Vikings land a new player in Bleacher Report's latest mock draft
The Minnesota Vikings have been linked to defensive players in most NFL mock drafts, but Bleacher Report threw a new name and position into the ring.
If you've looked at any mock drafts over the past month, you've likely seen the Minnesota Vikings select a defender at pick 18. Most times, this selection has been for Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman. Other times, it's a cornerback or defensive lineman.
But the Vikings have question marks along the offensive line in not only 2026, but next offseason. Christian Darrisaw never appeared fully recovered from his ACL/MCL tear last year. Brian O'Neill is set to be a free agent in 2027.
And the center position is up in the air. In Bleacher Report 's most recent mock draft , their team of experts had the Vikings select Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano at 18. The Minnesota Vikings have an opportunity to land the class' best offensive tackle prospect and then move him to center.
While the approach may come across like a poor use of resources, the type of versatility that Utah's Spencer Fano potentially brings will help the entire offense, while simultaneously upgrading a unit that will be vital as Minnesota attempts to find its long-term solution at quarterback. At first glance, this would be a very surprising pick. However, Fano is the 10th-ranked prospect on Pro Football & Sports Network's Industry Consensus Big Board .