Vikings NFL Draft Preview: One defensive tackle prospect Minnesota could target in each round
Defensive tackle is a key position of need for the Minnesota Vikings after making multiple moves this offseason. While it’s not the strongest NFL Draft class on the defensive line, there are still talented players.
The Minnesota Vikings need to hit some home runs in the NFL Draft.
One of the big reasons why the Vikings fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah were his failures in the NFL Draft. The biggest of said issues was the lack of draft success on day two. He made just two picks on day two over the last three NFL Drafts.
Going into the 2026 NFL Draft, the Vikings need to hit on multiple draft picks. One position they need to make positive selections at is defensive tackle. After cutting Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, there are two spots open, not just on the roster, but also the starting lineup.
Don’t be surprised if the Vikings take two defensive tackles in the NFL Draft, and there are some interesting players available to them.
First round: Peter Woods, Clemson
This isn’t the strongest defensive tackle class, and Woods is arguably the best of the bunch. Going into the season, he was projected to be a top-five pick after a dominant first two seasons for the Clemson Tigers. In 2025, his production dropped significantly, raising a lot of questions about what he will be in the NFL. He is a very talented player who thrives as a 3T in one-on-one situations, while also being capable as a crasher and looper in stunts. Brian Flores will know how to maximize him.
Second round: Christen Miller, Georgia
Miller is a fourth-year senior who plays big at 321 pounds. In a 4-3, he is a 1T, but in Flores’ scheme, he can be versatile as either a NT or kick out to 3T/4i. He’s got the athleticism and burst to attack in multiple ways with the length and power to attack interior offensive linemen. He doesn’t have a productive profile in terms of rushing the passer, but he will provide a baseline of success on the defensive line.
Third round: Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
There is an interesting group of pass-rushing defensive tackles the Vikings can target after the second round. Those players are led by Halton, who is an eerily similar player to his former teammate Jalen Redmond. Slightly undersized at 293 pounds, Halton is a gap shooter who can penetrate quickly with plus hand movement and a 1.7-second 10-yard split. With how Flores loves to use his defensive linemen to slant and stunt, Halton would fit right in.
Fourth round: Kaleb Proctor, SE Louisiana
The small school player in this class is Proctor. Normally, FCS players who play in the trenches don’t go high in the NFL Draft unless they are special athletes. Proctor fits the bill. If you want to know what he can do, just watch his tape against the LSU Tigers from September. He pulverized the Tigers constantly, earning 2.0 sacks and multiple tackles for loss. There is still a level of rawness about his game as a pass rusher, but you can’t argue with the explosive wins.
Fifth round: Tim Keenan III, Alabama
One of the big reasons why I have been against the idea of selecting Ohio State Buckeyes’ Kayden McDonald in the first round is the amount of run stoppers later on in the draft. Keenan is one of those, and I don’t think he’s that much different from McDonald, especially considering the price tag. The fifth-year senior is a stout player who clogs rushing lanes. He’s not an elite athlete, but more than capable to thrive on first and second down.
Sixth round: Landon Robinson, Navy
Usually, selecting a productive pass-rushing defensive tackle will get you drafted ahead of the sixth-round. Robinson falls this far because of one main reason: size. It also doesn’t help that he played at Navy, but it shouldn’t be much of a deterring factor. Being 5-11 can give him an advantage over offensive linemen due to leverage, but he plays more of a nose tackle style game when he’s built like a 3T. Even so, there is a lot to like about his strength profile with his burst off the line of scrimmage.
Seventh round: Deven Eastern, Minnesota
Having versatile players on the defensive line is paramount for the Vikings. Finding someone in round seven who can play nose tackle whie having a little bit of growth potential as a pass rusher would be a nice addition. Eastern had a nice showing at the Senior Bowl, had has a big frame to work with at 6-5 and 315 pounds with 34″ arms. He won’t be the most athletic player, but there is enough to like to take him in round seven.
Other positions
Minnesota Vikings News
Vikings NFL Draft Preview: One safety prospect target in each round Minnesota could target
The safety position is very deep in the NFL Draft, and the Minnesota Vikings can add to it at any point with a potential impact player.
Minnesota Vikings News
Vikings NFL Draft Preview: One linebacker prospect Minnesota could target in each round, led by Brian Flores’ dream scenario
Off-ball linebacker is one position where the Minnesota Vikings need to address, as only Eric Wilson is under contract after the 2026 season. There are a multitude of players the Vikings can target.
