Draft Grades
Tis' the season. I'll get it started. From Kiper;
Minnesota Vikings: C
Top needs entering the draft: Safety, cornerback, defensive tackle, running back, center
Save for the Kyler Murray veteran minimum signing, the Vikings didn't do a lot in free agency. The biggest changes might have been releasing Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen on the interior of the defensive line in cap-saving measures. Jalen Redmond had a six-sack campaign in 2025, but defensive tackle was definitely an issue coming into the draft.
Caleb Banks is a good player. He can wreak havoc on opposing linemen and has legit burst to affect the quarterback in the pocket as an interior pass rusher (4.5 sacks in 2024). He's at his best as a run stuffer, closing gaps with his 6-foot-6, 327-pound frame, and he brings scheme versatility to the table. But his left foot has been a major problem.
He broke it early last season and was limited to three games. Then he broke it again at the combine, requiring surgery and putting him on the sideline until at least June. That was enough to push him down the Big Board a little bit. I had him ranked 62nd, so taking him at No. 18 was too rich. I was mostly surprised Minnesota passed on safety Dillon Thieneman, but even among the defensive tackles, I had four guys ranked higher, starting with Peter Woods and Kayden McDonald.
Minnesota did take a safety in Jakobe Thomas late in Round 3, and he can create takeaways, with five INTs in 2025. It doubled up on defensive tackle with Domonique Orange and picked up linebacker depth with Jake Golday. But my favorite pick of Day 2 was Caleb Tiernan. I had him ranked 47 spots higher than his draft slot, and he is a massive 6-foot-8, 323-pounder with a ton of experience (44 starts, mostly at left tackle).
The Vikings made four picks on Day 3, and my favorite of the bunch is Charles Demmings. He ran a 4.41 in the 40 at the combine, and with nine interceptions and 35 passes defensed in college, he's a ball hawk. But overall, Minnesota just didn't do enough to move the needle
Like I mentioned in an earlier thread, all draft grades are gauged against whomever's big board teams selected at.....and the dreaded 'value' of each comparatively. KAM usually rocked these reactionary media 'expert' grades right after his drafts. If you agree with a BPA-type philosophy, its not necessary to list team needs....its the antithesis of BPA. I'd say exactly the same thing if Mel gave Minnesota an A+.
The absolute best way to judge a team's scouting department and GM is to have access to their Big Boards immediately after the Draft and use a historical reference to those players and their success or lack thereof. But that will never happen, of course.
The Minnesota Vikings released defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave early in the offseason. Therefore, it wasn't a total shock to see them target their defensive front on opening night. Still, the selection of Florida's Caleb Banks could be considered a reach.
Banks was the 60th-ranked overall prospect on the B/R board.
Fortunately, the Vikings found much better value in Round 2. Off-ball linebacker Jake Golday has the potential to be a true three-down player for Minnesota and was the 37th-ranked prospect on the Scouting Department's final board.
During Day 2 of the draft, the Vikings also received a pair of third-round picks (one in 2026, one in 2027) from the Philadelphia Eagles for edge-rusher Jonathan Greenard. Minnesota then went back to its defensive interior, adding Iowa State's Domonique Orange.
Orange and Jakobe Thomas will add more defensive depth, while the Vikings should boost their ground game with Demond Claiborne and the draft's top fullback, Max Bredeson.
However, it's hard to feel like the Vikings' roster is any better than it was at the start of the offseason—aside from at quarterback, where Kyler Murray adds real improvement potential—though the team has saved considerable cap space.
Minnesota operated without a general manager over draft weekend, and it shows.
Grade: D
Bleacher Report
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
purplefaithful wrote:
The Minnesota Vikings released defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave early in the offseason. Therefore, it wasn't a total shock to see them target their defensive front on opening night. Still, the selection of Florida's Caleb Banks could be considered a reach.
Banks was the 60th-ranked overall prospect on the B/R board.
Fortunately, the Vikings found much better value in Round 2. Off-ball linebacker Jake Golday has the potential to be a true three-down player for Minnesota and was the 37th-ranked prospect on the Scouting Department's final board.
