Who should the Vikings select with the 18th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Minnesota Vikings finished the season 9-8 and missed the playoffs. Fans' eyes now shift towards the 2026 NFL Draft, where they currently hold the 18th overall pick. The Vikings can go several ways with this pick and blend team needs with the best available players. Here are five positions and some prospects that could be a potential selection in April.
Cornerback
Cornerback is the biggest need for the Vikings during the draft. Isaiah Rodgers and Byron Murphy are leading the pack, but are lacking depth behind them. They have limited young talent in the group and must invest in the position early in April. Some potential first-round prospects are Clemson’s Avieon Terrell, LSU’s Mansoor Delane, Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy, or Arizona State’s Keith Abney. Any of these would instantly improve the group and give them a potential lockdown cornerback for the foreseeable future.
Safety
Harrison Smith is one of the greatest Vikings of all time, but is likely to retire this offseason. They should consider replacing him early in the draft. Josh Metellus is solid, but needs a partner. The only safety likely to be taken in the first round is Ohio State’s Caleb Downs. Downs is one of the smartest players in college football and would be an outstanding fit in the Vikings defense. He would be a home-run selection if he’s on the board at pick 18.
Running back
Running back is an underrated need for the Vikings offense. Aaron Jones is 31 years old and hasn’t been able to stay healthy, while Jordan Mason is serviceable, but not a game-changer. It makes sense to draft one early and give JJ McCarthy as many weapons as possible. Selecting Jeremiyah Love out of Notre Dame would fix this problem and give them a dynamic playmaker for years to come. Love is extremely explosive and impacts the game both as a rusher and receiver. Kevin O’Connell would have a field day scheming up plays for him. The national media may criticize selecting a running back early in the draft, but Love would give the Vikings offense another dimension.
Linebacker
Contrary to the other positions, the linebackers were a strength for the Vikings in 2025. Eric Wilson had a breakout season, and Blake Cashman impressed when on the field. However, Wilson is set to be a free agent, and Cashman’s had troubles staying healthy. Because of this, selecting a linebacker would be wise. Sonny Styles would be a perfect prospect for the Vikings defense. He’s an outstanding athlete who wreaks havoc against the run and is impressive in coverage. Styles is a versatile chess piece who would thrive in Brian Flores’ defense (if he doesn’t get a head coaching job this offseason).
Defensive tackle
The Vikings have a solid defensive tackle group, but could supercharge it with some young talent. There is a strong defensive tackle group, with Clemson’s Peter Woods, Florida’s Caleb Banks, and Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald all viable first-round options. Any one of these players could pair with Jalen Redmond to create a dangerous group for years to come.