The Vikings might lose their coordinator and secondary members, but is an addition to the defensive line the answer?
The Minnesota Vikings are in a transition period this offseason. The General Manager and head coach both confirmed the quarterback position might be up for grabs in 2026. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores is likely to accept a head coaching position. Even Flores' in house candidate potentially will move on.
The end of the season winning surge pushed the Vikings into the 18th spot in the NFL Draft. Jordan Addison's latest arrest, coupled with the potential loss of Jalen Nailor in free agency, could make the Vikings candidates to add to their receiver room in the draft.
In January, it's difficult to gauge a team's thought process with mock drafts. Dante Moore's return to Oregon has thrown a monkey wrench into many teams' plans for the draft. Minnesota isn't affected by Moore's decision, but the cascading effect could change the Vikings' plans.
Eric Froton of NBC Sports released his latest mock draft, and the Vikings are adding a defensive tackle in 2026.
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Kayden McDonald (6’3/326) was a consistently disruptive interior anchor for Ohio State in 2025, posting 67 tackles (28 solo) with a dominant 95.5% tackle efficiency against the run and a strong 91.2 Run Defense grade from PFF. He piled up 13 Havoc Plays, including 9.5 TFL, 3 sacks, and 17 run stops, pairing stout gap control with backfield penetration to help stabilize OSU’s front. In total, McDonald’s 2025 season graded out as high floor with reliable interior control as OSU’s best run defender on the roster and one of the Big Ten’s most efficient trench enforcers.
Frankly, Ohio State continues to churn out high-end NFL players. Adding an interior run defender allows the Vikings' EDGE players to face one-on-one matchups. Defensive tackles are meant to eat up blocks and chew space on the interior.
Matt Holder of Bleacher Report has great things to say about McDonald.
- McDonald presents good size and a thick build with massive legs to help him absorb contact as a run-defender.
- Solid get-off, quick reaction to the snap and decent acceleration off the line of scrimmage.
- Plenty of strength and power at the point of attack to stand up interior offensive linemen and reset the line of scrimmage when he plays with good pad-level.
- Solid at running his feet and moving laterally to avoid getting reached.
- When he gets out of position or loses his gap against the run, his combination of strength, athleticism and quickness can help him recover and still make tackles near the line of scrimmage.
- Has the quickness and a hump-move to escape blocks.
If the Vikings somehow keep Flores, adding a space-eating defensive tackle will fortify an already stingy Vikings defense.