During Day 2 of the draft, the Vikings also received a pair of third-round picks (one in 2026, one in 2027) from the Philadelphia Eagles for edge-rusher Jonathan Greenard. Minnesota then went back to its defensive interior, adding Iowa State's Domonique Orange.
Orange and Jakobe Thomas will add more defensive depth, while the Vikings should boost their ground game with Demond Claiborne and the draft's top fullback, Max Bredeson.
However, it's hard to feel like the Vikings' roster is any better than it was at the start of the offseason—aside from at quarterback, where Kyler Murray adds real improvement potential—though the team has saved considerable cap space.
Minnesota operated without a general manager over draft weekend, and it shows.
Grade: D
Bleacher Report
An improvement from BR! We had an 'F' after Day 1!
The thing I can't wrap my head around is Banks as a reach... I mean you watch 5 minutes of this guy and see the athleticism and measurables? He has All-Pro talent.
If the media wants to call it a risk, sure go ahead. But calling it a reach cuz some Internet draft guru dropped him 50+ spots because of the injury risk doesn't mean it was.
It comes across like this guy isn't just an injury risk, but other DTs were more talented. I'd argue not, this guy has the best physical talent in this class and if it wasn't for the foot injury, he'd have been ranked/mocked in the top 10 by the media draft experts.
purplefaithful wrote:
The Minnesota Vikings released defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave early in the offseason. Therefore, it wasn't a total shock to see them target their defensive front on opening night. Still, the selection of Florida's Caleb Banks could be considered a reach.
Banks was the 60th-ranked overall prospect on the B/R board.
Fortunately, the Vikings found much better value in Round 2. Off-ball linebacker Jake Golday has the potential to be a true three-down player for Minnesota and was the 37th-ranked prospect on the Scouting Department's final board.
During Day 2 of the draft, the Vikings also received a pair of third-round picks (one in 2026, one in 2027) from the Philadelphia Eagles for edge-rusher Jonathan Greenard. Minnesota then went back to its defensive interior, adding Iowa State's Domonique Orange.
Orange and Jakobe Thomas will add more defensive depth, while the Vikings should boost their ground game with Demond Claiborne and the draft's top fullback, Max Bredeson.
However, it's hard to feel like the Vikings' roster is any better than it was at the start of the offseason—aside from at quarterback, where Kyler Murray adds real improvement potential—though the team has saved considerable cap space.
Minnesota operated without a general manager over draft weekend, and it shows.
Grade: D
Bleacher Report
Our 1st round pick "could be considered a reach" and that brings everything down to a D. Piss poor writing IMO.
They like Golday, they like our depth we added on D, they like the ground game improvement. But we didn't improve the roster?
The only draft grade that matters is the one 2-3 years from now, but these guys all have a job to do and their evaluations are largely based on the perceived value of the picks. Also, some of these analyst are much more qualified than some give them credit for. Daniel Jeremiah worked a pro scout as did Louis Riddick who was also Director of Personnel.
The Banks pick was arguably a questionable value pick, he was not projected to go that high and has a number of red flags with his injuries. 3 foot injuries, 2 surgeries on the same foot in a 2 year span of a very large human is a concern, there is legit risks of that foot staying healthy. Totally understandable for that pick to be graded low. With Lemon the board, there were opportunities to trade down and get some extra picks.
We took the safety at a point when there were better safeties available, we picked an OT where a RB was a higher priority waiting until the 6th round to address it. And one of other needs WR we completely passed on. I think a C for this draft at this point is a very fair evaluation.
From Chad Reuter at NFL. Com after the 2022 Draft
Vikings- Grade A
Georgia S Lewis Cine (No. 32 overall)
Analysis: I projected Cine to the Vikings in Round 2 of my seven-round mock draft, so I wasn't surprised when they traded down and selected him at No. 32 overall. He'll play right away because he's a big hitter who can cover. Cine's size and athleticism allowed him to stay with receivers and tight ends on crossing routes and downfield; he'll serve as a much-needed nickel defender for Minnesota. New GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah got excellent value in his dealwith the Lions -- he moved up 12 picks in Round 2, added an early third-round selection (No. 66 overall) and landed an impact player in Cine, all for 20 spots in Round 1.
