Round 1 Frontrunners for the Vikings, 10 Days before the Draft

Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) during an SEC conference game between Tennessee and Alabama in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. © Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images No Minnesota Vikings fan knows for sure how Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft will shake down; that’s what happens when a franchise has no official general manager and the roster holes are arguably plentiful.

These are the clearest paths to Pick No. 18. But here’s a look at the leading candidates to join the Vikings in 10 days.

Minnesota has the 18th overall pick. 8 Prospects Emerging as Minnesota’s Most Realistic 1st-Rounders Ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most likely Round 1 draft picks ), this is the field for Minnesota.

Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood (8) celebrates with teammates after a key defensive stop against New Mexico State during NCAA action, Nov 15, 2025, as the Volunteers defense swarms following a momentum-shifting play in front of a home crowd at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Imagn Images 8. Colton Hood | CB, Tennessee Hood just turned 21, and the Vikings haven’t connected on a rookie cornerback in about 10 years.