2026 Free Agency and Draft: DL

[MaroonBells]

ESPN had a Rd1 mock on the radio today...

Faulk at 18 went to MN. 

I still think he's too small for an IDL, but BFlo would have a plan for him if he is drafted here. 

I also thought Emanwori was a S the Vikes should pass over, what do I know???

He's an intriguing fit. I think "IDL" on a 3-4 is kind of a misnomer. I know we're a hybrid and use four down linemen frequently, but in the base 3-4, it's most often a nose and two 5-techs, isn't it? I think the 5t's and 4i's are typically a little taller and thinner than the typical 4-3 3T Viking fans have been watching for the better part of 60 years. 

The last one we drafted was Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

TID's combine: 6-5, 276, 33 arms, 4.86
Faulk's combine: 6-5, 276, 34 arms, 4.67

[StickierBuns]

If Kayden McDonald slides to early/mid-round 2, I'd run to the podium or move up a couple spots for him. I think he's going to be a hell of a pro with NFL coaching and has more upside than a run stuffing machine. Lateral quickness underrated. He's thick as hell and moves everyone. Watch how much better TI Dawkins would get next to him. McDonald's potential reminds me of a young Javon Hargrave, motivated and confident. Just a touch less the athlete of Javon however but more stout.

[MaroonBells]

If Kayden McDonald slides to early/mid-round 2, I'd run to the podium or move up a couple spots for him. I think he's going to be a hell of a pro with NFL coaching and has more upside than a run stuffing machine. Lateral quickness underrated. He's thick as hell and moves everyone. Watch how much better TI Dawkins would get next to him. McDonald's potential reminds me of a young Javon Hargrave, motivated and confident. Just a touch less the athlete of Javon however but more stout.

There are three nose tackle body types that look to go somewhere in the late 1st, early 2nd. If'n Flores is ready to finally take one...

Kayden McDonald - 6-2, 326
Lee Hunter - 6-4, 318
Caleb Banks - 6-6, 327