Vikings mock draft tracker 15.0: Minnesota’s NFL Draft plans continue to be up in the air with one clear focus

The Minnesota Vikings could be a turning point in the NFL Draft when they select 18th overall in the first round. The latest collection of mock drafts show how many have penciled in the safety position.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman, right, brings down Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton as the Oregon Ducks take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman, right, brings down Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton as the Oregon Ducks take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

We have just 10 days remaining until the NFL Draft, and the Minnesota Vikings could be a turning point in the first round.

You can make a serious argument for the Vikings to take just about any position. Safety, cornerback, linebacker, defensive tackle, edge rusher, and wide receiver are the most likely positions they will choose from.

Over the last 15 weeks we have gathered 428 mock drafts, including 42 this week. Here are the results of those mock drafts, with a heavy focus once again on safety.

Minnesota Vikings NFL mock draft tracker 15.0

Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

“This is one of the more popular projections in the collective mock draft community. It just fits. With Harrison Smith’s time in Minnesota at an end, the Vikings turn to the ballhawking Thieneman. His athletic profile should allow DC Brian Flores to use him in a variety of roles.” – Lewis

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

“After checking every box at his highly anticipated pro day, some reports suggest McCoy may not make it this far down the draft board, as he looks like the same athlete he was before tearing his ACL and missing the entire 2025 season. Turn on any of his tape from a year ago, and you will see a cornerback who plays with unmatched tenacity. He is a perfect culture fit under Brian Flores.” – Carragher

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

“McNeil-Warren is a tall, rangy safety who plays with high energy and is vocal in the defensive backfield. We’re still not sure if Harrison Smith will be back at 37 years old, but McNeil-Warren can be the torchbearer once Smith does choose to call it a career. He had five picks over the past three seasons.” – Schrager

Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

“The interior of their defensive line needs a boost after they let go of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Woods was dominant in 2024, but his play tailed off some last year. The talent is there.” – Prisco

Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

“The Vikings’ base 3-4 defense has a very weak front three. Their pass rush at EDGE isn’t the problem. But with no DT really worth taking here, the Vikings turn their attention to a different solution to the issue.

Keldrick Faulk is an elite run stuffer and at 280 pounds could probably slot in at a 3-4 defensive end spot, with the athleticism to stand up as an EDGE as well. By bringing in Faulk, the Vikings charge their pass rush even more with a guy who’s more than athletic enough to win his matchups with IOL, and strong enough to set the edge as a run defender.” – Newman

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

“A. . . . less sensible pick. The Vikings have their top two receivers set with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. But Tyson might just be the best talent available at this point, so it’s not as if it’s a reach and a bad fit.” – Suss

Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

“Avieon Terrell is a Brian Flores corner through and through, and one of my favorite players in this draft class. Despite being undersized at 5-foot-11 and 186 pounds, Terrell plays much bigger than his size as a tackler and at the catch point, and he breaks on the ball extremely well. He could be an even better nickel than outside corner, but in Minnesota, with Byron Murphy Jr. and James Pierre, he can be a versatile matchup piece Flores uses as a havoc creator.” – Acosta

Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

“The Vikings have a few flavors of prospects they could go after with their first-round pick. There are a couple of interesting safety options: They could look to find the T.J. Hockenson replacement in Kenyon Sadiq, or they could add some tangible beef to their defensive line. Brian Flores is going to scheme pressures and big plays for his defense, but the Vikings could use someone to eat up blocks to let teammates fly to the football. McDonald isn’t the sexiest prospect, but his ability to hold up against the run is his calling card, while also having light enough feet to be used on the twists and stunts that Flores loves so much. McDonald is basically the defensive version of the line of thinking that led to the Donovan Jackson selection last year at offensive guard: a tangible trench talent who can let the creative coaches be creative.” – Tice and McDonald

Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

“Another trade, as the Minnesota Vikings see superstar running back Jeremiyah Love falling further than some expect, and they make a bold trade up. They lose a third this year and a fifth next, but land a difference maker that could reshape their running game immediately. Their quarterback situation is still a bit of a mystery. This makes their need for a reliable running game even more important and worth this kind of investment.” – Adams

Overview

There is no way to sugarcoat things. 194 of the 428 mock drafts have had the Vikings taking a safety. The consensus is overly confident about that fact, when in reality, it’s far from a certainty. There are multiple positions you can make an argument for the Vikings to select at 18th overall, including the likes of wide receiver and linebacker.

We are now up to 28 total prospects with the inclusion of Omar Cooper Jr.

PlayerSelections
S Dillon Thieneman141
CB Avieon Terrell73
S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren50
CB Jermod McCoy26
DT Kayden McDonald21
DT Peter Woods20
DT Caleb Banks16
CB Mansoor Delane14
RB Jeremiyah Love12
CB Colton Hood10
CB Brandon Cisse6
WR Denzel Boston5
TE Kenyon Sadiq4
LB C.J. Allen4
OG Olaivavega Ioane3
S Caleb Downs3
WR Jordyn Tyson3
EDGE Keldric Faulk3
DT A’Mauri Wasthington2
WR Makai Lemon2
CB Chris Johnson2
OL Spencer Fano2
WR Carnell Tate1
OT Kadyn Proctor1
QB Ty Simpson1
EDGE T.J. Parker1
EDGE Akheem Mesidor1
WR Omar Cooper Jr.1
Total428

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