For my second Minnesota Vikings mock draft of the season, I decided to put my trading cap on. The team has nine draft picks this year, including their compensatory picks, but after some deal-making, I had the Vikings select 13 players. This might have been a little aggressive in hindsight, but hey, that’s why they call it a mock draft.

They acquired their quarterback of the present when they signed former Arizona Cardinal Kyler Murray to a one-year deal. So, I worked around the edges and selected players in the areas of greatest need. Subsequent mock drafts will include more twists and turns. Stay tuned.

Minnesota Vikings 2026 7-Round Mock Draft 2.0

Round 1, 18th Overall

• Trade

The Minnesota Vikings opened up their portion of the 2026 NFL Draft, sending their No. 18 pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for the Steelers’ Nos. 21 and 99 picks.

• Trade

In a desire to stock up on additional picks, the Vikings traded their No. 21 pick to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for the Bills’ Nos. 26, 91, and 182 picks.

Round 1, 26th Overall

• Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

With the likely retirement of Harrison Smith and the disappointing play of Theo Jackson last season, the Vikings are in serious need of an upgrade at the safety position. Not to mention that Josh Mettelus plays more like a roving defender than a traditional safety in Brian Flores’s defense. Thieneman is the complete package at the safety position. He is extremely athletic, has great field sense, and combines excellent speed with strength to balance. Excellent tackler and a rangy pass defender.

• Trade

Again, looking to fill additional roster holes, the Vikings traded their No. 49 pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the Jags’ Nos. 56 and 124.

Round 2, 56th Overall

• Lee Hunter, DL, Texas Tech

Hunter is a beast in the middle and a formidable run-stopper. He has the size and strength to win battles in the trenches and comes out of his stance with a stable low center of gravity. Probably will never excel as a pass rusher, but should take some of the pressure off Vikings tackle Jalen Redmond on shutting down the opponent’s running game.

Round 3, 82nd Overall

• Max Klare, TE, Ohio State

Klare is an athletic reception eater who excels at route running and separating from defenders. Eats up valuable yards after the catch and has deceptive speed for his size. Has improved his run-blocking skills but will probably never excel in this area. He might eventually be the successor to Vikings’ tight end T.J. Hockenson, who just signed a one-year extension.

Round 3, 91st Overall

• Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina

Kilgore is a versatile player who could slot in at either safety or the nickel position. with a nose for the ball and a ferocious tackling style. Excellent run defender who matches up well against slot receivers and tight ends in pass defense. A very instinctive player who closes well on the hit. A ball-hawking defender who closes quickly on receivers. Average speed and needs to improve on his shedding of blockers. Might be a great replacement for future Hall of Famer Smith.

Round 3, 97th Overall (compensatory)

• Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

Muhammad’s stock rose sharply after a strong performance at the NFL Combine. Great burst, and his long arms make him deadly as a pass deflector. Possesses great field vision and moves laterally very fluidly. Small frame hurts when matching up against physical receivers. Needs to work on his tackling follow-through. Adding weight and strength training will be the key to his future success.

Round 3, 99th Overall

• Jake Slaughter, C, Florida

Experienced player who finishes his blocks and seals off defenders well. Intelligent player with good field vision and strong hands. Moves effectively laterally on switch blocks. Lacks lower-body strength to fend off bull-rushing tackles. Not an immediate starter, but with some bulking up projects as a long-time starter for the Vikings.

Round 4, 124th Overall

• Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska

Johnson had a breakout senior season that was an eye-opener for many league scouts. Speedy back, who hits the hole quickly and uses his pronounced agility to elude would-be tacklers. He has superior field vision and explodes out of his cuts. Will not overpower a defender, but his churning legs and non-stop motor allow him to break tackles. Good receiving skills help project him as an every-down back.

Round 5, 163 (from Eagles in 2025 Sam Howell trade)

• Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana

Stronger interior defender who was a sound tackler for the Hoosiers. Natural-born leader who is football-smart and possesses great field vision. Struggles in pass coverage due to a lack of speed. Has a solid burst when rushing the quarterback. Fisher should provide the Vikings with solid depth for their veteran linebackers and make a heady presence on special teams.

Round 6, 182nd Overall

• Kevin Coleman Jr., WR, Missouri

Coleman uses his speed effectively to chalk up yardage after the catch. His speed makes him dangerous on slot and post patterns. Only average hands, but he uses his elusiveness to break tackles. Stronger defenders can push him around, so he needs added strength. Should be a prime performer on Minnesota’s special teams units.

Round 6, 196th Overall (from Colts in 2025 Mekhi Blackmon trade)

• TJ Hall, CB, Iowa

Versatile athlete who played defensive back, wide receiver, and quarterback in high school while also returning punts and kicks. Intelligent player who plays with tough physicality. Not a top athlete, and his short arms make him a difficult target in traffic. But he is a determined run blocker and utilizes excellent technique at the catch point. He will need time to develop.

Round 7, 234th Overall

• Vincent Anthony Jr., EDGE, Duke

Anthony projects as a developmental player with strong potential to succeed as a rotational defender. Long and lean athlete with ample explosiveness out of the blocks. Despite his physical appearance, he will still need to bulk up to be an effective pro player. Playing behind current Vikings Andrew Van Winkle, Jonathan Greenard, and Dallas Turner should hasten his development.

Round 7, 235th Overall (from Panthers in 2025 Adam Thielen trade)

• J. Michael Sturdivant, WR, Florida

Underachieving college receiver who needs to take a big step up to hang in the NFL. Sturdivant is tall and lean with speed to burn. Possess great footwork and is dangerous after the catch. Inconsistent route running hurt his production at Florida. As a lower draft choice, he must up the ante on his run blocking techniques. Has the physical skills to help the Vikings, but consistent play will be the key to his sticking with the team.

Round 7, 244th Overall (from Texans in 2024 Cam Akers trade)

• Nolan Rucci, OT, Penn State

Huge development player who will need a couple of seasons to refine his skills and techniques. His big frame helps him win contested battles, and he has surprising athleticism. Struggles with his footwork and lateral movement, and despite his size, his anchor is not sturdy. The Vikings’ acquisition of ex-Buffalo Bill Ryan Van Demark gives Rucci some breathing room to develop.

More Vikings Mocks

I will send along another mock draft or two before the NFL Draft starts on Thursday, April 23.