Minnesota Vikings NFL Mock Draft’s continue familiar trend, while one fast riser makes a serious impact
Cornerback continues to be a serious target for the Minnesota Vikings in mock drafts.
The Minnesota Vikings dropped a bombshell on the NFL world on Friday afternoon when they fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
It isn’t a major surprise that the Vikings chose to move on from their general manager, but it was one due to the timing of the decision. Now that Adofo-Mensah has essentially been made as the scapegoat, the Vikings could potentially be on a different path forward with Rob Brzezinski as the interim general manager.
How could things end up changing over the course of the next few months? That will become abundantly clear, but the only change that will happen is Adofo-Mensah, meaning the entire scouting staff remains intact.
Through five weeks, experts still don’t know what to make of the Vikings.
Minnesota Vikings mock draft tracker 5.0
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
“The Vikings placed themselves in a difficult salary-cap position due to the defensive line signings of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. While both remain quality pieces, their salaries are too large relative to the impact they provide. Because of this, at least one could be cut, opening a need along the defensive line.
“Faulk is a bigger edge rusher at 6’6″ and 285 pounds, showcasing strength and power that were largely unmatched in the SEC. While not the quickest, he displays pop in his first step that leads scouts to believe he has upside as a pass rusher in addition to his excellent run defense.” – Aaron
Jeremiyah Love, RB Notre Dame
“This feels like the steal of our mock, but if Kansas City passes on Love at No. 10 and no one else trades up, this isn’t an unimaginable outcome.
“The Vikings need help in the backfield, and Love could enter the Bijan Robinson-Jahmyr Gibbs-Christian McCaffrey tier before long.” – The Athletic’s Staff
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
“Having just signed a contract extension, defensive coordinator Brian Flores needs a technician with a diverse game who can play man or zone from a bump-and-run or off position. Delane’s versatility, instincts and awareness make him the perfect fit for a defense designed to create chaos for opponents with creative pre-snap disguises and exotic blitz patterns.” – Brooks
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
“The Vikings’ defense was incredible last season, but Minnesota still could use another hoss in the middle of the field. McDonald would make a lot of sense as a true nose tackle talent in Brian Flores’ defense, creating even more opportunities for Flores to put his players in the best positions possible for them to break games.” – Tice and McDonald
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
“I’m not a big fan of projecting a first-rounder who didn’t play a snap in 2025, but this is a weak year for corners. Jermod McCoy has good length, the ability to play man coverage and should be fully healthy in 2026. He shows a smooth backpedal, quick route breaks and excellent hands.” – Brockermeyer
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
“The Vikings have bigger needs, but the direction they are taking is an interesting one. Youth on defense is needed, but Brian Flores doesn’t normally trust young players. Boston is a great prospect and gives Kevin O’Connell’s offense something it doesn’t have: an X-receiver with size. Considering Jordan Addison’s future seems to be in doubt, giving J.J. McCarthy another weapon should be a priority.” – Forness
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
- NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah
- Sports Illustrated’s Sam Dehring
- NFL.com’s Eric Edholm
- Athlon Sports’ Luke Easterling
“I’m higher on McNeil-Warren than some other people around the league, but I love his combination of size and explosive playmaking ability. He could help replace Harrison Smith if the soon-to-be 37-year-old does indeed retire.” – Jeremiah
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
“It feels like cornerback has been a need for the Vikings forever. While Terrell isn’t the biggest defensive back of all time, he has the tenacity and movement skills to provide versatility on the back end of a defense. Don’t be shocked if he gets some chances both on the outside, as well as in the slot.” – Roberts
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
“There’s a good chance the Vikings could cut T.J. Hockenson this offseason. Hockenson has dealt with injury issues recently, and hasn’t really shown much chemistry with J.J. McCarthy. The move would save Minnesota nearly $9 million in cap space before June 1 and $16 million if it’s designated after June 1. Sadiq isn’t in the same class as Brock Bowers or Tyler Warren as a prospect, but he’s an impressive athlete who has showcased downfield playmaking ability and has legit upside as a run-blocker in the pros.” – Brown
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Overview
This week, there were 20 mock drafts released, with many choosing to focus on the Senior Bowl instead. They will begin to pick up ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine at the end of February. Within those 20 mock drafts, there were nine unique players, and there are 20 in the 89 mock drafts collected since January 1st.
| Player | Selections |
| CB Avieon Terrell | 33 |
| CB Mansoor Delane | 9 |
| CB Jermod McCoy | 8 |
| RB Jeremiyah Love | 6 |
| S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | 5 |
| DT Kayden McDonald | 4 |
| WR Denzel Boston | 4 |
| TE Kenyon Sadiq | 4 |
| DT Caleb Banks | 3 |
| CB Brandon Cisse | 3 |
| DT A’Mauri Washington | 2 |
| CB Colton Hood | 2 |
| LB C.J. Allen | 1 |
| DT Peter Woods | 1 |
| WR Carnell Tate | 1 |
| WR Makai Lemon | 1 |
| CB Chris Johnson | 1 |
| WR Jordyn Tyson | 1 |
| OG Olaivavega Ioane | 1 |
| EDGE Keldric Faulk | 1 |
| Total | 91 |
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