NFLDG 2026 Mock Draft
If there were a draft anything could happen... this is it! Enjoy the mock leading up to this year's draft. Promise this combines a combination of my own insights paired with some of what I'm hearing:
-- Start it off with a TRADE, the Vikings move back to 1(23) with PHI adding a late 3rd and 4th while giving up a 7th as a sweetener --
1(23) via PHI: Peter Woods DT / Clemson - Although teams are lower on this years DT class, Woods draft stock is being slept on. He can be an immediate one-gap penetrator and disruptor in the run game. Although he needs continued development as a pass-rusher the win rate is strong and the 2024 tape is awesome. The Vikings haven't been directly paired to Woods but they did a lot of work on him over the fall.
-- Another TRADE, the Vikings use their added flexibility in the 3rd to move up for their preferred corner --
1(32) via SEA: Chris Johnson CB / San Diego State - I've heard the Vikings are high on Chris Johnson and I have to say he is a perfect fit for the Vikings defensive system on the outside. He can play on/off coverage and is reliable playing the flat in the run. While he may not have an elite trait, he can do everything well in a versatile defensive system. We'll see if he makes it this far. I would not sleep on Colton Hood being a fit for MN as well.
3(97): Sam Rousch TE/Stanford - Sadiq will be in-play for MN in round one, this feels like a stronger value. Rousch was limited as a pass catcher in Stanford's offense but is a great athlete with a good feel for zone coverage. He'll need time to develop as a route-runner but could see the field early as a high-end run blocker. He could be a Hockenson replacement in 2027.
3(98) via PHI: Kamari Ramsey S/USC - Ramsey is flexible on the back-end having played nickel at USC in 2025 but is likely a deep half safety in the NFL. The Vikings like Jay Ward and will continue leveraging Metellus as a 3rd safety/robber. Ramsey gives them depth and competition for both Theo Jackson and Ward, filling out the back-end of the defense.
4(137) via PHI: Demond Claiborne RB/Wake Forest - I've been on Claiborne for awhile, his explosiveness is very impressive and gives the Vikings RB room a different flavor. He will not develop into a full-time back until he shows better hands in the pass game. But his feel and traits give him high-end upside if he puts it all together.
5(163): Parker Brailsford C/Alabama - We'll see how the Vikings attack center, I'm mainly curious on the style of player they chase. If they are open to a wide-zone athlete, Brailsford make more sense to me than Logan Jones in the 3rd. Brailsford played well against SEC competition and although he lacks the size, is highly physical and gets to the second level in the run game. He's immediate competition to start which is a great 5th round value.
6(196): Mason Reiger EDGE/Wisconsin - His health will be a consideration for teams along with being a bit undersized. But his first step is elite and he fits the profile of hybrid EDGE players Flores has been highly successful with. He would git cleanly into the VanGinkel role as depth.
7(234) CJ Daniels WR/Miami - He's an older player but as a strong track record of getting open with reliable hands. While it may not be the sexiest choice at WR, he can compete for targets as a rookie in a role similar to Jarius Wright.
7(244) Devin Eastern DT/Minnesota - Whether its on the roster or as a UDFA, being able to grab a physically imposing NT would round out the Vikings D-line room for this upcoming season.
I like Woods and thinks he fits the Flores defense the best, but I cannot help but think there's no way with OConnell essentially calling the shots, that the first pick isn't a playmaker on offense in some form or fashion.
Maybe you have some insight, but where is the team at with Tai Felton and their confidence in him stepping up to the plate and contributing in that 3rd receiver role? I just don't believe in a potential make or break year for OConnell, that he's going to get caught with his pants down at receiver. There's also virtually nothing in the cabinet behind Felton. Thoughts?
Other than Brailsford, these are guys I’ve consistently mocked as well. Claiborne and Reiger are personal favorites.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
Love this Guru!
That's some fancy dancing for an interim GM!
Is this thing STILL on? | Skol Vikes! |
supafreak84 wrote:
I like Woods and thinks he fits the Flores defense the best, but I cannot help but think there's no way with OConnell essentially calling the shots, that the first pick isn't a playmaker on offense in some form or fashion.
Maybe you have some insight, but where is the team at with Tai Felton and their confidence in him stepping up to the plate and contributing in that 3rd receiver role? I just don't believe in a potential make or break year for OConnell, that he's going to get caught with his pants down at receiver. There's also virtually nothing in the cabinet behind Felton. Thoughts?
