What cornerback should the Vikings add during the draft?
The Minnesota Vikings biggest need in the 2026 NFL Draft is the secondary. While they are frequently mocked a safety in the first round, cornerback isn’t out of the mix. Even if they don’t add one on the opening day, it’s plausible they select one at pick 49. There are numerous options for the Vikings, but these five cornerbacks stand out as the best fit.
Jermod McCoy
Jermod McCoy answered every question about the rehab from his torn ACL at Tennessee’s Pro Day. His 4.38 40-yard dash, 38” vertical and 10’7” broad jump proved he hadn’t lost any athleticism. Now, scouts will go back to his 2024 film - which is fabulous - and evaluate him without the injury questions looming. As a result, he will fly up draft boards. The Vikings shouldn’t hesitate to select McCoy if he’s available at pick 18.
Avieon Terrell
Avieon Terrell lacks the ideal frame and strength for a cornerback, but compensates with his agility, ball skills and mentality against the run. Additionally, he has the versatility to play outside and in the slot. He would be a fantastic chess piece for defensive coordinator Brian Flores and instantly elevate the Vikings’ questionable secondary on all three downs.
Keith Abney II
Keith Abney has the highest man coverage upside in the NFL Draft. His elite movement skills, hip fluidity and ball skills help him effortlessly mirror opposing receivers and make a game-changing play when given the opportunity. He isn’t the biggest player, standing at six-foot, 190 pounds, but uses his physicality to help neutralize the disadvantage. Abney’s an ideal second-round target if he falls to pick 49.
D’Angelo Ponds
Don’t sugarcoat it - D’Angelo Ponds is extremely undersized at five-foot-nine, 173 pounds - but he doesn’t play like it. He has the mentality of a six-foot-three player and never backs down from a matchup. His technique and athleticism are superb, which makes it nearly impossible for receivers to create separation. Ponds is impactful against the run and isn’t afraid to trigger downhill to make a tackle. He would be a consensus top-10 selection if he were two inches bigger. However, he’s not - so the Vikings can get a discount and add him in late round one or during day two.
Keionte Scott
Keionte Scott’s every-down impact was a key reason Miami made the National Championship game. He tallied an impressive 64 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, five pass deflections and two interceptions (each being returned for touchdowns) in 2025. He’s a dynamic player in the slot who’s constantly near the ball. He needs to improve his fundamentals in coverage, but it’s easy to see how he will affect an NFL defense.