Ranking the Vikings 2026 NFL Draft class from best to worst

The 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone, and the Minnesota Vikings went defense early and often. Minnesota's first three picks were all on the defensive side of the ball, and five of their nine selections were, as well. Many questioned some of the picks made during the draft, in particular Caleb Banks, but which were the best and worst picks made by the Vikings? Let's talk about it.

Here are all nine selections, ranked from best (1) to worst (9):

• 1) Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State'

• 2) Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

• 3) Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest

• 4) Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

• 5) Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami

• 6) Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern

• 7) Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin State

• 8) Gavin Gerhardt, C, Cincinnati

• 9) Max Bredeson, FB, Michigan

The defensive tackles taken in this year's class were the two best picks Minnesota made during the 2026 NFL Draft. Orange and Banks, pending health, could make a formidable inside presence for years. If you've been following along during the pre-draft process, you know my stance on Claiborne. Minnesota is the perfect landing spot for him, as he has a shot early to take over the RB2 spot, and by year's end, could see starter's reps.

Not to discredit the position, but drafting a fullback automatically locks the pick as the worst in the class. In a class where you had to address the secondary and you only made two selections at corner and safety, but chose a fullback, something has to give. Not to downplay Bredeson as a player, but this position could have been found as a UDFA.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Defensive line made for the best picks in the 2026 NFL Draft