Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft: Selections become official, and striking a trade could be easier
The Vikings know when they will be selecting in every round of the NFL Draft.
On Monday, the Minnesota Vikings found out that they received the top compensatory pick in the third round. They were awarded 97th overall pick for losing out on Sam Darnold in free agency the previous season.
That ended up giving the Vikings nine selections in April’s NFL Draft, which will be a big factor in getting the roster in a much better place moving forward.
Minnesota Vikings have 9 picks in 2026 NFL Draft
The Vikings will have their nine selections in the NFL Draft: one on the first day, three on the second day, and five on the third day.
- Round 1, pick 18
- Round 2, pick 49
- Round 3, pick 82
- Round 3, pick 97
- Round 5, pick 163
- Round 6, pick 196
- Round 7, pick 234
- Round 7, pick 235
- Round 7, pick 244
They have made numerous selections at these spots, and the hope is they will make better decisions than they have over the past four years. They are also able to trade their compensatory selection now that it’s official, which could be huge for them in maximizing the roster. Here are the best players they have made at every selection:
- Pick 18: CB Dewayne Washington, 1994
- Pick 49: DB Torrian Gray, 1998
- Pick 82: Never selected
- Pick 97: QB Steve Dils, 1979
- Pick 163: DT Mike Tilleman, 1965
- Pick 196: OG Jeff Baca, 2013
- Pick 234: Never selected
- Pick 235: WR Matthew Hatchette, 1997
- Pick 244: S Jayron Kearse, 2016
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