After the Combine, here are six realistic first-round options for the Vikings at No. 18 — and how each could help Minnesota rebound in 2026.
The NFL world's eyes were set on the Scouting Combine this week, providing a glimpse of the next generation of players' athletic prowess. For the general NFL fan, the event is the unofficial start to the offseason.
What makes it fascinating is that almost every top draft-eligible prospect is in attendance. In addition to their on-field workouts, the prospects also have 1-on-1 meetings with teams around the league.
The Minnesota Vikings need to hit on their picks in the upcoming draft. With a projected third-round compensatory pick expected to come their way, they will have eight picks in April, including four of the top 97 selections. If the Vikings can hit on them, they have a chance to bounce back and battle for the NFC North crown in 2026.
On Monday, Will Ragatz of Sports Illustrated ranked six “realistic” draft options for Minnesota at pick No. 18. While these are his rankings, the information and thoughts below them are my own thoughts.
Here’s a closer look at each player — and how they could fit in Minnesota.
1. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Perhaps no player has been tied to Minnesota in mock drafts as much as Terrell has. He didn't test super well at the combine (61 athleticism score, 27th among CBs), but his 79 production score ranks fourth among CBs. Terrell is PFF's 18th-ranked prospect, 20th on the Consensus Big Board, and would immediately improve the Vikings' cornerback room.
2. Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Banks has been mocked around 18 in recent weeks, but he hasn't been tied to Minnesota specifically. But his combine was impressive, measuring in at 6'6" and 327 pounds. His 66 production grade is okay (10th among DTs), but his athletic profile (77 score, fifth among DTs), combined with his size, could make for a potentially disruptive interior force.
3. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
McNeil-Warren has been linked to the Vikings in many mock drafts recently, and he helped his draft stock with a solid performance at the combine. His 81 production score ranks fourth among safeties, and his 75 athleticism score ranked 13th. McNeil-Warren has prototypical size (6'3 1/2", 201 pounds) and could help fill the need at safety.
4. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
A riser in recent weeks, Hood had one of the strongest combines among cornerbacks. He generated an 82 athleticism score (fourth among CBs), which tied in well with his solid 76 production score (sixth among CBs). Together, those gave him an overall score of 82 from Next Gen Stats, the highest among all cornerbacks. Currently, Hood is PFF's 38th-ranked prospect and 33rd overall on the Consensus Big Board. Will he rise as the draft approaches? Or will he be someone the Vikings can acquire after trading down?
5. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Thieneman is the "hot" name attached to the Vikings right now. He was starting to get mocked to Minnesota right before the combine. Then, he had the best on-field combine performance of any safety, generating an 86 athleticism score. This comes after being the nation's top-graded safety in 2025, per PFF. 28% of PFF's mock drafts have Thieneman being selected by the Vikings.
6. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
The Vikings need to fix their secondary, but the defensive line could use a makeover. Minnesota already informed Javon Hargrave that he will be released if he can't be traded before the new league year. Woods' 81 production score was the second-highest among all DTs, and while he didn't do on-field drills at the combine, NGS gave him a projected score of 76, which would rank sixth among DTs. He is currently PFF's 29th-ranked prospect and 17th-overall on the Consensus Big Board.