He completed just 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while posting the lowest passer rating (72.6) among 33 quarterbacks who qualified for the stat.Meanwhile, Darnold built upon his career-best season with the Vikings and helped lead the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl 60 victory over the New England Patriots.During the offseason, the Vikings made some significant changes to their organization. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was fired after four seasons while quarterback Kyler Murray was signed to a one-year deal to compete with McCarthy for the starting job.Minnesota also weeded out some veterans to become cap compliant, leaving it with a particular need for trench depth.

As such, the Vikings will have to use the 2026 NFL Draft to help replenish some of their biggest positions of need. Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski will lead the charge and hope he can execute a draft strategy that proves he is the right man to take over for Adofo-Mensah.Here's everything to know about the Vikings' picks, needs and outlook for the 2026 NFL Draft:Vikings 2026 NFL Draft picksThe Vikings have nine picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Here's the complete list:Round 1, Pick 18Round 2, Pick 49Round 3, Pick 82Round 3, Pick 97Round 5, Pick 163 (from Eagles)Round 6, Pick 196 (from Colts)Round 7, Pick 234Round 7, Pick 235 (from Panthers)Round 7, Pick 244 (from Texans)Vikings NFL draft gradesThis section will be updated after the Vikings make their first selection.Vikings 2026 NFL Draft needsSafetyThe Vikings released 14-year veteran Harrison Smith during the offseason, a move that was widely believed to be a precursor to the 37-year-old's retirement.

Minnesota will need to add a playmaker at safety if Smith does, in fact, retire, and either Dillon Thieneman or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren could emerge as options with the team's opening-round selection.CenterRyan Kelly also retired during the 2026 NFL offseason after suffering three reported concussions during his 10th and final NFL season. The Vikings will need to find a replacement for him, and could consider adding someone like Jake Slaughter or Logan Jones with one of their Day 2 selections.Defensive tackleMinnesota parted with veterans Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave during the offseason as it navigated salary cap issues.

The Vikings will need to replenish their depth along the interior defensive line and could consider adding a player like Caleb Banks or Peter Woods with its first-round pick.Vikings 2026 NFL mock draftHere's what the Vikings could do come draft night, per Ayrton Ostly's seven-round mock draft:Round 1, Pick 18: S Dillon Thieneman, OregonMinnesota needs a young defensive back to add to the room for Brian Flores and his defense. Thieneman seems like the versatile piece he’d like to have. The Oregon product lined up in multiple spots for the Ducks in 2025 and can be a contributor all over the formation.

His motor and overall football IQ should make him a good fit to unlock the rest of the secondary.Round 2, Pick 49: DT Domonique Orange, Iowa StateMinnesota continues to address defense and this time brings in a strong presence on the interior of the defensive line. The Cyclones’ interior defender has a great mix of burst and size at 6-foot-2 and 322 pounds with the length to take on blocks in the running game. He could help free up the Vikings’ linebackers to make more plays against the run and develop into a more consistent pass rushing force in the middle as well.Round 3, Pick 82: DB Keionte Scott, Miami (FL)Scott played a mix of outside corner at Auburn before transitioning to safety at Miami.

That kind of versatility could go a long way in Brian Flores’ system. His ball skills and pass rush production (five sacks in 2025) could make for a fun fit.Round 3, Pick 97: Edge Keyron Crawford, AuburnJonathan Greenard is on the trade block and Andrew Van Ginkel will be a free agent next offseason. Bringing in a pass rusher to develop makes sense. Crawford’s experienced as an pass rusher, run defender and coverage linebacker.Round 5, Pick 163: RB Jaydn Ott, OklahomaRound 6, Pick 196: WR Caleb Douglas, Texas TechRound 7, Pick 234: OT Alan Herron, MarylandRound 7, Pick 235: IOL Evan Beerntsen, NorthwesternRound 7, Pick 244: DT Brandon Cleveland, NC StateThis article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minnesota Vikings NFL draft picks 2026: Round-by-round selections