With the 163rd pick, Minnesota adds to the secondary.
Minnesota Vikings selected Stephen F. Austin cornerback Charles Demmings with the 163rd pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, adding depth to the secondary. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has shown a strong eye for defensive prospects, and this selection fits that approach.
SFA AthleticsThe 23-year-old, Mesquite, Texas native spent all five seasons of his college career at Stephen F. Austin after redshirting as a freshman in 2021.
Demmings earned First-team FCS All-American and First-team All-Southland honors in 2025 after posting 18 total tackles (12 solo), five passes broken up and four interceptions during his senior season for the Lumberjacks. He earned an overall defensive grade of 79.6 from Pro Football Focus, ranking 80th among 896 qualifying cornerbacks. His coverage grade of 80.4 ranked 81st, while his run-defense grade of 66.2 ranked 519th at the position.
He allowed a 39.8 passer rating when targeted by opposing quarterbacks and surrendered 18 receptions in coverage. He also contributed 17 tackles in run support and open-field situations.
At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Demmings measured in at six-foot-one, 193 pounds with 32-inch arms and 10 1/8-inch hands. He ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash with a 1.55-second 10-yard split, while also posting a 42-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot broad jump.
According to Next Gen Stats’ prospect score breakdown, Demmings earned a total score of 77, which ranked sixth among cornerbacks. His production score of 74 ranked eighth, while his estimated athleticism score of 81 ranked fourth at the position.
Demmings is an intriguing fit for the Vikings defense due to his athletic profile and ability to stay competitive in man coverage situations. He possesses several traits that align with the style of play Minnesota has embraced in the secondary. His fluid movement skills and long speed allow him to stay attached to the hip of opposing receivers, while his ability to contest passes at the catch point consistently showed up throughout his collegiate career.
One of Demmings’ more appealing qualities is his ball-tracking ability when the football is in the air. He excels at locating throws vertically and disrupting receivers late in routes, which helped define his productive final season at Stephen F. Austin.
While his physicality in run support and overall anticipation in zone coverage still need refinement, the Vikings could view Demmings as a developmental corner capable of contributing on special teams early in his career. His frame and coverage tools provide a foundation worth developing in a secondary that continues adding competition and depth heading into training camp.