Day 2 draft picks - Grade A-
Clemson CB Andrew Booth (No. 42 overall)
LSU OG Ed Ingram (No. 59 overall)
Oklahoma LB Brian Asamoah (No. 66 overall)
Day 1 grade: A
Analysis: The Vikings made a great deal with division-rival Detroit in Round 1, trading down before selecting an athletic, versatile defensive back in Lewis Cine. On Friday, they acquired two mid-second-round picks from the rival Packers in a trade down and then moved back up in a deal with the Colts to take Booth. The former Clemson CB likely would have been picked earlier had an injury not kept him from participating in the combine and his pro day. The athletic, tough-minded corner was still a strong value. Ingram brings power off the ball, which is something the Vikings needed, though the selection came at least one round earlier than I expected because of a run on interior offensive linemen. Asamoah isn't big but gets to the ball and brings it as a tackler, meeting a need.
Bullazin wrote:
From Chad Reuter at NFL. Com after the 2022 Draft
Vikings- Grade A
Georgia S Lewis Cine (No. 32 overall)
Analysis: I projected Cine to the Vikings in Round 2 of my seven-round mock draft, so I wasn't surprised when they traded down and selected him at No. 32 overall. He'll play right away because he's a big hitter who can cover. Cine's size and athleticism allowed him to stay with receivers and tight ends on crossing routes and downfield; he'll serve as a much-needed nickel defender for Minnesota. New GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah got excellent value in his dealwith the Lions -- he moved up 12 picks in Round 2, added an early third-round selection (No. 66 overall) and landed an impact player in Cine, all for 20 spots in Round 1.
Day 2 draft picks - Grade A-
Clemson CB Andrew Booth (No. 42 overall)
LSU OG Ed Ingram (No. 59 overall)
Oklahoma LB Brian Asamoah (No. 66 overall)
Day 1 grade: A
Analysis: The Vikings made a great deal with division-rival Detroit in Round 1, trading down before selecting an athletic, versatile defensive back in Lewis Cine. On Friday, they acquired two mid-second-round picks from the rival Packers in a trade down and then moved back up in a deal with the Colts to take Booth. The former Clemson CB likely would have been picked earlier had an injury not kept him from participating in the combine and his pro day. The athletic, tough-minded corner was still a strong value. Ingram brings power off the ball, which is something the Vikings needed, though the selection came at least one round earlier than I expected because of a run on interior offensive linemen. Asamoah isn't big but gets to the ball and brings it as a tackler, meeting a need.
I'm a huge fan of perspective. 👍
NFC North
— Brian Burke @bburkeESPN Apr 27, 2026
NFC North
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
2015 (widely considered the best draft in Vikings history—Kendricks, Hunter, Diggs)
Evan Silva (Rotoworld) C
Concerned about Hunter’s lack of college production.
2022 (considered by many the worst draft in Vikings history—Cine, Booth, Asamoah)
Chad Reuter (NFL.com) A
Praised the "wheeling and dealing" and felt the team successfully overhauled a struggling secondary.
2016 (considered by me the worst draft in Vikings history—Treadwell, Alexander, Beavers)
Chad Reuter (NFL.com) A
Praised the "perfect fit" of Treadwell for the offense and the value of Alexander in the second round.
Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News) A
Ranked the Vikings as one of the best drafting teams, citing the "absolute steal" of Mackensie Alexander.
"All those who believe in psychokinesis, raise my hand." —Steven Wright
MaroonBells wrote:
2015 (widely considered the best draft in Vikings history—Kendricks, Hunter, Diggs)
Evan Silva (Rotoworld) C
Concerned about Hunter’s lack of college production.
2022 (considered by many the worst draft in Vikings history—Cine, Booth, Asamoah)
Chad Reuter (NFL.com) A
Praised the "wheeling and dealing" and felt the team successfully overhauled a struggling secondary.
