Predicting Impact from Vikings Rookies in 2026
The Minnesota Vikings drafted nine players during the 2026 NFL draft. Each of those Vikings rookies will go on their own journey, with expectations for a first-round draft pick wildly different from those for a seventh-round pick.
Caleb Banks Headlines Minnesota’s Rookie Outlook
The purpose of this article is to set realistic expectations for each of the non-Vikings rookies that were selected in the draft. Minnesota also hit the undrafted free agent market hard, making 19 signings. Those players won’t be included here, but their aim should be to surprise everyone and make the final roster. We turn our attention now to the draftees.
Pick 18: DI Caleb Banks, Florida Gators
The choice of Caleb Banks has come under criticism and is seen as a sign, largely due to his injury history, which includes a current foot injury. Banks is a risk, but he showcased his talents at the combine despite carrying the foot injury.
He is a good fit in Brian Flores’ defense and if he can stay healthy, he should see plenty of opportunity in his rookie season. Banks’ length and strength give the Vikings a unique presence on the defensive front, allowing them to move across a variety of alignments. A healthy Banks can make an immediate impact in Minnesota.
Pick 51: LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati Bearcats
Minnesota used its second-round pick to add much-needed depth at linebacker. Jake Golday has intriguing length and athleticism with starter potential.
He will have time to develop his weaknesses, such as his instincts and anticipation, with veteran LB Eric Wilson returning this year as the placeholder at the position. Golday should shine on special teams early and look to make his mark when he gets the chance in the rotation on defense.
Pick 82: DI Domonique Orange, Iowa State Cyclones
Selecting another DT with their third pick in the draft, the Vikings seemed to be making this draft about making Flores happy. Domonique Orange is a massive defensive line prospect with elite power potential, supported by impressive weight-room strength.
His first-step explosiveness allows him to generate strong speed-to-power as a bull rusher. Expect Orange on the field on early downs and short yardage. His overall playing time this year may hinge on the health of Banks, but Orange can be a reliable lineman for the Vikings from Day 1.
Pick 97: T Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern Wildcats
The first offensive pick of the draft, being a tackle, was a bit of a surprise. Still, Caleb Tiernan is a smart, balanced, and experienced player whose limitations stem from a naturally high pad level and shorter arm length.
That could see him kick inside to guard, where the Vikings seriously lack depth with Blake Brandel on course to be the new starting center. Tiernan’s technique and football IQ give him a path to a starting role, but early in his career he can cover multiple positions, where his value this season lies.
Pick 98: S Jakobe Thomas, Miami (FL) Hurricanes
Many thought that Minnesota would prioritize the safety position and look for a starter to replace Harrison Smith. Instead, they waited until late on Day 2 to draft Jakobe Thomas.
He offers intriguing size and physicality as an enforcer-type safety, but inconsistency in his play means plenty of development is needed for him to handle more than a rotational role, which is what he will be in his rookie season.
Pick 159: FB Max Bredeson, Michigan Wolverines
The Vikings selected Max Bredeson as a fullback. He never had a single rushing attempt in his college career. However, he did show he can catch passes. His value is rooted in his blocking ability, highlighted by a career-best 85.2 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus in 2025. The retirement of C.J. Ham has left the Vikings with holes at FB and on special teams that Bredeson should be able to fill.
Pick 163: CB Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
Cornerback was another position the Vikings were expected to look at early by many, but instead, it was a late-round developmental prospect that landed in Minnesota. Charles Demmings drew attention at the Combine with an explosive athletic profile and strong testing numbers.
He measured 6-foot-1 and 194 pounds and ran a 4.41 40-yard dash and posted elite explosiveness with a 42-inch vertical and 11-foot broad jump. His ball skills and tackling efficiency support sleeper potential, though he will require development at the next level. His rookie year will likely be spent in the shadows.
Pick 198: HB Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Demond Claiborne gives the Vikings an interesting third option at running back. With a sprinter’s track background that clearly translates to the field, his speed and acceleration can stress defenses. Claiborne offers solid receiving upside and can be the team’s RB3 with special-teams value.
With Aaron Jones’ recent injury history, he might be thrown in for a bigger workload. If Kevin O’Connell uses him smartly, he can be effective.
Pick 235: C Gavin Gerhardt, Cincinnati Bearcats
Gerhardt brings extensive experience, having played 3,374 career snaps. In 2025, he earned a 68.4 overall grade from PFF with a 75.2 pass-blocking mark and a 66.1 run-blocking grade. He allowed just seven pressures and no sacks across 426 pass-blocking snaps, including only one pressure on 99 true pass sets.
His job is to make sure he’s second in line behind Brandel for the center job, and if the switch for Brandel doesn’t work he might get his chance.
You must be logged in to post a comment.