The Vikings’ Draft Frontrunners after Free Agency
Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK In 33 days, you will learn the identity of the Minnesota Vikings’ 1st-Round draft pick, assuming interim general manager Rob Brzezinski doesn’t trade out of the pick. And after free agency, in addition to the NFL Combine, the purple team has a few clear draft frontrunners. Minnesota’s pick at No.
18 still points heavily toward defense in late April. Minnesota will pick 18th on draft night — April 23rd — and all signs point to a defensive player that evening out of the gate. Four Names Rising to the Top of Minnesota’s Draft Board Ranked in ascending order, these men are most likely to end up with the Vikings in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft (No.
1 = current draft frontrunner). Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) lines up during second-quarter action at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina, Sep. 6, 2025.
The standout defender worked the interior with strength and quickness, disrupting the opposing offense while anchoring Clemson’s defensive front in an early-season home contest. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images. 4.
Peter Woods (DT) | Clemson Woods ranks 21st on the current Consensus Big Board . He’s the top defensive tackle, according to the draft community, and within the last two weeks, the Vikings have said sayonara to Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, their two starting DTs from last season. The clues hint toward an interior defensive lineman somewhat early in the draft.
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