Vikings Final 7-Round Predictive NFL Mock Draft: Multiple trades net Minnesota more future starters
The final Minnesota Vikings 7-round NFL mock draft is predictive, netting Kevin O’Connell’s squad multiple day two picks to load up a roster void of depth.
We are now three days away from the NFL Draft, and the Minnesota Vikings need to hit a couple of home runs.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell is now yielding more power than ever, and the hope is that it will deliver stronger results. They will get their chance starting on Thursday night with the first round of the NFL Draft.
What will the Vikings do in the NFL Draft? There are multiple fascinating options for them, and we did our best to predict what will happen this weekend.
Vikings 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft
30. C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
Vikings trade No. 18 to the Dallas Cowboys for No. 21 & 85
Vikings then trade No. 21 to the Miami Dolphins for No. 30 & 75
Making trades down the board makes a ton of sense for the Vikings. They need extra picks on day three, and getting two of them in the top 85 selections would be huge for them. They now theoretically have two more future starters, while being able to select a similar player to one they will get at 18th overall.
Allen is one of my favorite selections for the Vikings at 18th overall. He isn’t just filling a need at linebacker or adding a quality future starter, Allen has a tremendous football IQ. Georgia Bulldogs defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann trusted Allen to run the defense on the field, something that will be huge for Brian Flores.
49. Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
When it comes to playing wide receiver, head coach Kevin O’Connell has shown that he likes two archetypes: well-rounded and speed demons with growth potential.
Bernard is the former, and he thrives in multiple aspects. He’s a great route runner with plus YAC ability and can be used as a gadget player. With how O’Connell likes to move players around the formation, Bernard would be a great fit.
Now, would Bernard be the pick over the likes of De’Zhaun Stribling or Ted Hurst, both of whom the Vikings had on top-30 visits? The thing with the Vikings and top-30 visits historically is that they don’t necessarily translate into draft selections. What translates is what Bernard brings to O’Connell’s offense.
75. Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
One of the more important things when it comes to playing secondary for the Vikings is experience and intelligence. Igbinosun has that in droves, especially in man coverage. During his four years of college, Igbinosun has 2,801 snaps, with over 1,500 of them in coverage. He improved each year with his production allowed, including a passer rating allowed of just 42.6. However, Ignisonun was called for 30 penalties in his career, including a whopping 16 in 2024. That can be solved with coaching, and his athleticism and frame will maximize his impact in the NFL.
82. Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
One position the Vikings need to consider addressing in the NFL Draft is center. Blake Brandel is going to be the guy for the time being, but his snapping last year wasn’t nearly good enough. He is spending the offseason working on snapping, but competition is still a smart move.
Hecht was a two-year starter for the Wildcats and has plenty of size at 6-4 and 300 pounds. He can thrive in either gap or zone schemes, which is perfect for how balanced O’Connell has his run game.
85. Kaleb Proctor, DT, SE Louisiana
Defensive tackle isn’t the strongest in the class, which is frustrating for the Vikings, as it’s a big need. They could end up going with Peter Woods, Caleb Banks, or Kayden McDonald in the first round, and nobody would blame them. Overall, they need to find a gem in this class.
There isn’t another high-upside player you can get after the first round on the defensive line. Proctor may be from the FCS level, but his tape against the LSU Tigers early in the year was excellent, including 2.0 sacks and multiple tackles for loss. He’s a little undersized, but plays with explosiveness and power. With Brian Flores using his defensive tackles to slant and stunt often, Proctor would fit right in.
97. Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
The Vikings have done a lot of work on this running back class, and, despite my preference to ignore running back, they are likely to select one. One player the Vikings have done a lot of work on is Johnson, and it helps that he’s from the Twin Cities.
While there are limitations with his explosiveness and lateral quickness, Johnson is a very productive linear runner with plus acceleration. He was also very productive at Nebraska with nearly 1,500 yards this past season. Will he be good enough to be a starter in the NFL long-term? The Vikings would know more than every other team.
163. VJ Payne, S, Kansas State
This is a really deep safety class, which is why the Vikings don’t need to feel forced with Dillon Thieneman or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. Payne is a unique player, having size and explosiveness with nearly 34″ arms. He has something that Flores loves: experience. He started 42 out of 52 games played, which will be huge for getting him on the field early.
196. Nadame Tucker, EDGE, Western Michigan
Tucker is one of the more intriguing players in the class. He has just one year of production at the FBS level, and it was his sixth year of college. That complicates things, but leading the nation with 14.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss. He’s an undersized edge rusher who struggles in run defense, but that’s fine in round six.
234. Deven Eastern, DT, Minnesota
Stopping the run is a priority for the fanbase of the Vikings. They took a step back with their rush defense this past season, but the defense overall was better. Even so, it would behoove the Vikings to add a bigger body on the interior. Eastern showed a lot during the pre-draft process, specifically Senior Bowl week. He’s got the size and strength to hold down the interior.
235. Carver Willis, OT, Washington
Willis has a lot of talent, but there are some potential limitations with him at the next level. He doesn’t have great length, but Willis is technically sound. With the ability to play tackle and kick inside, he will provide the Vikings with versatility on the offensive line.
244. Eric Gentry, LB, USC
Gentry is a fascinating profile. A member of the All Forno Team, he is an off-ball linebacker, but is among the weirdest builds for one in NFL history. He’s 6-6 5/8 and 228 pounds with near 36″ arms. His unique frame leaves a lack of play strength, which is a huge issue for a middle linebacker. However, the length he has is a true weapon in coverage. It’s hard to bet on outliers, but in round seven, take the chance every time. He could easily become a core special teams player.