Minnesota Vikings land difference making defenders and a perfect Aaron Jones replacement in latest 2026 NFL mock draft

The Vikings have numerous fascinating options available to them in the NFL Draft.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Oct 4, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) stiff arms Maryland Terrapins linebacker Trey Reddick (3) while picking up yardage in the first half at SECU Stadium.
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With the college football season getting close to the end, it’s time to start taking the NFL Draft process seriously. For the Minnesota Vikings, they are getting close to making that, and the development of J.J. McCarthy, their major focus.

The Vikings will still try to win football games, but a playoff push is unlikely. This week, our staff at A to Z Sports put together a three-round mock draft, and I made the picks for the Vikings. Let’s break down who made their way to TCO Performance Center and why the selections were made.

Minnesota Vikings 3-round mock draft picks

13. Sonny Styles, ILB, Ohio State

When you look at the Vikings’ defense run by Brian Flores, the biggest thing you notice is how much he uses blitzes and simulated pressures. That asks the linebackers to be multi-faceted, essentially great in coverage and as pass rushers. That isn’t necessarily something that you can find easily. Styles has that, and does it well at 6-4.

He thrives in all situations for the Ohio State Buckeyes, and with Eric Wilson taking a major role on the Vikings’ defense this year, it’s a strong signal that linebacker will be a priority for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in the offseason.

45. Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington

The Vikings haven’t prioritized the running game as much as you would think with a first-year starting quarterback, but some of that has been game script. The other aspect is running back Aaron Jones, who hasn’t been healthy the entire season. His explosiveness has been massive in sparking the offense.

Coleman is a similar player to Jones in size (5-9, 228 lbs) and play style. He sees the field well, has good burst through the hole, is an excellent pass blocker, and has plus lateral quickness to avoid defenders in space. He will need to improve his route-running in the passing game, but there is a lot to like. Having him as RB3 for one year, then elevating him once Jones’ contract expires, would be a great way to continue helping your young quarterback.

77. Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke

Cornerback has been a tough position with head coach Kevin O’Connell‘s teams. They have made four picks in the first four rounds since 2022, and none of them are on the team anymore. They traded Andrew Booth Jr. and Mekhi Blackmon, waived Akayleb Evans, and Khyree Jackson tragically passed away.

Right now, the Vikings have just three cornerbacks on the roster. It’s not a great way to build out a roster. They need to make a serious investment in their youth this offseason and make at least one pick in the first two days.

Rivers is a smaller player at 5095 with sub-30″ arms, but he’s sticky in man coverage with great instincts in zone coverage. He just knows how to play smart football and make up for his lack of size. That will play in Brian Flores’ defense, and we know the Vikings don’t have an issue selecting undersized players.

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