Draft grades and way-too-early power rankings? We're so back!
It's never too early to power-rank the NFL, even if it is just after the draft and nobody has put on any equipment. Following the draft, every team's fan base had visions of hoisting the Lombardi. Ok, maybe not the Jets or Browns. What about the Minnesota Vikings?
It has been an odd path to the NFL Draft for Minnesota. Drafting an entire class without a permanent GM after firing your GM while scouting in Mobile for the Senior Bowl is certainly a choice.
How did the NFL media rank Minnesota?
NFL.com - Minnesota falls three spots to #28
Eric Edholm isn't being kind with Minnesota.
"After the surprise of the Caleb Banks pick wore off, the Vikings settled into a little groove with a few of their selections. Among the value picks I liked: LB Jake Golday, OT Caleb Tiernan, S Jakobe Thomas and CB Charles Demmings. Even a fullback in Round 5 didn't offend me; if anything, it made me nostalgic. I certainly understand Vikings fans could feel differently about it, given their personal investment in the team, but if Max Bredeson becomes the next C.J. Ham, it's a good pick. This was not a year where fifth-round picks needed to be treated like military codes. Most of the same questions about Minnesota that existed last week still remain, although trading Jonathan Greenard both adds a worry and clears up cap space. I wouldn't be shocked to see the Vikes make a veteran addition or two in the coming months. They could use a center, a safety and maybe another receiver."
The Score - Minnesota falls one spot to #18
"Minnesota prioritized defense in the draft, notably revamping its line. First-rounder Caleb Banks and third-rounder Domonique Orange could be great fits in Brian Flores' defense, as could second-round linebacker Jake Golday. Trading Jonathan Greenard hurts the pass rush, though. Between that and the question marks surrounding the offense, it's hard to get a read on this team."
USA Today - Minnesota falls four spots from #13
"A team that should be going for it in what could be QB Kyler Murray's only Skol season didn't seem to add any go-for-it kind of guys ... not for 2026 anyway."
The Vikings had a confusing draft weekend. This team needs to compete day one and make a deep playoff run. Winning eight games with an anemic offense last season is your sign for Minnesota to push the gas pedal. Some head-scratching picks from the front office has clouded that optimism.