Vikings NFL Draft Preview: One linebacker prospect Minnesota could target in each round, led by Brian Flores’ dream scenario
Off-ball linebacker is one position where the Minnesota Vikings need to address, as only Eric Wilson is under contract after the 2026 season. There are a multitude of players the Vikings can target.
When looking at how the NFL Draft will go for the Minnesota Vikings, there are multiple paths. They could focus on the trenches, which the fanbase has been begging for the last few years. Wide receiver is a sneaky need, and it could be the best player available when selecting at 18th overall.
One position the Vikings need to look at highly is linebacker. Only Eric Wilson is signed beyond the 2026 season, and it’s an important position
First round: C.J. Allen, Georgia
If there is one player in this class that I like the most for the Vikings, it’s Allen from Georgia. It’s not just that I like him, I think Brian Flores will as well.
Allen isn’t just a top linebacker in terms of production and athleticism; he is one of the smartest players in the class. Georgia Bulldogs defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann entrusted Allen to run the entire defense on the field. He has some issues with playing man coverage, but there is a lot to like from a football IQ standpoint, which is a priority for the Vikings.
Second round: Josiah Trotter, Missouri
One of my favorite players in the entire class is Trotter. The son of Philadelphia Eagles legend Jeremiah Trotter, he plays with that same kind of intensity. He’s a little bit smaller than his dad, but he hits with the same level of punishment, while being small and agile enough to maneuver around blocks.
Third round: Jake Golday, Cincinnati
In a modern day where pass coverage is king, Golday being a 6-4 overhang at Cincinnati will be valuable for whoever drafts him. His size is great in run game, and he has plenty of size, but isn’t the most fleet of foot when having to move in short spaces. The size and ability in the box will be nice to have in a world where teams can lack that at linebacker.
Fourth round: Justin Jefferson, Alabama
How much fun would it be for the Vikings to have two Justin Jeffersons on their roster? If you’ve seen Alabama’s Jefferson when he was in junior college, you’d immediately want him on your roster. He thrives with his quickness and instincts, and hits running backs hard in the hole. He’s on the smaller side being under 230 pounds, but the linear explosiveness forward fits well in a Brian Flores defense.
Fifth round: Bryce Boettcher, Oregon
Boettcher is an ineteresting one, as he walked on with the Ducks football team after playing baseball. He played baseball through the 2024 season, while also playing linebacker. As was the case with Jefferson, Boettcher is a smaller player who made second-team All-Big 10 the last two years. He isn’t the biggest guy nor does he have great instincts, but Boettcher is fearless in attacking downhill. He profiles to be at minimum a plus special teams player.
Sixth round: Aiden Fisher, Indiana
Fisher was a very productive player at linebacker for the Hoosiers, but there are questions about his athleticism. He followed Curt Cignetti to Indiana and was a star on defense. Ultimately, he’s a classic case of really good production and instincts, but doesn’t have the athleticism to pair with it. Good two-down linebacker who will be a liability in coverage.
Seventh round: Eric Gentry, USC
Gentry has the oddest NFL Draft profile in recent memory
It’s fascinating to talk about Gentry from an NFL perspective. His positives are athleticism both linear and lateral, along with having length only comparable to a wacky inflatable tube man. That can be used as a weapon in zone coverage to clog up passing lanes.
What Gentry isn’t is someone who can stack and shed like a traditional linebacker. He needs to be used in a modern sense, as a dime backer who plays on the back end to be a mismatch weapon. It’s unconventional, but well worth the risk in round seven. Plus, if he doesn’t work out on defense, Gentry can be a core special teamer.
