Vikings’ Final Draft Class: Rob Brzezinski’s first NFL Draft with Minnesota adds multiple contributors on day 1
The first draft for Rob Brzezinski as interim general manager of the Minnesota Vikings ends with nine NFL Draft picks.
The Minnesota Vikings now have their first NFL Draft class with interim general manager Rob Brzezinski finalized.
It’s a really interesting class with players at multiple positions of need. Overall, the Vikings did a great job identifying players who can be assets for the future. Here is the next generation of Vikings.
Vikings’ final draft grades for the 2026 class
Round 1, No. 18: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
It’s a really interesting selection for the Vikings. They needed a defensive tackle to maximize their defense under Brian Flores. Many believed that a nose tackle made the most sense, but they got a game-wrecking 5T in Caleb Banks. There are serious concerns with his foot injury, but the VIkings doctors don’t see it as an issue.
It fills a major need at defensive end, with Banks now set to start opposite of Jalen Redmond. It will now allow the Vikings to attack a multitude of other needs on day two.
Round 2, No. 51: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
Vikings trade No. 49 and 196 to the Carolina Panthers for No. 51 and 159
Linebacker was a position the Vikings needed to address early on with only Eric Wilson under contract. There was an argument to take C.J. Allen here, who was 17 spots higher on the consensus board, but Golday is arguably a better fit.
He profiles very similar to what Wilson’s role, but is arguably better for it. Golday is a former edge rusher who can set the edge and played overhang in the slot for the Bearcats. That kind of versatility is huge for the Vikings to maximize what Flores loves to do.
Round 3, No. 82: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
Nose tackle was a position that we didn’t know how serious the Vikings would attack it. They had a better defense overall without one, especially against the pass. With their first pick in the third round, they selected a twitchy nose tackle in Orange, who will thrive in a better defense for his skillset than the 3-3-5 at Iowa State.
Round 3, No. 97: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
With the Vikings moving Blake Brandel to center, the sixth offensive lineman role is up for grabs, and Tiernan profiles as a player who could fill that. He’s an explosive linear athlete with some waist bend issues and very short arms for a tackle. Being that he was 67th on the consensus board, it’s a good value.
Round 3, No. 98: Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami (FL)
Thomas was a reach on the consensus board for the Vikings, but it’s par for the course. The Vikings overdrafted Mekhi Blackmon with a compensatory third-round pick by 81 spots in 2023, and Thomas was by 79 picks. What he does provide is an aggressive point and shoot safety who is an aggressive blitzer and run defender. He’s a great fit for Flores’ defense.
Round 5, No. 159: Max Bredeson, TE/FB, Michigan
This is an interesting pick for the Vikings. After losing C.J. Ham to retirement, there were questions about whether or not the Vikings would prioritize the position, and they answered it with the Bredeson selection. Frank Smith showed that he wanted to use a fullback in Miami with Alec Ingold, and Bredeson is the next realized version of that player.
Round 5 No. 163: Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin
This might be my favorite pick in the draft. Demmings may have played in the FCS, but he was dominant at that level. He thrived at the Senior Bowl, showing that his ability wasn’t a fluke against a higher level of competition. He’s going to be a fun project for Flores to develop.
Round 6, No. 198: Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest
The Vikings traded No. 234 and a 2027 sixth-round pick (they have three) to get this pick from the Patriots. Taking Claiborne here is interesting. He gives the Vikings something that they don’t have with speed. It’s an interesting selection with how the running back position sits, as Claiborne will be in a battle with Zavier Scott for RB3.
Round 7, No. 235: Gavin Gerhardt, C, Cincinnati
This is an interesting pick. Gerhardt is a four-year starter who has played 3,374 snaps for the Bearcats. He’s a decent athlete with experience at the position, and it offers the Vikings another option at center to compete with Michael Jurgens for the backup role.
- Round 1, No. 15: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
- Round 2, No. 51: Jake Golday, LB,Cincinnati
- Round 3, No. 82: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
- Round 3, No. 97: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
- Round 3, No. 98: Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami (FL)
- Round 5, No. 159: Max Bredeson, TE/FB, Michigan
- Round 5, No. 163: Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin
- Round 6, No. 198: Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest
- Round 7, No. 235: Gavin Gerhardt, C, Cincinnati
Final Word
This is a really interesting class for the Vikings. They got nine players in this class, and it’s a very meat-and-potatoes draft with a lot of trench players. They did a great job fortifying the roster overall, and have added the young talent they desperately needed. Overall, it’s exactly what the Vikings needed.
