New Defender Enters the Mix in Latest Vikings Mock Draft
Until the latest edition, most credible NFL mock drafts have connected the Minnesota Vikings to running back Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame), safety Caleb Downs (Ohio State), or cornerback Mansoor Delane (LSU). But with a recent tumble in draft position due to three consecutive wins, CBS Sports has a different name in mind for Minnesota: Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.
Minnesota’s draft chatter has been predictable for weeks, but this projection introduces a defender who fits both need and modern versatility in the middle.
Styles, at least from a December viewpoint, is virtually assured to fly off the board in Round 1. That might just be to the Vikings’ benefit.
Why Sonny Styles Makes Sense for the Vikings
Styles to Vikings could win the hearts of some fans.
CBS Sports on Styles to Minnesota
Now situated with the 15th pick after defeating the New York Giants on Sunday, CBS Sports‘ Josh Edwards mock-drafted Styles to the Vikings.
He wrote, “Minnesota isn’t a linebacker away from contention, but it remains a clear point of weakness on the roster. Styles has been fantastic for the defending national champions this season.”
“The Vikings also need to start turning draft picks into production, as many of their key contributors were either selected by the previous regime or acquired via free agency.”
The other recent draft darlings for the Vikings, Downs and Love, went to the New York Jets (No. 4) and Kansas City Chiefs (No. 12), respectively. Delane went to the Carolina Panthers at pick No. 19.
Shift Eric Wilson Back into Reserve Role if Re-Signed
Let’s assume that Edwards has this right, and Styles turns purple. Before too long, Wilson, who has experienced a year of utter career rejuvenation, would be shoved to the back of the depth chart if the Vikings re-sign him in the offseason, which most expect.
Often, off-ball linebackers are not ready in Week 1 of their rookie seasons, though that “rule” typically applies to non-1st-Rounders. The hope would be for Styles to be game-ready right away.
If not, Minnesota would likely roll with Blake Cashman and Wilson until Styles was ready.
Off-Ball Linebacker Usually Not a Vital Need in Round 1?
The Vikings will have plenty of roster needs when the 2026 offseason arrives, mainly because Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s first four drafts have failed to net even an average return. Ahead of inside linebacker, the Vikings will need a cornerback(s), safety, center, running back, and maybe a defensive tackle.
Make no mistake, a game-changing linebacker like Styles could do the body good, but off-ball linebackers — productive ones — can often be found after Round 1.
Drafting a linebacker in Round 1 is what spoiled teams usually do — clubs that don’t have many urgent roster needs — and that’s just not the Vikings in their current construction.
Ivan Pace Jr.’s Replacement
There’s also Pace Jr.
The 25-year-old began the season as the team’s starter next to Blake Cashman, but when Cashman got hurt, landing him on injured reserve for four games, Wilson entered the lineup and played like a fringe Pro Bowler. When Cashman healed, defensive coordinator Brian Flores demoted Pace Jr. and elevated Wilson to a full-time starter’s status. The guy was too good to bench.
Now, Pace Jr. eyes restricted free agency, and a player who once felt like a revelation in Minnesota could rather easily depart as early as March.
If that theory holds — Pace Jr.’s run in Minnesota expires more prematurely than most thought — Styles to the Vikings would be a sweet replacement plan.
The Scouting Report on Styles
NFL Draft Buzz‘s KC Martinez notes on Styles’ draft profile: “What makes Styles intriguing is how his skill set aligns with current defensive trends toward hybrid players, though that versatility could also work against him if teams struggle to define his optimal role.”
“His zone coverage shows promise and should improve with proper coaching, but his limitations in man coverage against quicker targets will need addressing before he can handle every-down responsibilities. The pass rush ability he’s flashed provides additional value, yet his technique when attacking interior gaps remains raw enough that opposing offensive lines will target those weaknesses early in his career.”
The Vikings haven’t drafted an inside linebacker with any staying power since Eric Kendricks in 2015. A 10-year drought.
Martinez added, “Styles possesses the physical tools and football intelligence to develop into a quality NFL defender, but his success will largely depend on patience from both player and organization during the learning curve. His late college start at linebacker means he’s still mastering position fundamentals that other prospects have been refining for years.”
“The upside is legitimate — a defender who can cover tight ends, rush the passer situationally, and anchor run fits – but realizing that potential will require the right developmental environment and realistic expectations about his timeline to contribute at an elite level.”
Styles will be 21 on draft night.
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