NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler gives Minnesota Vikings fascinating haul for Brian Flores in final mock draft

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler is arguably the best NFL Draft analyst in the industry, and his 7-round NFL mock draft has an interesting class for the Minnesota Vikings

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores looks on against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores looks on against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

When looking at NFL mock drafts for the Minnesota Vikings, there are a lot of different paths to go down.

One of the most popular strategies for the Vikings is targeting the secondary. They have heavy needs at both cornerback and safety. Harrison Smith is still uncertain to return to the team, and they only had three cornerbacks on the roster. Even so, they found a way to have the No. 2-ranked passing defense.

Should they prioritize the cornerback position in the NFL Draft? Dane Brugler believes they should.

Dane Brugler sends Vikings fascinating haul in latest NFL mock draft

In his final seven-round mock draft, Brugler has the Vikings taking some really interesting players, including a cornerback in the first round.

  • 18. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
  • 49. Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
  • 82. A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU
  • 97. Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
  • 163. Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati
  • 196. Mason Reiger, EDGE, Wisconsin
  • 234. J.C. Davis, OT, Illinois
  • 235. Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky
  • 244. Josh Cuevas, TE, Alabama

It’s an interesting haul for multiple reasons. McCoy is arguably the best cornerback in this class, but his knee injury has many concerned about his future. If the knee checks out medically, he’s a really good prospect short and long-term. Taking a cornerback in round one is a fascinating idea, especially since Brian Flores’ defense doesn’t require elite-level cornerback play.

After that, the Vikings address multiple needs. Hunter is a good nose tackle with a little bit of mass rush juice. Adding him to a defensive line that is starving for talent is a good idea. Haulcy and Hecht provide starting-level ability at positions of need.

After that, it’s filled with intriguing players with plus potential. Caldwell is a height/weight/speed receiver who has just one season of Division I play. Of the other four, Reiger is the most interesting. He thrived at the Shrine Bowl, showcasing plus ability to rush the passer.

This would be an interesting group of picks for the Vikings, but is it likely to lead off at cornerback? I don’t think so.

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