The Minnesota Vikings focused heavily on the defensive front and interior depth during the 2026 NFL Draft. Following a disappointing season, the team is looking to rebound for the upcoming year. It starts with their draft picks.
Minnesota Vikings 2026 Draft Grades: Rise of the New Purple People Eaters
First Round (18th overall): Caleb Banks, DL
This was arguably the most controversial pick of the entire Minnesota Vikings’ draft. At 6 ‘6 and 327 pounds, Caleb Banks is a physical specimen. However, journalists and fans alike are concerned about his consistency and injury history.
Banks broke his foot during the season and again at the NFL Combine. Taking a high-risk project at the 18th spot has drawn major criticism from draft experts. There could have been more safer options.
Minnesota Vikings 2026 Draft Grade: C-
Second Round (51st overall): Jake Golday, LB
Linebacker Jake Golday is a perfect fit for defensive coordinator Brian Flores. He has the speed to cover tight ends and the strength to blitz. He provides immediate insurance for Ivan Pace Jr. and is a day-one special teams ace. Golday brings to the Minnesota Vikings a 9.85 RAS and a 39-inch vertical
Minnesota Vikings 2026 Draft Grade: A-
Third Round (82nd overall): Domonique Orange, DL
Defensive lineman Domonique Orange is a 325-pound space-eater with surprisingly quick feet. While he is the ‘finesse’ rusher and anchor, he was drafted to keep the linebackers clean. He does not offer much as a pass rusher yet. But he is a massive upgrade for the run defense.
Minnesota Vikings 2026 Draft Grade: B
Third Round (97th overall): Caleb Tiernan, OT
Offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan is a technically sound tackle who lacks elite arm length. Tiernan has the ‘denseness’ of a guard. But he may struggle against NFL-caliber speed rushers on the edge. He projects as a high-swing tackle or a future starting guard. He will definitely add depth to an offensive line that proved to be vulnerable the season before.
Minnesota Vikings 2026 Draft Grade: B-
Third Round (98th overall): Jakobe Thomas, Safety
Safety Jakobe Thomas is a 6 ‘2 safety with a high knowledge of the game. With Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith’s career winding down, Thomas was a logical pick. He has the potential to be one of the captains on the Minnesota Vikings defense. Thomas is a coach on the field, and his type can play in the box or as a deep half-safety.
Minnesota Vikings 2026 Draft Grade: B
Fifth Round (159th overall): Max Bredeson, Fullback
Fullback Max Bredeson is an elite run blocker who will rarely touch the football. But the pick is for the ‘identity’ of the offense. Head coach Kevin O’Connell wants to be more physical, and Bredeson is essentially a third guard. He offers zero fantasy value but high real-world utility, which the Vikings love.
Minnesota Vikings 2026 Draft Grade: B+
Fifth Round (163rd overall): Charles Demmings, CB
Cornerback Charles Demmings was a small-school star with a 42-inch vertical and 4.41 speed. He is a rare ‘diamond in the rough’. Demmings was the only FCS defensive back at the Senior Bowl. He has the rare physical traits to become a starting outside corner. But his technique will need a year’s worth of NFL coaching.
Minnesota Vikings 2026 Draft Grade: A-
Sixth Round (198th overall): Demond Claiborne, RB
Running back Demond Claiborne is a sub-4.4 speedster with kickoff return experience. He adds a ‘home-run’ threat to the backfield that the team currently lacks behind Aaron Jones. Even if he never starts. His value as a returner and change-of-pace back is high for a sixth-rounder.
Minnesota Vikings 2026 Draft Grade: B
Seventh Round (235th overall): Gavin Gerhardt, Center
Center Gavin Gerhardt is a durable, high-effort center with 49 college starts. He provides depth for the interior and has the ‘personal flex’ the Vikings love and will compete for a backup spot immediately.
Minnesota Vikings 2026 Draft Grade: C+
Reflection
The Minnesota Vikings prioritized size and speed over all else. They successfully addressed their biggest weakness on the defensive line. They also added two legitimate ‘freak’ athletes in Golday and Demmings. The only thing keeping this from being a near-perfect draft was the medical risk of Caleb Banks. But if he does well, this draft may have been their best in a long time.
