PFF Says RB for Vikings in Early 2026 Mock Draft
It’s way too early to be thinking too hard about the 2026 NFL draft — unless you’re the New York Jets — but that doesn’t stop the media outlets from producing mock drafts already. Pro Football Focus put one out this week, and their choice for the Vikings piqued my interest.
VikingsTerritory looks at Pro Football Focus’ choice for the Vikings in their early 2026 mock draft.
I’m not one for paying close attention to mock drafts in October, but upon taking a casual look at what Trevor Sikkema of PFF had decided upon for his selection for Minnesota. I found myself thinking that would make a lot of sense. It was running back for the Vikings with Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love taken with the 18th overall pick.
It’s Jeremiyah Love for the Vikings in PFF’s Mock Draft
Of course, it is way too early to know where the Vikings will be picking or what Love’s draft stock will be by next April. Still, Love looks like an exciting prospect who has the skillset to be effective through the air as well as on the ground. Important for a back in a Kevin O’Connell offense. Here is what PFF said about Love in their mock draft write-up.
18. Minnesota Vikings (3-2):
RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Love’s season started with a quiet showing against Miami, but that was less on him and more about a lack of opportunities. Since then, he’s been on a tear, showcasing once again that he is the most talented back in the country with an 88.0 rushing grade and 69.9 receiving grade. He’s already forced 26 missed tackles with a 3.65 yards after contact per attempt average.
Love is the first RB taken off the board and the only one taken in the first round of this mock. Some liked the idea of the Vikings drafting an RB like Omarion Hampton or Quinshon Judkins, but that didn’t materialize as Kwesi Adofo-Mensah selected Donovan Jackson in the first round to bolster the offensive line.
An Aaron Jones Replacement?
Minnesota opted to bring back Aaron Jones and trade with the San Francisco 49ers for Jordan Mason, while completing their running back stable for 2025 with undrafted rookie Zavier Scott. Eyebrows were raised when the 30-year-old got a two-year deal worth $20 million.
After starting Minnesota’s first two games of the year, he was placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. Injuries have been commonplace in recent years, so it wouldn’t be a shock if the Vikings ended Jones’ stay early.
I would expect Mason to still be in Minnesota next year. He was outperforming Jones when both were available and has been one of the success stories of the early part of the 2025 season. Adding an exciting talent like Love to play alongside him would make a lot of sense.
How Mason performs over the rest of the season will have a say in whether Adofo-Mensah will be willing to part with his first-round pick for this position.
It might be early, but Love is a player I would say is worth Vikings fans keeping an eye on over the next few months.
You must be logged in to post a comment.