I really hope that KOC doesn't get in the way. Flores (as much as I have qualms with him at times) was making a bit of chicken soup out of chicken scratch at certain positions last year.
Is this thing STILL on? | Skol Vikes! |
Mike Olson wrote:
I really hope that KOC doesn't get in the way. Flores (as much as I have qualms with him at times) was making a bit of chicken soup out of chicken scratch at certain positions last year.
I think that's exactly what's going to play out. 28th ranked offense, we lost Nailor and we run more 11 personnel than just about any team in the league. If OConnell is going out, he's not going out because he didn't have the horses to run his offense.
supafreak84 wrote:
I think that's exactly what's going to play out. 28th ranked offense, we lost Nailor and we run more 11 personnel than just about any team in the league. If OConnell is going out, he's not going out because he didn't have the horses to run his offense.
Well that's probably right and I don't think I can blame him.
Is this thing STILL on? | Skol Vikes! |
supafreak84 wrote:
I like Woods and thinks he fits the Flores defense the best, but I cannot help but think there's no way with OConnell essentially calling the shots, that the first pick isn't a playmaker on offense in some form or fashion.
Maybe you have some insight, but where is the team at with Tai Felton and their confidence in him stepping up to the plate and contributing in that 3rd receiver role? I just don't believe in a potential make or break year for OConnell, that he's going to get caught with his pants down at receiver. There's also virtually nothing in the cabinet behind Felton. Thoughts?
If the right player made it to 18 I think that's a legitimate question. Think Sadiq, Lemon, etc. Guys you can get on the field early on offense. IMO there is a good chance those options (temptations) are already off the board.
I think they're confident they have something in Tai Felton. Likely not so much they'd bring him to camp as the unchallenged WR3. If it doesn't work out in the draft there are some nice UFA options available as well once you get past the comp pick cut-off.
Not my cup of tea,
Love the trade down and hope we can find a trade partner, but hate woods anywhere in the 20s or above.
Love Johnson but that is giving up too much for him. Also high on Claiborn and Reager. I think they need to get a center in the 3rd.
great effort by author as it is so hard to do these
People sleep peacably at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.
NFL Draft Guru wrote:
If the right player made it to 18 I think that's a legitimate question. Think Sadiq, Lemon, etc. Guys you can get on the field early on offense. IMO there is a good chance those options (temptations) are already off the board.
I think they're confident they have something in Tai Felton. Likely not so much they'd bring him to camp as the unchallenged WR3. If it doesn't work out in the draft there are some nice UFA options available as well once you get past the comp pick cut-off.
I dont think Lemon gets past Rams at the latest...
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
smleh wrote:
Does Greenard get traded?
Yes, I doubt we even get a 2 out of him.
AGRforever wrote:
Yes, I doubt we even get a 2 out of him.
If Brzez can't get at minimum a 2nd round pick for Greenard in an incredibly weak draft and almost completely depleted free agent list of pass rushers...then he doesn't deserve the full time GM job. Simple as that
They will not trade Greenard for anything less than a 2 or some combination of value of a mid round 2
People sleep peacably at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.
smleh wrote:
Does Greenard get traded?
Going to say no. The contract is a bigger stopper than the draft capital a team would need to give up. Don't see why JG would compromise at this point.
NFL Draft Guru wrote:
Going to say no. The contract is a bigger stopper than the draft capital a team would need to give up. Don't see why JG would compromise at this point.
Its a tough situation for MN, but a good problem to have...
Turner needs an opportunity to start and he's earned that opportunity too.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
supafreak84 wrote:
If Brzez can't get at minimum a 2nd round pick for Greenard in an incredibly weak draft and almost completely depleted free agent list of pass rushers...then he doesn't deserve the full time GM job. Simple as that
Not sure he is getting the GM job either way. Just my take - there is a better chance he moves into a VP of football Ops role overseeing a new GM, coaching staff, cap, etc. Then they go external to bring in someone with more of a traditional scouting background to run the personnel group.
To re-org into that setup they'd need to get approval from the NFL which actually makes the timing after the draft make more sense.
Essentially Rob would continue in the role he is playing now. Just would be more of a football CEO.
I believe Paton’s contract is up in Denver.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
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