Uncover the exact draft picks Minnesota must surrender to snag elite talent. See how the Vikings can engineer a strategic draft-day climb for a franchise cornerstone.
We are nearing the stretch run of the NFL draft process. One NFL analyst is looking at the trade Minnesota could make to move up and take a talented player.
Tyler Forness of A-to-Z Sports discussed what it will take to make the moves the Vikings want to make. Forness said the following of the team's trade-up potential.
"There are a multitude of needs for the Vikings that they could address at 18th overall: Defensive tackle, cornerback, inside linebacker, safety, edge rusher, wide receiver and tight end.
There will be a lot of factors that could change how the Vikings end up addressing their roster, including potential trades down. Right now, the Vikings have nine draft picks they could use to move up in the NFL Draft. There is a potential they could try and jump other teams for a top prospect."
Forness specified what the Vikings would need to trade to reach various draft spots with Rick Hill's trade chart. So, what would it take to move up?
Assuming the Vikings want to climb to the No. 9 pick, Minnesota would supposedly need to give up their No. 18 and 49 pick. Such a move would require the team add a real game changer given it would take away their first and second round selection.
Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor (3) celebrates after a sack against the Indiana Hoosiers in the third quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship game. Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesTo get to any draft slot between No. 14 and No. 16, the Vikings would need to give up their No. 18 and 97 pick. To get to No. 13, a proposed fair trade would send the No. 18 and 82 pick to the Rams.
So, what's the most likely trade that the Vikings could make?
The most willing trade candidate might be the Dallas Cowboys at No. 12 who love to trade back in the draft for additional picks. Then again, Dallas' premium positioning in the draft may make them less likely to make a move. For the Vikings it would require giving up No. 18, 82 and 163.
There are a few players worth trading up for in a talent-rich 2026 class. The question is what type of player the Vikings will most value as they look to the 2026 season and beyond it.
The easiest trades to make would likely lie between No. 14 and 16 with the Ravens, Buccaneers and Jets. Should a player like Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love or Miami edge Ahkeem Mesidor fall within range, keep an eye on what the Vikings do with their pick.