Vikings Draft 2026: Trade Down Scenarios & Tyler’s Top 5 Targets

Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano discuss trading down from pick 18 using the Rich Hill trade chart, why this deep 2026 class favors extra Day 2 capital, realistic partner scenarios, and Tyler’s personal top 5 realistic first-round options for the Vikings. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Minnesota Vikings draft strategy revealed: Should they trade down from pick 18 in the 2026 NFL Draft? Tyler Forness breaks down the Rich Hill trade chart, realistic options, and his personal top 5 first-round targets on The Real Forno Show .

In this latest episode of the popular Minnesota Vikings podcast from Vikings 1st & SKOL, host Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano deliver unfiltered analysis on why trading back could be a game-changer for Brian Flores’ defense in a deep but not superstar-heavy class. After opening with a heartfelt tribute to late NHL reporter Jessi Pierce, who tragically passed away in a house fire along with her three young children and family dog, Forness transitions into Vikings draft strategy. He strongly advocates for trading down from 18 to gain Day 2 and Day 3 capital, explaining, “I think it would be advantageous for the Vikings to trade down in this draft.

Why? Because they need multiple pieces of depth. They need multiple cost control type players.

” Using the Rich Hill trade chart (built on historical data), he outlines baseline packages with teams like the Chargers (to 22 + third-rounder), Steelers, Eagles, and Chiefs, noting surplus value opportunities without sacrificing quality. Forness stresses the class depth: “There are not a lot of players who are likely to be superstars. What there are is a lot of potential starters that 25 to 75 range is going to produce starters.