The Minnesota Vikings showed their cards during the first week of free agency, not doing much, other than signing quarterback Kyler Murray and cornerback James Pierre . And while the club will probably sign some depth players before too long, the NFL Draft is less than six weeks away, and we have early predictions for the Round 1 pick.
Minnesota's first-round path still looks murky, even with a few early favorites emerging.
The team has plenty of needs, so the exercise of forecasting the selection is not straightforward.
The Vikings will have nine picks this year — to start off.
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) battles at the line during second-quarter action at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina, on September 6, 2025, as the Tigers' defensive front works to control the trenches early in the matchup and disrupt the opposing offense's rhythm with interior pressure. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Network.
1. Peter Woods | DT, Clemson
Predictor : Janik Eckardt
The Vikings have a need at defensive tackle after releasing Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen for salary cap purposes. Woods is regarded as one of the top prospects at the position with a unique athletic profile. He lacks size, but offers the explosiveness to make a difference on Minnesota's front for years to come.
2. Kayden McDonald | DT, Ohio State
Predictor: Brevan Bane
I've been pounding the drum for the Vikings to add to the secondary. However, there's been no recent evidence that the Vikings view the corner position as one to spend major draft capital on. For that reason, as of now, we'll go Ohio State IDL Kayden McDonald .
In this scenario, a team in front of Minnesota fell in love with the prospect of Caleb Banks , even with the recent foot injury. Brian Flores gets his big, sweaty, weird-smelling defensive tackle to clog the middle of the trenches and allow his elite pass rush to get home even more frequently than they already do.
He could play alongside Jalen Redmond as well, and the two could pose a scary duo on the interior D-line.
3. Caleb Banks | DT, Florida
Predictor: Josh Frey
Banks' foot injury, which he suffered last season, could push him down the board, which would benefit the Vikings. The defensive tackle is a game wrecker in the trenches that Minnesota needs after whiffing on free agent signings last year.
4. Sonny Styles | LB, Ohio State
Predictor: Kyle Joudry
I know that the sizzling Combine means the odds look low, but he fits the Vikings' criteria as a young defender with exceptional talent coming out of a major college program. I won't be surprised to see an off-ball backer who needs more polish slip down the board.
5. Avieon Terrell | CB, Clemson
Predictor: Cole Smith
Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (8) celebrates after shutting down a fake punt attempt during a matchup with the Troy Trojans at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina, on September 6, 2025, as the Tigers' special teams unit snuffs out the trick play and swings momentum back toward the home sideline. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Network.
Isaiah Rodgers and Byron Murphy Jr. were the only Minnesota cornerbacks to log more than 200 defensive snaps in 2025. Terrell is a fluid athlete who has excellent coverage skills.
6. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S, Toledo
Predictor: Dustin Baker
Reserving the right to change this before the draft — that will probably happen — McNeil-Warren is the prediction, as the Vikings will trade down about 10 spots to add another 3rd-Round pick. The franchise hasn't added many new free agents — Murray and Pierre are the only ones through the first five days — meaning they're evidently relying on the draft for replenishment.
Whether Harrison Smith retires or returns, Minnesota needs a safety for the long haul. Dillon Thieneman will be off the board, and the Vikings will add another 3rd-Rounder, enjoy the draft's sweet spot in the Top 100 with another pick, and welcome McNeil-Warren as a Smith replacement.
t7. Dillon Thieneman | S, Oregon
Predictor : Tony Schultz
This draft has a few "one of one" type players. While some don't see this as an extremely deep draft, there are some definite gems in the early rounds. Jeremiyah Love, Caleb Downs , and Sonny Styles are those kinds of players: they will go early, and it will be nearly impossible for teams to trade up for them.
I don't feel the Vikings have enough draft capital to climb that ladder unless one of them tumbles down the charts. They pick the best player available in a spot that also needs shoring up. Lock in Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman at 18 … right now.
His draft analysis is similar to Harrison Smith's in that he is a smart player who tackles well. He can also be a ball hawk with 8 interceptions in his 3 years in college. It would not surprise me if the Vikings get to trade back a few spots and gain a pick or two and still pick him up. He fills the ache left by Smith.
t7. Dillon Thieneman | S, Oregon
Predictor: Ali Siddiqui
Vikings have a need at safety, whether Harrison Smith returns or not. This is also considered a good safety draft. So far, the Vikings haven't added a safety in FA or via trade, and maybe they won't.
t7. Dillon Thieneman | S, Oregon
Predictor: Adam New
Thieneman is drawing comparisons to Harrison Smith, and with the Vikings needing secondary help, he's emerging as a potential option at 18th overall. While that selection might have seemed like a reach before the combine, his recent performance has shifted perceptions.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning speaks with defensive back Dillon Thieneman during an open practice at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon, on December 27, 2025, as the Ducks finalize preparations ahead of their upcoming Orange Bowl appearance and fine-tune defensive assignments during the late-December postseason training session. Mandatory Credit: Ben Lonergan-USA TODAY Network.
Thieneman's athleticism is evident after he clocked a 4.35-second 40-yard dash and a 1.52-second 10-yard split. He also posted the second-highest vertical jump among safeties at 41 inches. These results have solidified his case as a first-round prospect, potentially even within the top 20, putting him squarely within the Vikings' range.
However, landing in Minnesota with Smith comparisons would bring a unique set of expectations.
t7. Dillon Thieneman | S, Oregon
Predictor: Wesley Johnson
Safety and defensive tackle appear to be the biggest needs for the Vikings post-first wave of free agency, with WR not too far behind. I've had a steady drumbeat for DT Caleb Banks here, but with reports of yet another foot injury, slotting him into the first round needs to be tempered.
Enter Thieneman, a do-everything Swiss Army Knife at the safety position. Thieneman is quickly rising draft boards after a fantastic showing at the scouting combine. With future Hall of Famer Harrison Smith likely hanging up his cleats, Thieneman should allow for a somewhat seamless transition into the next era.
