Minnesota Vikings 2026 Mock Draft: Vikings Trade Down and Double Down on Major Need
The Minnesota Vikings saw the last of their playoff hopes go by the wayside last weekend when the Chicago Bears defeated the Cleveland Browns.
Now, while the team looks to find some positives to build upon over these final weeks of the regular season, and they’ve started to do so with back-to-back victories, it’s time to begin looking towards the future.
The 2026 NFL Draft will be a big piece of Minnesota’s puzzle towards fixing many of their roster holes next season. Here is a three-round Minnesota Vikings 2026 mock draft.
Minnesota Vikings 2026 Mock Draft
R1, P19: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
TRADE:
Vikings receive:
- Nos. 19, 51, 158, 2027 fourth-round pick
Buccaneers receive:
- No. 12
There have been two big names connected to the Minnesota Vikings early on in draft discussions: RB Jeremiyah Love out of Notre Dame and S Caleb Downs out of Ohio State.
However, neither player play at “premium” NFL positions, and the Vikings likely would have to sit and hope that one of them falls to them. That didn’t happen here with both players being selected within the top 10. As a result, we pivoted and traded down to pick up some extra selections.
A lot of the draft discussion in the Tennessee cornerback room has revolved around Jermod McCoy, and rightfully so as he put together a fantastic 2024 campaign before missing the entire 2025 season because of injury. That being said, Colton Hood is putting together an equally impressive season this year.
The cornerback has the instincts and physicality to play as a boundary CB on an island, and that is something the Vikings desperately need heading into 2025.
R2, P44: S A.J. Haulcy, LSU
The Vikings need help at safety almost as badly as they need it at cornerback. Harrison Smith likely is set to retire at the end of the year, Theo Jackson has not replaced Camryn Bynum’s spot as well as many hoped, and now, Josh Metellus is on IR with a season-ending shoulder injury.
With all of that being true, the Vikings need to spend a draft pick on a quality safety prospect if the opportunity presents itself. They got that chance here, and I gave them A.J. Haulcy out of LSU.
Haulcy spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons at Houston before transferring to the Tigers in 2025, and his coverage skills have not taken a step back against some steeper SEC competition. Haulcy has three interceptions this year after putting up five INTs during his 2024 campaign at Houston, and that centerfield ability makes him a very intriguing free safety prospect.
R2, P51: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
Yes, Chris Johnson has played his collegiate ball in the Mountain West, but his dominance at San Diego State should not be overlooked heading into the spring. He has been nothing short of elite over his career with the Aztecs, and particularly during these past two seasons when he began getting starting reps.
During 2025, Johnson has allowed just 18 receptions on 43 targets, allowing 185 yards and no touchdowns. Pair that with five pass breakups and four interceptions, and you’ve got some gaudy numbers at the cornerback position.
Johnson is another player who can man the boundary for the Vikings, and while he needs to work on some technical skills before going up against the top-end NFL talent, he can develop into a starter.
R3, P76: TE Justin Joly, NC State
There is a chance T.J. Hockenson is not on the Vikings’ roster by the time the 2026 NFL Draft rolls around. That means they need to pick up a pass-catching tight end in this draft as well, particularly with how well J.J. McCarthy has performed in heavier personnels over the past couple of weeks.
Justin Joly is that type of prospect who can catch passes either as an inline tight end or stepping out into the slot. He is a sure-handed receiver with just one drop on 67 targets this year, and he has totaled 47 receptions for 468 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025. Joly isn’t the greatest run blocking presence right now, but the Vikings still have Josh Oliver on their roster.
R3, P97: RB Kaytron Allen, Penn State
2025 has been a lost season for Penn State, but it’s been a great year for Kaytron Allen out of the backfield. The senior running back has developed into a very patient runner, willing to wait for blocks to develop before punching through holes. He also is bear to bring down out of the backfield, and his 56 forced missed tackles has equaled Jeremiyah Love’s total in 2025.
A lack of top end speed will hold Allen back from being one of the first running backs off the board, but to this point, we’re yet to see Minnesota’s offense consistently commit to the running game during Kevin O’Connell’s tenure as head coach. This is a nice middle ground where the Vikings can get a talented player without the risk of wasting a top end draft pick.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Focus helped with this article.
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