What is the Vikings' best NFL draft pick in recent memory?

The Minnesota Vikings have drafted well this century, selecting 23 Pro Bowlers over the past 26 drafts. Sure, the last four years under Kwesi Adofo-Mensah left a lot to be desired, but the Vikings have added some of the league's top superstars through the draft this century. With the 2026 NFL Draft only days away, CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo named each team's best draft pick since 2000.

There are many options to choose from for Minnesota, but one player stood above the rest. DeArdo listed running back Adrian Peterson, drafted seventh overall in 2007, as the Vikings' top draft choice this century. The  Vikings  have had some impressive picks, but the obvious pick is Peterson, who -- along with LaDainian Tomlinson and  Derrick Henry  -- is among the greatest running backs of all-time.

The last non-quarterback to win league MVP, Peterson's 2,097 rushing yards in 2012, represent the second-highest single-season total in NFL history. Honorable mentions for this spot would include defensive tackle Kevin Williams (2003), safety Harrison Smith (2012), and defensive end Danielle Hunter (2015). But the only player who could really threaten Peterson for the top spot is Justin Jefferson (2020), who DeArdo shouts out in his next paragraph.

While Peterson beat him out,  Justin Jefferson  is quickly making his case as being the best receiver of his era. Despite not having elite quarterback play in Minnesota, Jefferson racked up 8,480 receiving yards during his first six seasons, the most in NFL history during a player's first six seasons. Jefferson's career is far from over, and a postseason run could go a long way in supplanting Peterson in this debate.