Could the Vikings swap draft picks with the Ravens? They're eyeing talented prospects Max Iheanachor or Caleb Downs, potentially shifting draft board dominoes.
It was the beginning of the end of the Minnesota Vikings' postseason hopes. The Vikings carried a 4-4 record into a home game against the Baltimore Ravens (3-5) with hopes of a postseason berth on the line.
It was a moment Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy could prove he was the guy in Minnesota or leave the franchise with more questions. His performance was just good enough to leave reasonable doubt that he could be the franchise quarterback of the future.
McCarthy completed 20 of 42 passes for a respectable 248 yards with a touchdown pass and two interceptions, but it was not enough to get past the Ravens.
The same team that the Vikings faced in that pivotal game is now viewed as a team that could help out Minnesota in the 2026 NFL draft. Trevor Ripley of Zone Coverage predicts that the Ravens could be willing trade partners for the Vikings at pick No. 14. Ripley wrote on the possible trade.
"Baltimore had a pre-draft visit with Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor, a projected late-first-round pick, and would likely consider a trade down if they have him targeted. Because, while the Ravens already boast All-Pro tackle Ronnie Stanley, he’s entering his age-32 season and isn’t under contract beyond 2027.
For the Vikings, rumors have been swirling that Ohio State safety Caleb Downs could fall due to a potential degenerative knee issue. Coupled with the fact that he didn’t test at the NFL Combine, and he plays a position that is generally not valued as highly, the surefire top-10 pick may not be so surefire.
Or maybe the Vikings are eyeing Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq. He’s the best player at his position and has a much higher ceiling than many other late-round prospects. Minnesota could leapfrog the New York Jets at No. 16, who are in desperate need of some pass catchers, and snag their tight end of the future."
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) hands the ball off to running back Derrick Henry (22) against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Brad Rempel-Imagn ImagesTrading up for a tight end at No. 14 seems a little irresponsible even with as talented a player as Sadiq. The Oregon pass catcher is an adept run blocker as well, so it is within reason the Vikings would still make the move. Going after Downs, however, would not be irresponsible.
The Vikings' need to add a safety is no secret, but Downs is not your typical safety. The Ohio State star is a game changer. If available, he's the type of player that could transform an already good defense.
If the Vikings are to trade up, keep an eye on the Ravens as potential trade partners.