Adam New’s Final 2026 Vikings Mock Draft

Dale Zanine-Imagn Images It will soon be upon us. The 2026 NFL draft is now just one day away, so the time has come for my fourth and final Vikings mock draft of 2026. My previous Vikings mock drafts this year have seen three different players at three different positions selected in the first round, and we are about to make it four out of four.

I want to think it speaks to their still not being a completely obvious choice for Minnesota, rather than to my own indecision – maybe it’s both. A Full Seven-Round Blueprint for Minnesota I have written about a trade back from 18 being a smart move for the Vikings, and that is how I will start this final draft. There will also be a second trade to start Day 3.

Trade: Vikings receive picks 24 and 70 from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for picks 18 and 196. Round 1: Pick 24 – CJ Allen (LB) Georgia The Vikings could almost go anywhere on defense with this first round, but trading back and securing CJ Allen would be a great outcome. Both of the Vikings’ starting safeties will be in their thirties when the season starts, so drafting Allen will secure the position long term.

Allen is a physical, reliable middle linebacker with strong run-defense ability. Oct 12, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Davon Booth (21) is tackled by Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Malaki Starks (24) and linebacker CJ Allen (3) at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images He reads the game well and hits hard.