Minnesota Vikings NFL Mock Draft Tracker 11.0: Post free agency shift is drastic with one defender being the priority
The first wave of free agency continued a major change in mock drafts.
One of the biggest frustrations with the Minnesota Vikings was the lack 0f activity during free agency. Yes, they made one of the biggest splashes this year by signing quarterback Kyler Murray to compete with J.J. McCarthy and extended linebacker Eric Wilson, but the only other move was signing cornerback James Pierre to a two-year contract.
It’s not great for the Vikings, as the fanbase is getting antsy about where things are at with the 2026 season and beyond. The one area where the fanbase still has excitement is with the NFL Draft. The Vikings have nine selections, and there are a lot of intriguing options.
This week, there were 26 mock drafts, and a record low six players selected.
Minnesota Vikings mock draft tracker 11.0
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Scouting Report
“The Vikings have finished outside the top 15 of team PFF coverage grade in each of the past six seasons and need plenty of help in their secondary. Terrell’s 90.6 PFF overall grade over the past two seasons ranked fifth among Power Four cornerbacks.” – Chadwick
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
- Cleveland.com’s Tim Bielik
- Pro Football Network’s Jacob Infante
- Sports Illustrated’s Mark Morales-Smith
- CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell
- Athlon Sports’ Luke Easterling
- New York Post’s Steve Serby
“All things considered, it’s a minor miracle the Minnesota Vikings went 9-8, given the instability they faced at quarterback this year. It’s far too early to give up on J.J. McCarthy, but their roster could benefit if they invest in their shaky secondary early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
A 6’2″ safety with impressive size, length, and straight-line speed, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has freakish athleticism with the potential to go higher than many expect. He’s a hard hitter and a smart processor who deserves an early-round pick in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft.” – Infante
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
- The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner
- Fantasy Life’s Matthew Freedman
- USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
- Fox Sports’ Bucky Brooks
- SB Nation’s Mark Schofield
- Pro Football Network’s Austin Swaim
- The Draft Network’s Keith Sanchez
- A to Z Sports’ Staff
- Fantasy Pros’ Richard Janvrin
- Fantasy Life’s Thor Nystrom
- CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards
- Fantasy Life’s Matthew Freedman
- Fantasy Life’s Ian Hartitz
- New York Post’s Vincent Bonsignore
“Thieneman posted a 40 time (4.35) and jump numbers (41-inch vertical, 10-5 broad) at the combine that were seriously eye-opening. A disciplined back-end ball hawk who isn’t afraid to thump in the box when asked, Thieneman would be a perfect fit in Minnesota. He also could be gone by No. 18.” – Baumgardner
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
“If the Minnesota Vikings get halfway decent quarterback play, they can win the Super Bowl. That makes them a “best player available candidate,” which is Kayden McDonald in this situation.” – Parise
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
“Minnesota could strengthen the heart of its defensive line by selecting Peter Woods from Clemson. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing over 300 pounds, Woods may not have the traditional length some teams look for in interior defenders, but he more than makes up for it with power, quickness, and physicality.
Widely viewed as the top defensive tackle prospect in the 2026 class, Woods brings a violent, disruptive style of play that consistently throws offenses off rhythm. His athletic fluidity for a player of his size is rare, allowing him to move with the kind of burst and agility typically seen in much smaller defenders. Woods shows a level of technical polish that could help him transition smoothly to the NFL while giving Minnesota a dominant presence in the middle of its defense.” – Elijah
T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
“It sure sounds like, to me, that all parties are serious about a Jonathan Greenard trade. If that comes to pass in the next few weeks leading up to the NFL Draft, I’d love to see the Vikings re-load on the edge. Parker feels like a good fit for a Brian Flores front. He’s long with heavy hands but not excessively stiff. He can rush from a two-point or three-point stance. And he can play the run. If Greenard moves, this is the pick for me.” – Crabbs
Overview
We are starting to see a significant shift in how the industry is viewing the Vikings. After Terrell was the focus for the first nine weeks, it’s now all about Thieneman. Is he the guy who will help elevate the Vikings’ defense? I’m not convinced, but it’s becoming the consensus opinion. Through 11 weeks, we are at 271 mock drafts, and
| Player | Selections |
| CB Avieon Terrell | 70 |
| S Dillon Thieneman | 44 |
| S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | 39 |
| CB Jermod McCoy | 15 |
| DT Kayden McDonald | 15 |
| DT Caleb Banks | 14 |
| CB Mansoor Delane | 13 |
| CB Colton Hood | 10 |
| RB Jeremiyah Love | 10 |
| DT Peter Woods | 8 |
| CB Brandon Cisse | 6 |
| WR Denzel Boston | 5 |
| TE Kenyon Sadiq | 4 |
| LB C.J. Allen | 4 |
| OG Olaivavega Ioane | 3 |
| DT A’Mauri Washington | 2 |
| WR Makai Lemon | 2 |
| WR Carnell Tate | 1 |
| CB Chris Johnson | 1 |
| WR Jordyn Tyson | 1 |
| EDGE Keldric Faulk | 1 |
| OT Kadyn Proctor | 1 |
| QB Ty Simpson | 1 |
| EDGE T.J. Parker | 1 |
| Total | 271 |