At this point, it would be surprising if the first round pick isn't Dillon Thieneman for the Vikings.
What would be the perfect start for the Minnesota Vikings in the 2026 NFL Draft? The first-round pick will almost assuredly be a safety, specifically Oregon's Dillon Theieneman. Of course, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would be the next choice, or it could be flipped. Either way, the Vikings will be in the business of taking a safety.
CBS Sports draft analyst Mike Renner just completed his latest three-round mock draft and started his draft with Thieneman.
Round 1, Pick 18: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
"Thieneman is the type of versatile coverage player who can be a weapon in Brian Flores' defense. His range and ball skills are special on the back end."
What's interesting is Renner has Thieneman ranked third behind Caleb Downs and McNeil-Warren, but has the Oregon safety going 18 spots ahead of the Toledo safety. This is your clue that the mock is about what he thinks teams will do, not his own big board. Could it be Intel? Maybe it's just the fit, or is everyone just resigned to the fact it will be Thieneman if available?
Round 2, Pick 49: CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
You might wonder why Renner doubled up with secondary? It isn't as crazy as it sounds. Cisse would be a fine addition as an outside corner. Cisse has raw potential with athleticism.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com has a round two grade on the cornerback from South Carolina.
"Teams will be willing to take a chance on Cisse’s explosive athleticism and upside, but a refinement runway might be needed to smooth some of the rougher edges. He’s scheme-versatile in coverage and is an A-rated run supporter. Work ethic and athletic testing will work in his favor. However, a lack of instincts and break anticipation could cost him in coverage against quality route runners. His press will become a more effective weapon with technical work and his route recognition should improve with more reps. Cisse’s traits and competitiveness are clear selling points, but a lack of on-ball production and coverage consistency create a more volatile floor."
Round 3, Pick 82: IOL Jake Slaughter, Florida
Slaughter is listed as an interior offensive lineman, but he's a center. With the retirement of Ryan Kelly, center is a need. Next Gen Stats have favorable grades for the Florida center, first in production (92), fourth in athleticism score (80), and number one overall score (83) for all centers in the class.
Zierlein has a fourth-round grade on Slaughter.
"Two-year team captain and three-year starter with plenty of game experience against high-end talent. Slaughter lacks desired build/mass but plays with adequate play strength and solid technique. He’s consistent at finding and sustaining his outside zone blocks. He works to neutralize opponents on downhill blocks but is unlikely to move pro bodies around. He has the feet for gap control in pass pro but will struggle some against pure bull rushers. What he lacks in traits he makes up for with awareness and football IQ, which gives him a chance to become an NFL backup."