Minnesota Vikings Projected Depth Chart: The NFL Draft led to multiple changes for the 2026 season
The Minnesota Vikings need to fill multiple positions to fill the depth chart, and it creates intriguing questions for Kevin O’Connell.
The NFL Draft is now complete and the Minnesota Vikings are focusing their energy on the 2026 season.
Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski has reloaded the cupboards for head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores. There are still holes for the Vikings to address, including edge rusher and wide receiver.
A lot will end up changing from now until final cuts at the end of August, but it’s important to see where things currently sit. Here is where the depth chart is right after the NFL Draft.
Offense
| Position | First String | Second String | Third String | Fourth String |
| LWR | Justin Jefferson | Jeshaun Jones | Joaquin Davis | Marcus Sanders Jr. |
| RWR | Tai Felton | Dontae Fleming | Dillon Bell | Shaleak Knotts |
| SWR | Jordan Addison | Myles Price | Luke Wysong | |
| LT | Christian Darrisaw | Ryan Van Demark | Caleb Tiernan | Tristan Leigh |
| LG | Donovan Jackson | Henry Byrd | Delby Lemieux | |
| C | Blake Brandel | Michael Jurgens | Vershon Lee | Gavin Gerhardt |
| RG | Will Fries | Joe Huber | Tomas Rimac | |
| RT | Brian O’Neill | Walter Rouse | Caleb Etienne | |
| TE | T.J. Hockenson | Josh Oliver | Ben Yurosek/Gavin Bartholomew | Bryson Nesbit |
| QB | Kyler Murray | Carson Wentz | J.J. McCarthy | Max Brosmer |
| RB | Aaron Jones | Jordan Mason | Zavier Scott | Demond Claiborne/Kejon Owens |
| FB | Max Bredeson |
There isn’t a ton of mystery with the offensive depth chart. The biggest of them will be at the quarterback position. Right now, Murray is projected to be the starter, and I believe Carson Wentz will be the backup. That puts J.J. McCarthy as the third quarterback, which is certainly not the outcome anyone would have hoped for after two seasons.
The two areas to watch are at WR3 and RB3. Tai Felton isn’t likely going to be without serious competition, and said competition doesn’t exist right now. Jauan Jennings is currently visiting in Minnesota and could be brought in to alleviate that stress.
Running back might be the best position battle on the team other than quarterback. With the selection of Demond Claiborne, Zavier Scott is going to be on his heels competing for the final running back spot.
Defense
| Position | First String | Second String | Third String | Fourth String |
| DE | Jalen Redmond | Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins | ||
| NT | Levi Drake Rodriguez | Domonique Orange | Taki Taimani | |
| DE | Caleb Banks | Elijah Williams | Monkell Goodwine | |
| OLB | Dallas Turner | Tyler Batty | Jordan Botelho | Cam’Ron Stewart |
| WLB | Eric Wilson | Ivan Pace Jr. | Scooby Williams | Keli Lawson |
| MLB | Blake Cashman | Jake Golday | Jacob Roberts | Josh Ross |
| OLB | Andrew Van Ginkel | Bo Richter | Chaz Chambliss | Arden Walker |
| LCB | Byron Murphy Jr. | Dwight McGlogthern | Marcus Allen | |
| SS | Josh Metellus | Tavierre Thomas | Jakobe Thomas | |
| FS | Jay Ward | Theo Jackson | Jacob Thomas | |
| RCB | Isaiah Rodgers | Zemaiah Vaughn | Charles Demmings | Da’Veawn Armstead |
| NB | James Pierre | Kahlef Haillassie | Tyreek Chappell |
With Greenard now in Philadelphia, it’s about who will be rotational players behind both Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel. There isn’t any depth at the position. When you look at how the Vikings have built their defense, it’s going to be interesting how Flores maneuvers with the structure of the current roster.
