Unpacking the Vikings' unconventional draft strategy, key personnel needs, and how Coach O'Connell's influence shapes their critical 2026 selections.
The Minnesota Vikings are taking an alternative approach to the NFL draft. The team appears to be in some ways drafting by committee.
The approach could go in either direction, but the Vikings did enough prior to their selections in free agency to build a team that can withstand a somewhat imperfect draft. They will still probably need to draft two starters this cycle.
ESPN NFL analyst Kevin Seifert previewed what could be a consequential draft, particularly in their earlier selections. Seifert wrote on the Vikings' unique approach to selecting players and what positions they may target in April's draft.
"Ryan Kelly's retirement left the Vikings without an obvious replacement at center. Backup Michael Jurgens started three games last season, and the Vikings converted guard/tackle Blake Brandel to start five more, but it's unclear whether either is a long-term answer.
The Vikings are also considering how to replace veteran safety Harrison Smith, who at age 37 has yet to decide whether he will retire. And though their top two receivers are set with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, they have no proven depth after Jalen Nailor's departure to the Raiders. Tai Felton, a 2025 third-round draft pick, played only 46 offensive snaps last season.
Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski, elevated by owners Zygi and Mark Wilf after the firing of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, said this spring that he has the authority to break ties and/or make final draft decisions. It is a highly unusual arrangement, but Brzezinski said he hopes to engender 'complete and total collaboration' between the coaching and scouting staffs. Coach Kevin O'Connell will have significant influence, but the Vikings were team-building from a coaching-centric perspective for much of Adofo-Mensah's tenure."
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesThe Vikings have made it publicly known that they want to build around head coach Kevin O'Connell and let O'Connell leave his mark on the trajectory of the franchise. Because of that we can reasonably assume O'Connell will have a hand in who the team drafts this offseason.
The success of Minnesota's 2026 draft class could directly reflect on O'Connell given his increased role with the team. Nevertheless, Seifert indicates O'Connell has already had a hand in the team's moves already. We'll see how influential he ends up becoming for the upcoming draft.
Ideally, the Vikings exit the draft with a center, third wide receiver and a safety in the first three rounds, but the ideal rarely happens in the draft depending on where players fall. We'll see where the best available player approach takes Minnesota this month.