2016 (considered by me the worst draft in Vikings history—Treadwell, Alexander, Beavers)
Chad Reuter (NFL.com) A
Praised the "perfect fit" of Treadwell for the offense and the value of Alexander in the second round.
Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News) A
Ranked the Vikings as one of the best drafting teams, citing the "absolute steal" of Mackensie Alexander.
The grades are an inexact science. Other than being routinely generic, health, work ethic, system and just generally figuring things out is ultimately determines who will make it in the NFL.
The Vikings took a shot and I feel 90% confident Goday will be at the minimum a solid starter for us. We most likely found at least 1 DT out of the 2. My guess is both are at the very least rotational players. Banks can be a star.
The remainder of the draft felt incredibly productive though. Locked in your FB/HB. The CB looks legit to me and in Flores scheme I feel pretty confident. Claiborne will get a shot at KR/PR duties and work in as the 3rd running back. I see more of these players making the roster than I usually do.
Post draft grades are for 15 year olds...I remember anxiously awaiting for The Sporting News and others to post grades and confirm for me my Vikings were on their way to another SB.
Even my wife knows it takes 2-3 years to get a handle on a class. Such a waste of time.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
MAD GAINZ wrote:
The thing I can't wrap my head around is Banks as a reach... I mean you watch 5 minutes of this guy and see the athleticism and measurables? He has All-Pro talent.
If the media wants to call it a risk, sure go ahead. But calling it a reach cuz some Internet draft guru dropped him 50+ spots because of the injury risk doesn't mean it was.
It comes across like this guy isn't just an injury risk, but other DTs were more talented. I'd argue not, this guy has the best physical talent in this class and if it wasn't for the foot injury, he'd have been ranked/mocked in the top 10 by the media draft experts.
The consensus boards have become the new gospel for draft nerds. However they don't have any way to evaluate medicals, so drops that are about those are super subjective. It's why Banks is allegedly a reach but McCoy was allegedly a steal.
But the actions of the teams suggested otherwise. If the Vikings, and per reports other teams, were willing to take Banks late first, then his true value was higher than consensus, just as McCoy's was lower since he slid so far below consensus, again based mainly on feelings about medicals. The team medical evals are based on exams and X-rays not feelings.
A red flag on Banks is his very low PFF run defense score. Guys with that metric mostly don't turn into effective DLs. But we'll see, he is very raw and needs a lot of polish.
StickierBuns wrote:
An improvement from BR! We had an 'F' after Day 1!
Bleacher report forgot to publish their "key" that translate grades.
But I got a copy and it turns out that this year's "D" actually stands for (D)ramatically Better Than Kwesi 😀
Draft grades are interesting and comical. You can tell by the writing which analysis is actually about the player v. team or just feeding a narrative. Some are actually well done and thorough and others it's obvious that they didn't watch the games or don't understand the team philosophy. There is not that much meaning behind the initial grade, it's the big picture results that will tell the story. Hopefully it works out
You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it. — Robin Williams
the fact that anybody even does draft grades immediately after a draft IMO disqualifies their opinions. it takes a couple seasons in most cases to get any indication of the selections true game and fit.
Why isn't Chuck Foreman in the Hall of Fame?
Kmerry82 wrote:
The grades are an inexact science. Other than being routinely generic, health, work ethic, system and just generally figuring things out is ultimately determines who will make it in the NFL.
The Vikings took a shot and I feel 90% confident Goday will be at the minimum a solid starter for us. We most likely found at least 1 DT out of the 2. My guess is both are at the very least rotational players. Banks can be a star.
The remainder of the draft felt incredibly productive though. Locked in your FB/HB. The CB looks legit to me and in Flores scheme I feel pretty confident. Claiborne will get a shot at KR/PR duties and work in as the 3rd running back. I see more of these players making the roster than I usually do.
It helps that we had almost twice the amount of picks we had last year. I think Banks will likely be a starter on day one, but rotate in and out with LDR. Since nose is just a 2-down position anyway, I think Orange will start day one. Vikings haven't had a guy who fits the nose tackle size profile since Flores came on board. I'm very curious to see how that impacts our run defense.
"All those who believe in psychokinesis, raise my hand." —Steven Wright
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