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4 Vikings Players on Thin Ice after the Draft
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- 4 Vikings Players on Thin Ice after the Draft
Jeffrey Becker
The 2026 NFL Draft revealed nine new players, while undrafted free agency brought about 20 more. Accordingly, as with every cycle, a few Minnesota Vikings players were quietly and indirectly put “on notice” by Minnesota’s roster decisions .
The draft did more than add rookies. It squeezed several veterans and young depth pieces.
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These are those players in 2026, listed alphabetically.
Minnesota’s Post-Draft Roster Bubble Is Clearer
Which player is on the hot seat in your estimation?
During the 2024 season, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez celebrates with teammate Bo Richter after a key defensive play, with 2024 action reflecting the energy of a young defensive front finding its rhythm. Rodriguez’s disruption and Richter’s support showcased depth, momentum, and emerging contributors carving out roles. Mandatory Credit: Alli Rusco-Vikings.com
1. Levi Drake Rodriguez (NT)
Drake Rodriguez’s long-term outlook shifted the moment Minnesota doubled up at defensive tackle. Nobody among Vikings fans or analysts expected the team to draft two defensive tackles before the end of Round 3. Then, when Orange was selected Friday night, the depth chart suddenly looked different.
Before that pick, Drake Rodriguez still had a believable path to becoming Minnesota’s long-term nose tackle. After the pick, though, that theory vanished quickly. If Orange develops as his scouting report suggests, Drake Rodriguez will likely be NT2 for the remainder of his rookie contract. While still useful, it no longer offers the same long-term potential.
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Our Janik Eckardt on Rodriguez’s post-draft fate : “Defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez was the team’s starting nose tackle just a week ago following Javon Hargrave ’s exit, but his role might have changed within the team’s first three selections. At first, the club added Caleb Banks in the first round, who’s expected to be a defensive end and join the rotation next to Jalen Redmond .”
“In a base defense, there’s still room for Rodriguez sandwiched by the two. On Day 2, however, the Vikings acquired Domonique Orange, who is expected to slide into the nose tackle role. Rodriguez might still have a chance, as defensive line rotation is important, but the clear path to a starting job is gone.”
2. Johnny Hekker (P)
Hekker likely believed the 2026 punting job was his to lose in Minneapolis. Minnesota signed him last month after Ryan Wright departed for the New Orleans Saints , providing the Vikings with a clear veteran solution at punter. For a few weeks, Hekker’s situation looked straightforward.
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That changed last Saturday.
After the draft, the Vikings signed Georgia punter Brett Thorson, immediately changing the dynamic in the punter room. Thorson was one of the best punters in college football, with pre-draft chatter even pushing him into the Round 3 range.
He didn’t get drafted, but he still landed in Minnesota. Now, Hekker faces a genuine training camp battle. The veteran may still be the favorite, but Thorson is talented enough to make August suspenseful.
3. Theo Jackson (S)
Harrison Smith may not be back in 2026, which should be “good” news for Jackson’s playing-time outlook. But then Minnesota picked Jakobe Thomas in Round 3. He plays the same position as Jackson, and Jackson was already demoted in December of 2025 in favor of Jay Ward .
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and safety Theo Jackson celebrate after a play against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium, with Jan. 4, 2026, in Minneapolis capturing a third-quarter moment fueled by defensive execution and sideline energy during a division matchup late in the season. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
There’s a world where Smith returns for Year No. 15, and Jackson hardly plays in the regular season or even straddles the roster bubble beforehand.
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Yahoo Sports ‘ Austen Bundy assumed the Vikings would draft a Round 1 safety a few weeks ago and noted on Jackson , “Theo Jackson occupies that spot and could probably feel secure there for at least this season. But he’s going to have to come close to a career year to prove he deserves to stick around after that.”
“Thieneman recorded two interceptions last year but his draft profile notes his versatility and speed are his greatest assets. That’s what Jackson needs to bring to the table or risk falling behind Thieneman in the depth chart.”
4. Zavier Scott (RB)
The roster numbers are now working against Scott. Minnesota’s addition of Demond Claiborne from Wake Forest last weekend isn’t just for depth; he will be on the Week 1 roster.
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The Viking Age ‘s Brad Berreman on Claiborne : “He has ability as a pass catcher that can be further developed in the NFL, with prowess as a kickoff returner and a nose for the end zone (21 rushing touchdowns over his last two seasons at Wake Forest). With Jones being over 30 years old and Mason being an active detriment to the situation on passing downs due to his struggles as a pass blocker, it might not be as tough for Claiborne to notably contribute right away as it seems.”
“Of course, due to his size, Claiborne’s ability to pass protect at the next level is easy to question. While Pro Football Focu s was generally not high on his work there over his four years at Wake Forest, he did earn a 66.2 pass blocking grade as a junior in 2024 on 159 pass blocking snaps.”
Minnesota Vikings running back Zavier Scott participates in practice drills at The Grove, with Oct. 4, 2024, in Watford highlighting an international preparation setting as the team worked through assignments and evaluations during a unique overseas week tied to regular-season competition. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Vikings typically keep three or four running backs in September, and that trio is already easy to envision: Aaron Jones , Jordan Mason , and Claiborne — possibly Scott.
This leaves Scott in a tough spot. He’ll need a monster camp, significant special teams value, or an injury elsewhere to change his destiny.
