Vikings NFL Draft Preview: One safety prospect target in each round Minnesota could target

The safety position is very deep in the NFL Draft, and the Minnesota Vikings can add to it at any point with a potential impact player.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes (DB49) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center.
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes (DB49) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

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 that keeps getting sent to the Vikings early and often is wide receiver. In 348 mock drafts since January 1st, 137 of them (39.3%) have bee either Oregon Ducks’ Dillon Thieneman (92) or Toledo Rockets’ Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (45). This class is so deep that it would behoove the Vikings to wait on drafting safety.

There is talent in every round for the Vikings to target, so I picked one player who makes the most sense in all seven.

First round: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo Rockets

The majority of NFL Draft analysts are prioritizing Dillon Thieneman for the Vikings in mock drafts. Personally, I don’t see him as a first-round caliber player. McNeil-Warren is much more of a first-round talent. He’s been shown to be an explosive player with his run defense and ball skills. Angles need to be a little cleaner, but that will likely come as he adjusts to the NFL level.

Second round: Treydan Stukes, Arizona Wildcats

Versatility is huge in a Brian Flores defense, and it doesn’t get more so than Treydan Stukes. He was used primarily as a slot cornerback in his final season at Arizona, and he thrived in that spot coming off a torn ACL he suffered in 2024. You can ask Stukes to play anywhere on the back end, including either split safety of single high. His hip fluidity and speed are excellent.

Third round: Genesis Smith, Arizona Wildcats

Once you get past the second round, the players are still good, but they are inherently less versatile. Smith is one of a trio of safeties at Arizona, with Stukes and Dalton Johnson. He was the guy who played over the top and did so effectively in that defense. He showcased impressive ball skills with five interceptions and 10 passes defended on just 67 targets in his career. Ideally, he would be a little bit more of a versatile player, but Smith can do what Metellus can’t.

Fourth round: Bud Clark, TCU Horned Frogs

The best part about this safety class is the depth throughout the NFL Draft. Clark is an experienced player with six seasons at TCU and 2,732 snaps. He is just 190 pounds at 6-2, but his ball skills playing over the top are why he’s in consideration. On 196 targets, Clark has 15 interceptions and another 20 passes defended. Having those kind of ball skills is impressive.

Fifth round: Michael Taaffe, Texas Longhorns

The safety position has a lot of intriguing names in it, and Taaffe was a productive player at Texas. He’s a fifth-year senior with a slender frame at 190 pounds. He isn’t the greatest athlete in the world, and can get baited into being too aggressive. The positives are instincts and versatility on the back end, something that will help him on special teams.

Sixth round: V.J. Payne, Kansas State Wildcats

Payne went into the NFL Scouting Combine with a lot to prove, and he did just that. Payne ran a 4l4 40-yard dash, jumped 35″ in the vertical jump, and 10’7″ in the broad jump, and he did so at 6-3 and 206 pounds. His biggest traits are having versatility on the back end and good instincts, both elements that Flores can maximize.

Seventh round: Lorenzo Styles Jr., Ohio State Buckeyes

Let’s be real. Styles hasn’t shown that he is an NFL caliber player with his inconsistent play. However, his athletic profile at 6′ and 194 pounds is worth a shot. At the very least, Styles has the profile to be a core special teams ace.

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