For my third Minnesota Vikings mock draft of the season, I did a little less wheeling and dealing than in Mock 2.0. I started out with the team’s nine draft picks, including their compensatory picks, and after some mild deal-making, the Vikings ended up selecting 11 players. My approach was not as aggressive as last time since we are getting closer to the actual draft date.

With their salary cap situation, the Vikings have not been major players in free agency to this point. So, the onus is to fill quite a few positions with rookie draftees and free agents. My Mock 3.0 reflected that thinking, as each pick sought to fill a need in a different position group.

Minnesota Vikings 2026 7-Round Mock Draft 3.0

Round 1, 18th Overall

• Trade

The Minnesota Vikings opened up their portion of the 2026 NFL Draft, sending their No. 18 pick to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for the Cowboys’ Nos. 20 and 112 picks.

• Trade

In a desire to stock up on additional picks, the Vikings traded their No. 20 pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for the Eagles’ Nos. 23 and 98 picks.

• Trade

The Vikings make one more move, trading their Nos. 23 and 163 and picks to the Kansas City Chiefs for the Chiefs’ Nos. 29 and 74 picks.

Round 1, 29th Overall

• Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

I know what you’re going to say. There is no way that Thieneman is still around at pick 29. Especially with all the league-wide talk about how he would be such a perfect fit for the Vikings. I grant you that there is not a high probability of the Oregon star dropping this low. But it’s what the Mock Daft Hero simulator spat out. But if it will make you feel better, you can swap out Thieneman for the talented Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in this spot.

Round 2, 56th Overall

• Lee Hunter, DL, Texas Tech

Same pick as last Mock. 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. Also shows potential as a pass rusher. Pairing him with current Vikings tackle Jalen Redmond will be a dramatic improvement over last season’s interior line play.

Round 3, 74th Overall

• Connor Lew, C, Auburn

Lew was a stabilizing presence in the middle of the Tigers’ line until he suffered a torn ACL in October. Strong pass blocker who uses his strong hands and stable base to ward off opposition pass rushers. Needs to work on his drive blocking, but the potential is there. Influential team leader. Some teams might be wary of his recovery from knee surgery.

Round 3, 82nd Overall

• Mike Washington, RB, Arkansas

A two-way threat who has shown improvement all throughout his college career, Quick runner with breakaway speed who is big enough to overpower smaller defensive backs. A real threat out of the backfield as he can take a swing pass to the house. Washington needs to be more decisive when hitting the holes and more aggressive in his pass blocking. Playing behind Vikings’ backs, Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason will give him time to develop.

Round 3, 97th Overall (compensatory)

• Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas

Tall, lean cornerback who uses his height and long arms to be an interrupter at catch point. Solid tackler who isn’t afraid to step up and shut down the run. Neal is more effective when pressing the receiver, so he will need more development time to assimilate into zone coverage. He is a prime candidate to be coached up to play a rotational role.

Round 3, 98th Overall

• Keyron Crawford, Edge, Auburn

He was a dynamic force for the Tigers last season, racking up 36 tackles, 43 pressures, and five sacks. Team leader who improves the play of his defensive cohorts. Great, twitchy energy out of the blocks, although he needs to diversify his rush patterns to be an effective pro. Can help situational right away on defense and contribute on special teams.

Round 4, 112th Overall

• Markell Bell II, OT, Miami (FL)

Bell is massive with a large wingspan. Uses his hands effectively to control defenders. Strong drive blocker who opens up big holes in his wake. Because of his height, he will need to work on developing a stronger base. Edge rushers are capable of beating him off the ball. Lots of long-term potential who should thrive learning from current Vikings tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill.

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

• Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor

The loss of Jalen Nailor in free agency opens up some depth space in the Vikings’ receiving unit. Cameron’s size allows him to play a physical game, and he can outmuscle defensive backs at the catch point. Excellent route runner with silky, smooth hands. He needs to come off the ball faster and become more effective at separating from defenders.

Round 7, 234th Overall

• Jack Kelly, LB, BYU

This four-year collegiate starter possesses good lateral movement and plays with an angry streak. Punches out of blocks well and is very effective as a pass rusher, especially off the edge. Kelly closes well on receivers but sometimes can play off-kilter due to leverage issues. Should help immediately on special teams, with potential as a situational pass rusher.

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

• Riley Nowakowski, TE, Indiana

Hard-working developmental tight end who plays with toughness despite his smaller stature. Combines excellent technique with a strong base at the point of attack. Improved every year as a pass catcher, but still needs to work on separating from defenders. His high character and work ethic should help him develop into a solid NFL tight end for the Vikings.

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

• Vinny Anthony II WR, Wisconsin

Anthony is an undersized athlete who plays with toughness and a sense of purpose. College production was limited due to inconsistent quarterback play at Wisconsin. Crafty route runner with a good burst and soft hands. Sturdy cornerbacks can outmuscle him for the ball. With development, projects as an effective slot receiver.

More Vikings Mocks

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