Vikings 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Ideal scenario to maximize success in 2026 and beyond for Minnesota
The Minnesota Vikings have a fascinating decision ahead of them when the NFL Draft comes around. Beat writer Tyler Forness breaks down his ideal haul for Kevin O’Connell’s squad.
The NFL Draft is one week away and the Minnesota Vikings are that much closer to adding talent to their roster.
What direction should they go in terms of strategy? That’s where things get really interesting. How the board falls will give the Vikings their strategy. There are a lot of different ways they can go, from linebacker to secondary and defensive line.
What should their preferred path be? I went through this exercise using the A to Z Sports mock draft simulator to carve out my ideal 7-round mock draft for the Vikings.
Vikings 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft
18. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
When you break down the top options for the Vikings, there are a bevy of options for the Vikings. As this is coming from the perspective of my ideal mock draft, I would take Sadiq here. He’s everything you want in a modern-day pass-catching weapon with a 4.39 40-yard dash and 43.5″ vertical leap. His blocking needs work from a strength and technical profile, but the effort is there.
Is tight end the best-case scenario for the Vikings? T.J. Hockenson is going to be a free agent after the year, and 2026 can be used to maximize Sadiq in subpackages while he develops as a well-rounded player.
56. Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona
Vikings send No. 49 to the Jacksonville Jaguars for No. 56 and 124
A trade down in the first round would be ideal, but it may not happen. Taking a small move in the second round gets a fourth-round pick. In turn, the Vikings get one of my favorite players in the class in Stukes.
One of the pillars of Brian Flores’ defense is versatility. Stukes has played extensively all across the defense, including wide cornerback and slot cornerback. Being able to play everywhere is key, especially with how often they run inverted coverage concepts. Plus Stukes is 24 years old, and that kind of football IQ is key.
82. Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
When it comes to playing wide receiver, head coach Kevin O’Connell has shown that he likes two archetypes: well-rounded and speed demons with growth potential.
Bernard is the former, and he thrives in multiple aspects. He’s a great route runner with plus YAC ability and can be used as a gadget player. With how O’Connell likes to move players around the formation, Bernard would be a great fit.
97. Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
One of the more important things when it comes to playing secondary for the Vikings is experience and intelligence. Igbinosun has that in droves, especially in man coverage. During his four years of college, Igbinosun has 2,801 snaps, with over 1,500 of them in coverage. He improved each year with his production allowed, including a passer rating allowed of just 42.6. However, Ignisonun was called for 30 penalties in his career, including a whopping 16 in 2024. That can be solved with coaching, and his athleticism and frame will maximize his impact in the NFL.
124. Zane Durant, DT, Penn State
With Flores’ defense, one of the keys is getting pressure. The defensive line having players who can shoot gaps is crucial to maximizing it. Durant is a short, stout player with an incredible explosiveness profile. His 40-yard dash is in the 99th percentile, and his vertical jump is in the 94th percentile. The Vikings have never been afraid of taking players who are a little bit smaller, and Durant fits the mold of a gap shooting pass rusher.
163. Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri
Nose tackle isn’t a position that the Vikings need to address, but if he’s the best player on the board, take him anyway. McClellan is a little bit smaller for a nose tackle, but he’s got plus arm length and a good strength profile. It’s a good bet to make in the fifth-round.
196. Trey Moore, EDGE, Texas
Edge rusher is an interesting spot for the Vikings. They could need one immediately with a potential Jonathan Greenard trade. Even if they don’t, depth is still necessary with Andrew Van Ginkel is a free agent after the season.
Moore was a hyperproductive player at UTSA before heading to Texas. He’s a plus athlete with a similar athletic profile to that of Jared Verse. The 46 starts with some growth is a big plus in the sixth round.
234. Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan
The seventh round is where you add a special teams player. Rolder fits that to a T, and there is hope he could develop into a starter. Rolder is a one-year starter for the Wolverines, and he thrives with instincts. Even if he doesn’t develop into a starting-level linebacker, Rolder will be a core special teams player during his rookie contract.
235. Eric Gentry, LB, USC
Gentry is a fascinating profile. A member of the All Forno Team, he is an off-ball linebacker, but is among the weirdest builds for one in NFL history. He’s 6-6 5/8 and 228 pounds with near 36″ arms. His unique frame leaves a lack of play strength, which is a huge issue for a middle linebacker. However, the length he has is a true weapon in coverage. It’s hard to bet on outliers, but in round seven, take the chance every time. He could easily become a core special teams player.
244. Brent Austin, CB, Cal
Taking a cornerback with some potential upside would be a smart play for the Vikings. Austin also profiles well in terms of experience. Austin spent time at three schools before breaking out at Cal this past season, having played at James Madison and South Florida. With his ability in both man and zone coverage, paired with a late breakout, it’s a smart upside play with special teams utility.
