What should the Vikings address in the first three rounds?
The NFL Scouting Combine is over. Players have either boosted or sunk their stock with their interviews and on-field drill work. Some players destined for a certain spot in the draft are now out of range, and players who previously were dismissed for being at a certain spot could just slip into that spot.
Post-Combine mock drafts are up, and Pro Football Focus has identified the ideal three-round haul for each team in the NFL Draft.
Bradley Locker of PFF has chosen his ideal four players for Minnesota in next month's draft.
Minnesota Vikings: Dl Caleb Banks, S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, LB Josiah Trotter, WR Zachariah Branch
Although the Vikings spent a combined $81 million on Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen last offseason, the team will likely turn to the interior defender well in 2026 with the group underperforming. Banks was limited to 96 snaps in 2025 but generated a 73.2 PFF pass-rushing grade the year before, with his stock potentially rising into the middle of the first round after a scintillating Combine.
Outside of the first round, Minnesota could pursue a replacement for Harrison Smith at safety with McNeil-Warren (91.9 overall PFF grade). Additionally, Trotter (26.5% pass-rush win rate) could be a fun asset for Brian Flores’ blitzing scheme, and Branch (82.6 PFF receiving grade) may be a WR3 if Jalen Nailor departs in free agency.
Banks was a star on the field in Indianapolis. McNeil-Warren is an immediate replacement for Harrison Smith. Zachariah Branch could fill the Vikings slot and provide another target next to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote up his thoughts on Branch:
"Slot receiver who can turn routine touches into explosive gains. Georgia prioritized quick touches at or behind the line of scrimmage to take advantage of Branch’s ability to slip tackles and add yards after catch. I expect to see more choice routes and deep crossers rolled into his workload as a pro. His routes are rushed and rounded, though. He will jump unnecessarily to make catches, which subjects him to added punishment from defenders. Branch is strong for his size and very tough. He could be pigeon-holed into a “manufactured touch” role, but he’s capable of more. He should help move the sticks and return punts before eventually settling in as a starting slot."
This three-round haul would go a long way for Minnesota and get the team back into contention. The draft is so close, yet so far.