Vikings' draft board emerges: Explosive backs, crucial centers, and disruptive defensive talent shape early 2026 targets.
Matthew Coller and Chris Trapasso use this Purple Insider episode as an early “map the board” conversation for Minnesota, laying out where the Vikings’ roster is most exposed and which prospect archetypes actually fit what they want to be.
The first theme is explosiveness at running back. They frame it as a need for more juice, but also note the class shape: not necessarily a top-10, slam-dunk headliner, yet plenty of usable talent that could be found beyond the very top. Jeremiah Love (Notre Dame) comes up as the kind of first-round caliber back who checks the “big + explosive” boxes. They also toss out other big-play options like Emmett Johnson (Nebraska) and Nicholas Singleton (Penn State), plus Jonah Coleman (Washington) as a sturdier, proven back who can work in zone concepts and contribute as a receiver.
From there, they pivot to what sounds like a true structural need: center. With injuries and potential turnover, they talk about how vital a center is for the Vikings’ zone run game — not just snapping the ball, but orchestrating the line, reaching landmarks, and keeping everything on time. Jake Slaughter (Florida) is mentioned as an early name people gravitate toward. Connor Lou (Auburn) stands out stylistically because of athleticism and mobility, though the ACL injury is part of the evaluation. Brian Parker (Duke) gets framed as a “traits” player — an athletic lineman who might be worth projecting to center.
On defense, they spend time on defensive tackle as a strength of the class and a practical target area for Minnesota. The focus isn’t just size, but versatility for a Flores-style front, where hybrids can slide inside/outside and still disrupt. Clemson’s Peter Woods and TJ Parker are discussed in that hybrid lane, with Ohio State’s Kaden McDonald highlighted for size and burst. They also note a bit of a missing ingredient: fewer obvious “pure” interior pass rushers that separate cleanly from the pack.
In the secondary, the conversation splits into two buckets. Safety feels top-heavy — Caleb Downs is the clear name, then it gets murkier, and they mention how the league’s tendency to devalue safeties could theoretically create value if an elite one slides. Corner is described as deep with “good” options but light on “great,” with Jermaine Mathews Jr. (Tennessee) and other SEC/Power programs’ corners brought up as early favorites. They tie it back to what Minnesota typically prioritizes at the position: length and measurable traits like speed and vertical ability.
They finish with a QB tangent: Coller plants a flag on Fernando Mendoza as a potential franchise-type, emphasizing poise under pressure, toughness, and the mental side of running an offense, with a stylistic nod to the “operate the full system” mold.