Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesIt will soon be upon us. The 2026 NFL draft is now just one day away, so the time has come for my fourth and final Vikings mock draft of 2026.My previous Vikings mock drafts this year have seen three different players at three different positions selected in the first round, and we are about to make it four out of four. I want to think it speaks to their still not being a completely obvious choice for Minnesota, rather than to my own indecision – maybe it’s both.A Full Seven-Round Blueprint for MinnesotaI have written about a trade back from 18 being a smart move for the Vikings, and that is how I will start this final draft.
There will also be a second trade to start Day 3.Trade: Vikings receive picks 24 and 70 from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for picks 18 and 196.Round 1: Pick 24 – CJ Allen (LB) GeorgiaThe Vikings could almost go anywhere on defense with this first round, but trading back and securing CJ Allen would be a great outcome. Both of the Vikings’ starting safeties will be in their thirties when the season starts, so drafting Allen will secure the position long term. Allen is a physical, reliable middle linebacker with strong run-defense ability.Oct 12, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Davon Booth (21) is tackled by Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Malaki Starks (24) and linebacker CJ Allen (3) at Sanford Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesHe reads the game well and hits hard. Allen is an incredibly rangy and explosive athlete in pursuit and as a blitzer, which Brian Flores should be able to put to good use. It’s not a flashy pick, but it’s a solid one that also provides the Vikings with an extra pick in round three.Round 2: Pick 49 – AJ Haulcy (S) LSUMinnesota never replaced Camryn Bynum last year, which was a mistake.
With AJ Haulcy, they would get a true deep safety with strong range, ball skills, and an aggressive playmaking mentality. It’s what the Vikings need and comes at a better value than the two safeties being talked about a lot in the first round. Haulcy projects as a starter in systems that keep him in a traditional backend role, which is what the Vikings need while Flores does his exotic stuff upfront.Round 3: Pick 70 – Emmett Johnson (RB) NebraskaEmmett Johnson is a Minnesota guy who hasn’t been shy about his wish to play for his hometown team.
This extra pick from the trade with the Browns at the start of this mock puts the Vikings in a good position to do just that. Johnson would bring excellent footwork and quickness to the backfield, while also being a good receiving back. Kevin O’Connell’s offense needs the RBs to make plays in the passing game.
Johnson can do just that, which can be his pathway to early involvement during his rookie year.Round 3: Pick 82 – Domonique Orange (DT) Iowa StateMinnesota needs to beef up its defensive line, and they don’t come much more beefier than Dominique Orange. He is a massive defensive line prospect with elite power potential, supported by impressive weight-room strength.Iowa State football player Dominique Orange throws a first pitch during an Iowa Cubs game at Principal Park on June 14, 2025, in Des Moines. © Lily Smith/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesAt 6’2, 322 lbs, and with huge levers for arms, he is a big dude.
Add in first-step explosiveness, and Orange is a force in the middle. However, his hand speed and pass-rush finesse are limited, which is why he’s seen as a Day 2 pick. As a high-effort, power-based lineman, he can excel next to Jalen Redmond.Round 3: Pick 97 – Logan Jones (C) IowaThe 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. That might give some people Garrett Bradbury flashbacks, but Logan wouldn’t come in with the pressure of being a first-round pick.
He has the intelligence and athleticism to potentially develop into a starting center.Trade: Vikings receive pick 142 and a 2027 7th rounder in exchange for picks 163, 234, and a 2027 6th rounder.Round 5: Pick 142 – De’Zhaun Stribling (WR) Ole MissThe Vikings need to add a receiver, and the addition of DeZhaun Stribling would give the team something different. Stribling is a strong, competitive receiver coming in at 6’2 and 207 lbs. with natural hands and a physical playstyle that shows up as a blocker and after the catch; at the catch point, he can add a different dimension to the Vikings offense.Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (1) against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesHe has sufficient long speed t