Minnesota Vikings’ big questions post-NFL Draft focus on holes they failed to properly address, including one they created
There are a lot of interesting aspects with the Minnesota Vikings roster right now, and they need to find a way to address them.
The Minnesota Vikings’ 90-man roster is nearly set. While they are searching for a new general manager, there are still multiple roster spots that need to be addressed.
After making nine selections in the NFL Draft, most of the holes on the roster are filled. You can’t fix everything with one draft class, and the holes they have are relatively serious. Those questions are going to be a major focus over the next few months.
Minnesota Vikings 2026 NFL Draft class
- Rob Brzezinski selected nine players in his first NFL Draft class
- The selections of Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange fortified the defensive line, with Banks being the first DT taken in round one since Sharrif Floyd in 2013.
- Four of the first five picks were on defense, adding to a unit that desperately needed depth
Where is the depth at wide receiver?
Going into the NFL Draft, wide receiver was widely talked about being a pick in the first three rounds. Even though Tai Felton was selected in the third round of last year’s draft, he hasn’t shown anything to warrant being WR3. He’s been an objectively great special teams player, but nothing yet on offense.
That’s why many believed a wide receiver would be a priority. That didn’t happen, and it raises a major question about what they will do. The Vikings did host Jauan Jennings on a visit on Tuesday and Wednesday. If they sign him, it’s a big win for the Vikings. If not, another veteran certainly makes sense.
Who is the Dallas Turner replacement?
The one aspect of the Jonathan Greenard trade hasn’t been taken into consideration is who replaces Dallas Turner? Let me explain.
It’s not a criticism of Turner not being ready to be a starter. Quite the opposite, actually. He’s more than ready and capable. The difficult part here is simple: who fills in for Turner as a rotational player?
That’s the tough part about the discussion. Right now, there isn’t a single player on the roster who can step into an EDGE3 role. It’s a difficult spot for the Vikings to be in, as Turner played 702 snaps, 8.5 sacks, and 42 pressures. They are likely going to be looking on the free agent market for one or two edge rushers to fortify a room that needs depth.
Is there going to be no serious competition for Blake Brandel?
Most analysts had center as a top priority for the Vikings going into the offseason. Ryan Kelly was really good last season when he played, but his retirement fixed that. After waiting until the seventh round (Gavin Gerhardt) to take one, the Vikings are riding with Brandel entrenched as the starter. With only Michael Jurgens on the roster who has played center, it’s a ballsy move not to have more competition.