It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Draft Season. We’ve already had a long and arduous scouting process, and it’s probably a safe bet to assume that the Vikings already have their draft board made. Still, as outsiders, we’re left to speculate on the direction they may go in the first draft using mock drafts. I’ve looked at a bunch of mock drafts personally, and have assembled a solid list of players who are getting mocked to the Vikings, and the reason mock drafters think this may be the case.
Dillon Thieneman
Pick any old mock draft on the internet right now, and the odds are that the person who created it has the Vikings selecting the Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman. It’s become so common an opinion that some may be having prospect fatigue. However, it’s a popular pick for a reason. Besides him being a white safety just like the legendary Harrison Smith, Thieneman is also an athletic and instinctual safety who can be deployed all over the field. His raw talent, combined with his on-field intellect, has shot him up the draft boards. Even with the prospect fatigue, I doubt there will be a collective moan of disapproval if the Vikings select Thieneman at 18. He’s an elite prospect who fills a position of need.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
Staying with the safety position, we have Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, the safety out of Toledo. McNeil-Warren is more of a physically imposing safety, coming in at 6’3 1/2’’ and with an impressive wingspan. His skillset is more reminiscent of Josh Metellus as he can play well near the line and is solid in run defense. Safety is a major position of need with Harrison Smith’s status up in the air, so McNeil-Warren is definitely a player to watch on April 23rd.
Avieon Terrell
As Brian Flores has a preference for specific types of corners, Avieon Terrell just feels like a Minnesota Vikings pick. Terrell is a little undersized at 5’11, but he’s physical, fast, and sticky in coverage. Vikings fans may have PTSD from the Clemson cornerback label (Andrew Booth didn’t exactly work out), but Terrell is a completely different player who excelled in coverage during his college years. I think Terrell has some of the highest upside of the draft and would be intrigued to see how he would fit into Flores’ system.
Jermod McCoy
The corner from Tennessee tore his ACL and missed the entire 2025 season, but thanks to his productivity in 2024, he’s still projected as a first-round pick. Jermod McCoy is an athletic specimen who has size and the ball skills to force turnovers. Obviously, the injuries are frightening. They’re what made ECU corner Shavon Revel fall to the third round last season. However, McCoy is far removed from his torn ACL and should be healthy for this 2026 season. If the Vikings truly believe in McCoy’s upside, then it’s worth the gamble to try to secure the CB1 of the future.
Caleb Banks
With both Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave both departing in free agency, it only makes sense for the Vikings to seek a replacement at defensive tackle. Caleb Banks is a hulking 6’6 327 lb defensive tackle from Florida who has been a major subject of discussion before the draft. Some argue that his fundamentals need work, and others say that he could be a potential gem. He also dealt with a foot injury in 2025, so there’s some concern there. However, when it comes to upside, Caleb Banks has one of the highest ceilings you’ll find. He ran a 5.04-second 40, which is no small feat for a player of his side. Betting on athletic ability is always a gamble, but Caleb Banks would be a fun player to see develop in this Vikings defense.
Jordyn Tyson
While wide receiver isn’t a huge need for the Vikings, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson is a hard player to pass up on. His great hands and exceptional route-running ability have made him a highly sought-after prospect who could even go before the Vikings’ selection. If he’s there, the Vikings could take a shot at going for the best player available and adding Jordyn Tyson. It worked out for the Bears last year with Luther Burden, so it’d be interesting to see the Vikings make the unorthodox pick this time around by targeting a receiver with elite potential.
