Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew van Ginkel (43) and Minnesota Vikings security Theo Jackson (26) have a good time after a play in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers through the third quarter at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Pictures.
The 2026 NFL Draft revealed 9 new gamers, whereas undrafted free company led to 20 extra. Accordingly, as with each cycle, a couple of Minnesota Vikings gamers had been quietly and not directly put “on notice” by Minnesota’s roster choices.
The draft did greater than add rookies. It squeezed a number of veterans and younger depth items.
These are these gamers in 2026, listed alphabetically.
Minnesota’s Put up-Draft Roster Bubble Is Clearer
Which participant is on the recent seat in your estimation?
Throughout the 2024 season, Minnesota Vikings defensive sort out Levi Drake Rodriguez celebrates with teammate Bo Richter after a key defensive play, with 2024 motion reflecting the vitality of a younger defensive entrance discovering its rhythm. Rodriguez’s disruption and Richter’s help showcased depth, momentum, and rising contributors carving out roles. Obligatory Credit score: Alli Rusco-Vikings.com
1. Levi Drake Rodriguez (NT)
Drake Rodriguez’s long-term outlook shifted the second Minnesota doubled up at defensive sort out. No one amongst Vikings followers or analysts anticipated the workforce to draft two defensive tackles earlier than the top of Spherical 3. Then, when Orange was chosen Friday night time, the depth chart abruptly regarded completely different.
Earlier than that decide, Drake Rodriguez nonetheless had a plausible path to turning into Minnesota’s long-term nostril sort out. After the decide, although, that principle vanished rapidly. If Orange develops as his scouting report suggests, Drake Rodriguez will seemingly be NT2 for the rest of his rookie contract. Whereas nonetheless helpful, it not presents the identical long-term potential.
Our Janik Eckardt on Rodriguez’s post-draft destiny: “Defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez was the team’s starting nose tackle just a week ago following Javon Hargrave’s exit, but his role might have changed within the team’s first three selections. At first, the club added Caleb Banks in the first round, who’s expected to be a defensive end and join the rotation next to Jalen Redmond.”
“In a base defense, there’s still room for Rodriguez sandwiched by the two. On Day 2, however, the Vikings acquired Domonique Orange, who is expected to slide into the nose tackle role. Rodriguez might still have a chance, as defensive line rotation is important, but the clear path to a starting job is gone.”
2. Johnny Hekker (P)
Hekker seemingly believed the 2026 punting job was his to lose in Minneapolis. Minnesota signed him final month after Ryan Wright departed for the New Orleans Saints, offering the Vikings with a transparent veteran resolution at punter. For a couple of weeks, Hekker’s state of affairs regarded easy.
That modified final Saturday.
After the draft, the Vikings signed Georgia punter Brett Thorson, instantly altering the dynamic within the punter room. Thorson was among the finest punters in school soccer, with pre-draft chatter even pushing him into the Spherical 3 vary.
He didn’t get drafted, however he nonetheless landed in Minnesota. Now, Hekker faces a real coaching camp battle. The veteran should still be the favourite, however Thorson is proficient sufficient to make August suspenseful.
3. Theo Jackson (S)
There’s a world the place Smith returns for 12 months No. 15, and Jackson hardly performs within the common season and even straddles the roster bubble beforehand.
Yahoo Sports activities‘ Austen Bundy assumed the Vikings would draft a Round 1 safety a few weeks ago and noted on Jackson, “Theo Jackson occupies that spot and could probably feel secure there for at least this season. But he’s going to have to come back near a profession 12 months to show he deserves to stay round after that.”
“Thieneman recorded two interceptions last year but his draft profile notes his versatility and speed are his greatest assets. That’s what Jackson needs to bring to the table or risk falling behind Thieneman in the depth chart.”
4. Zavier Scott (RB)
The roster numbers at the moment are working in opposition to Scott. Minnesota’s addition of Demond Claiborne from Wake Forest final weekend isn’t only for depth; he might be on the Week 1 roster.
The Viking Age‘s Brad Berreman on Claiborne: “He has ability as a pass catcher that can be further developed in the NFL, with prowess as a kickoff returner and a nose for the end zone (21 rushing touchdowns over his last two seasons at Wake Forest). With Jones being over 30 years old and Mason being an active detriment to the situation on passing downs due to his struggles as a pass blocker, it might not be as tough for Claiborne to notably contribute right away as it seems.”
“Of course, due to his size, Claiborne’s ability to pass protect at the next level is easy to question. While Pro Football Focus was generally not high on his work there over his four years at Wake Forest, he did earn a 66.2 pass blocking grade as a junior in 2024 on 159 pass blocking snaps.”
Minnesota Vikings operating again Zavier Scott participates in follow drills at The Grove, with Oct. 4, 2024, in Watford highlighting a global preparation setting because the workforce labored by means of assignments and evaluations throughout a singular abroad week tied to regular-season competitors. Obligatory Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Pictures
The Vikings usually hold three or 4 operating backs in September, and that trio is already simple to ascertain: Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, and Claiborne — probably Scott.
This leaves Scott in a tricky spot. He’ll want a monster camp, important particular groups worth, or an damage elsewhere to vary his future.
