Minnesota Vikings 2026 7 Round Mock Draft

I want to start this by saying, I think they are good at quarterback for 2026 and the future. I still believe JJ McCarthy can develop into a starting quarterback, but he needs time to learn. They didn’t do him much good by throwing him in early, and should’ve just let him sit and grow. Either way, they are set for a few more years at quarterback. And that’s great for this draft, where QBs aren’t as strong as other positions.

Below is information on what the Vikings have done this offseason (so far), along with my team’s needs, culminating in my full 7-round mock draft for the 2026 NFL Draft!

Note: Teams inevitably trade draft picks during the draft; I will not be. I’m standing pat and selecting based on how the roster will look today, so no free agency either.

2026 Minnesota Vikings: Overview

SIGNINGS / RE-SIGNINGS / EXTENSIONS:

QB Kyler Murray – Signed a one-year, $1.3 million deal. Murray brings two Pro Bowl seasons and 87 career regular-season starts to a QB room with J.J. McCarthy and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer. Minnesota Vikings. His arrival sparked debate about whether J.J. McCarthy‘s future in Minnesota is in jeopardy.
QB Carson Wentz – Re-signed on a one-year contract to fill out the quarterback depth chart alongside Murray and McCarthy. Daily Norseman
LB Eric Wilson – Re-signed for three years at $22.5 million ($7.5M AAV) after a career year in 2025; returning to the team where he spent the first four years of his career. The Viking Age
CB Dee Pierre – Signed from Pittsburgh on a two-year, $8.5 million deal; provides depth behind starters Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers. ESPN
OL Ryan Van Demark – Signed to an offer sheet after being a restricted free agent with the Bills, who chose not to match. Daily Norseman
P Johnny Hekker – Signed to replace Ryan Wright; a natural fit given his connection to HC Kevin O’Connell from their overlapping time with the Rams. ESPN
DL Jalen Redmond – Retained via exclusive rights tender at $1.075 million; was Minnesota’s best defensive lineman in 2025 and a candidate for a multi-year extension. The Viking Age
RB Aaron Jones – Was expected to be released, but restructured his deal for $5.6 million with $5 million guaranteed to remain in Minnesota. CBS News
Special Teamer Tavierre Thomas – Re-signed on a two-year, $4.6 million deal; led the team with 19 special teams tackles in 2025.

DEPARTURES / CUTS:

DT Jonathan Allen – Released at the start of the new league year, with the move netting the Vikings around $21 million in combined cap space alongside Hargrave. He quickly agreed to a two-year, $28 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. Daily Norseman– DT Javon Hargrave – Released to free up nearly $11 million; landed a two-year, $23 million deal with the Green Bay Packers. The Viking Age– S Harrison Smith – Released with a post-June 1 designation while he decides his future; the 37-year-old safety’s potential retirement has created one of the team’s most pressing needs.

Daily Norseman– WR Jalen Nailor – Agreed to a three-year, $35 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders after carving out a role behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. The Viking Age– C Ryan Kelly – Retired after 10 seasons, having dealt with three concussions in his lone season with the Vikings and starting just eight games. CBS News– P Ryan Wright – Departed after four years to sign a four-year contract with the Saints. ESPN

Team Needs (Priority Order)

1. Safety (HIGH)
2. Cornerback (HIGH)
3. Center/Interior OL (MEDIUM)
4. Nose Tackle/Interior DL (MEDIUM)
5. Inside Linebacker (MEDIUM)
6. Wide Receiver (MID-ROUND)
7. Tight End (MID-ROUND)
8. Running Back (DEPTH)

Now, that doesn’t mean these are my top targets in the draft. It will really depend on how the mock draft unfolds as I go through it. With that being said, let’s get to the mock draft!