Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft Preview: Top options at 18th overall include multiple elite talents for Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores
The Minnesota Vikings are set to select at 18th overall in the first round of the NFL Draft. The most ideal selections for the Vikings are not what you might expect.
The Minnesota Vikings are set to select at 18th overall with a lot of different paths forward.
Identifying which needs to be addressed first is going to look different depending on who you talk to. The cornerback and safety positions have been in need for seemingly five years, but this class is so strong in both that it would behoove the Vikings to wait.
Defensive tackle is a mighty need, but there aren’t any good players at the top of the draft. What is the best path forward for the Vikings? That answer is a tough one. I ranked my top five options for the Vikings if they stay and pick at 18th overall.
Previous selections
After the first wave of free agency, the list of players looked like this:
- 5a. KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
- 5b. Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
- 4. Makai Lemon, WR, USC
- 3. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
- 2. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
- 1. C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
5. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
It’s going to seem a little weird that my CB1 in Terrell and behind my CB2 in Jermod McCoy, but hear me out. One reason why I had McCoy ranked 0.1 lower than Terrell was the torn ACL. I think they are on the same level, but the lack of overall testing and size deficiencies end up separating them after McCoy’s pro day.
Terrell is still an excellent player in many ways. He has great click-and-close ability and is incredibly physical with blockers. There is still work to be done with his inconsistent willingness to tackle, but I wonder how much of that is trying to avoid targeting penalties.
4. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
As I stated above, McCoy ranks one spot ahead of Terrell after testing really well and answering the majority of questions stemming from the torn ACL he suffered in December of 2024. Running in the low 4.4s was huge for him, showcasing he had every bit the ability to thrive right away once selected in the NFL Draft. His man coverage and mirroring skills are superb
3. KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Wide receiver isn’t seen as a massive need for the Vikings, but it certainly is one. After Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, they both don’t have a solid WR3 nor any depth at the position. Taking one in the first round might not be the best option, but it certainly could happen. Concepcion is an incredibly well-rounded wide receiver who is explosive athlete in all phases of the game. It’s the exact profile that O’Connell likes in his wide receivers, and he can play across the line of scrimmage just like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
2. C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
When you look at this class, the talent pool isn’t the strongest, especially at premium positions. The Vikings have needs everywhere, and off-ball linebacker is one of their biggest ones. Only Eric Wilson is signed past the 2026 season and it’s an important position in Brian Flores’ defense.
Allen is one of my favorite players in this class. His football IQ is through the roof, with defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann trusting Allen to call the entire defense at 20 years old. Allen is also a really good blitzer and gap shooter in the run game. There are some concerns in man coverage, but that can be improved upon.
1. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
With the Vikings’ needs on offense, there are some fascinating methods to get that done. One that makes a lot of sense for both now and in the future is tight end, but only with a player like Sadiq. Kyler Murray thrived with heavy personnel with the Arizona Cardinals, and the Vikings seemingly want to make that happen this year.
With the future of T.J. Hockenson in doubt, adding Sadiq now would give them a player who can develop into a long-term starter at tight end. His 4.39 40-yard dash and 43.5″ vertical jump are elite measurables. He’s a monster on seam routes, and there is growth potential in both route running and blocking.
