 season. Banks' projection is shrouded with uncertainty, on account of his small on-field sample size.
Advertisement
The potential to be utilized as an alignment-versatile game-wrecker. The pre-draft cycle will determine how high he rises, but his raw potential is impossible to ignore. Banks is currently my favored pick for the Vikings at 18.
