Adam New Drops Post-Free Agency Vikings Mock Draft
The start of free agency has passed, and most of the big moves by teams have been made. More signings will trickle in over the coming months, but all eyes are now fully on the upcoming draft as we have a good idea of what each team needs. That means it’s time for another Vikings mock draft.
It’s a Safety-First Draft Path for Minnesota
Minnesota has nine selections in the 2026 draft, starting with the 18th overall pick. With TJ Hockenson and Aaron Jones staying for another season, and James Pierre signed to boost the ranks at cornerback.
The main positions I’m looking for the Vikings to strengthen in this year’s draft are center, safety, and defensive tackle. Adding more depth to the offensive weapons (RB, WR, TE) should also be a priority. Let’s get to this Vikings mock draft.
Round 1: Pick 18 – Dillon Thieneman (S) Oregon
As we get closer to the draft, Dillon Thieneman is emerging as the Vikings’ best-case scenario. The glitch in the plan is that the Oregon safety, tipped as the perfect Harrison Smith replacement, was so good at the combine that he might not make it to 18.
The hope in Minnesota will be that positional value means Caleb Downs and Thieneman slide down the board — like Kyle Hamilton in 2022. If he’s there, Thieneman is the pick.
Round 2: Pick 49 – Caleb Banks (DT) Florida
Caleb Banks was my first-round pick in my last Vikings mock draft, but yet another foot injury has overshadowed an excellent performance at the combine. Nothing makes a player slide down the draft board like troublesome medical reports, and there were concerns with Banks before this latest injury.
He looked like a certain first-round pick, but that does not come with huge risk; his slide will have to stop somewhere. If he’s there at 49, it’s a risk worth taking for probably the best interior defender in this draft class — when he’s healthy.
Round 3: Pick 82 – Eli Stowers (TE) Vanderbilt
TJ Hockenson agreed to a pay cut to stay in Minnesota this year, but the agreement also sees him become a free agent next year. Eli Stowers is another player who wowed at the combine, showcasing his athleticism. Stowers is a modern-style TE who is very much a pass-catcher and not so good at the dirty side of the position.
With Hockenson and Josh Oliver on the roster, Kevin O’Connell can find a role for Stowers in his rookie season as a mismatch receiving option in the slot, and work on the other side of his game so he can take over from Hockenson in Year 2.
Round 3: Pick 97 – Logan Jones (C) Iowa
The Vikings need a center, and Day 2 of the draft is where to find one, with a few options available. Logan Jones (25) is an older draft prospect but brings a wealth of experience as a four-year starter in college, and he can come in and start right away.
He is a smaller center prospect (6’3, 300 lbs), which makes him susceptible to power rushes, but his intelligence and athleticism can make up for that, especially as a run blocker.
Round 5: Pick 163 – Kendal Daniels (LB) Oklahoma
The Vikings need to bring in some youth at the linebacker position, and Kendal Daniels is an intriguing prospect for Brian Flores. Daniels moved from safety to a hybrid nickel and dime linebacker role in his last year of college football. If there’s a DC in the NFL who can make the most out of that type of player, it’s Flores.
Daniels needs to refine his tackling, which should come with more experience playing in at linebacker, but his elite size, rare quickness, and fluidity make him an exciting development prospect.
Round 6: Pick 196 – Jamarion Miller (RB) Alabama
With Aaron Jones returning there isn’t an urgency to draft an RB early, the Vikings might still do that but I’m happy waiting until Day 3. Jamarion Miller is a big back who is also explosive; however, a disappointing 2025 season has harmed his draft stock.
He can be effective as both a rusher and a receiver, and an excellent blocker in pass protection. His all-around game makes him worth a punt here.
Round 7: Pick 234 – CJ Daniels (WR) Miami
The first of three seventh-round picks sees a much-needed addition to WR depth. At 6’2 “, 205 lbs, Daniels is a big, long-limbed, acrobatic catch-point presence, something the Vikings lack in their WR room. There’s a history of injuries that could explain why he’s slid this far, even though his ability suggests he should go higher.
Round 7: Pick 235 – Wesley Williams (Edge) Duke
You can never have too many pass rushers. If Jonathan Greenard doesn’t get traded, there won’t be an urgent need for the Vikings to add on the edge, but using one of the late picks to add some competition to the rotation is never a bad thing. Wesley Williams is a tall pass rusher, a year removed from his best college season.
Round 7: Pick 244 – Riley Mahlman (OT) Wisconsin
Plenty of depth on the offensive line is also never a bad thing — just see last season’s injury woes. We finish this Vikings mock draft with a Minnesota native, Riley Mahlman, who has the makings of a solid swing tackle at least, with the potential to become a starter.
He has an unorthodox build (tall, slim by OL standards, and short arms) but plays with control, impressive knee bend, flexibility, and power.
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