Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive again Jakobe Thomas (8) celebrates after the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal recreation of the School Soccer Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Jerome Miron-Imagn Photos
The Minnesota Vikings drafted 9 gamers through the 2026 NFL draft. Every of these Vikings rookies will go on their very own journey, with expectations for a first-round draft decide wildly totally different from these for a seventh-round decide.
Caleb Banks Headlines Minnesota’s Rookie Outlook
The aim of this text is to set practical expectations for every of the non-Vikings rookies that had been chosen within the draft. Minnesota additionally hit the undrafted free agent market arduous, making 19 signings. These gamers gained’t be included right here, however their purpose needs to be to shock everybody and make the ultimate roster. We flip our consideration now to the draftees.
Decide 18: DI Caleb Banks, Florida Gators
The selection of Caleb Banks has come below criticism and is seen as an indication, largely as a consequence of his harm historical past, which features a present foot harm. Banks is a danger, however he showcased his skills on the mix regardless of carrying the foot harm.
He is an effective slot in Brian Flores’ protection and if he can keep wholesome, he ought to see loads of alternative in his rookie season. Banks’ size and power give the Vikings a novel presence on the defensive entrance, permitting them to maneuver throughout quite a lot of alignments. A wholesome Banks could make a right away affect in Minnesota.
Decide 51: LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati Bearcats
Minnesota used its second-round decide so as to add much-needed depth at linebacker. Jake Golday has intriguing size and athleticism with starter potential.
Cincinnati Bearcats tight finish Joe Royer (11) talks with Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday (11) throughout soccer apply at Sheakley Athletic Efficiency Middle in Cincinnati on Dec. 18. Golday won’t play within the recreation, however has been figuring out with the staff. © Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Photos.
He could have time to develop his weaknesses, resembling his instincts and anticipation, with veteran LB Eric Wilson returning this 12 months because the placeholder on the place. Golday ought to shine on particular groups early and look to make his mark when he will get the prospect within the rotation on protection.
Decide 82: DI Domonique Orange, Iowa State Cyclones
Deciding on one other DT with their third decide within the draft, the Vikings appeared to be making this draft about making Flores glad. Domonique Orange is a large defensive position prospect with elite energy potential, supported by spectacular weight-room power.
His first-step explosiveness permits him to generate robust speed-to-power as a bull rusher. Anticipate Orange on the sector on early downs and quick yardage. His total enjoying time this 12 months could hinge on the well being of Banks, however Orange generally is a dependable lineman for the Vikings from Day 1.
Decide 97: T Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern Wildcats
The primary offensive decide of the draft, being a sort out, was a little bit of a shock. Nonetheless, Caleb Tiernan is a great, balanced, and skilled participant whose limitations stem from a naturally excessive pad degree and shorter arm size.
That would see him kick inside to protect, the place the Vikings critically lack depth with Blake Brandel on the right track to be the brand new beginning middle. Tiernan’s approach and soccer IQ give him a path to a beginning function, however early in his profession he can cowl a number of positions, the place his worth this season lies.
Decide 98: S Jakobe Thomas, Miami (FL) Hurricanes
Many thought that Minnesota would prioritize the protection place and search for a starter to interchange Harrison Smith. As a substitute, they waited till late on Day 2 to draft Jakobe Thomas.
He affords intriguing measurement and physicality as an enforcer-type security, however inconsistency in his play means loads of growth is required for him to deal with greater than a rotational function, which is what he can be in his rookie season.
Decide 159: FB Max Bredeson, Michigan Wolverines
Michigan tight finish Max Bredeson (44) warms up forward of the Purdue recreation at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, November 1, 2025. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Vikings chosen Max Bredeson as a fullback. He by no means had a single speeding try in his school profession. Nonetheless, he did present he can catch passes. His worth is rooted in his blocking capacity, highlighted by a career-best 85.2 run-blocking grade from Professional Soccer Focus in 2025. The retirement of C.J. Ham has left the Vikings with holes at FB and on particular groups that Bredeson ought to be capable of fill.
Decide 163: CB Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
Cornerback was one other place the Vikings had been anticipated to have a look at early by many, however as a substitute, it was a late-round developmental prospect that landed in Minnesota. Charles Demmings drew consideration on the Mix with an explosive athletic profile and powerful testing numbers.
He measured 6-foot-1 and 194 kilos and ran a 4.41 40-yard sprint and posted elite explosiveness with a 42-inch vertical and 11-foot broad bounce. His ball expertise and tackling effectivity help sleeper potential, although he would require growth on the subsequent degree. His rookie 12 months will doubtless be spent within the shadows.
Decide 198: HB Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Demond Claiborne offers the Vikings an attention-grabbing third possibility at operating again. With a sprinter’s observe background that clearly interprets to the sector, his velocity and acceleration can stress defenses. Claiborne affords stable receiving upside and could be the staff’s RB3 with special-teams worth.
Sep 11, 2025; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons operating again Demond Claiborne (1) awaits the snap within the first half towards the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Allegacy Federal Credit score Union Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Luke Jamroz-Imagn Photos.
With Aaron Jones’ current harm historical past, he could be thrown in for an even bigger workload. If Kevin O’Connell makes use of him well, he could be efficient.
Decide 235: C Gavin Gerhardt, Cincinnati Bearcats
Gerhardt brings in depth expertise, having performed 3,374 profession snaps. In 2025, he earned a 68.4 total grade from PFF with a 75.2 pass-blocking mark and a 66.1 run-blocking grade. He allowed simply seven pressures and no sacks throughout 426 pass-blocking snaps, together with just one stress on 99 true go units.
His job is to ensure he’s second in line behind Brandel for the middle job, and if the swap for Brandel doesn’t work he may get his likelihood.
Proud UK Viking. Household Man. Get pleasure from writing about my staff. Away from soccer an advocate for autism acceptance.
