NFLDG 2026 Mock Draft

If there were a draft anything could happen... this is it! Enjoy the mock leading up to this year's draft. Promise this combines a combination of my own insights paired with some of what I'm hearing:

-- Start it off with a TRADE, the Vikings move back to 1(23) with PHI adding a late 3rd and 4th while giving up a 7th as a sweetener --

1(23) via PHI: Peter Woods DT / Clemson - Although teams are lower on this years DT class, Woods draft stock is being slept on. He can be an immediate one-gap penetrator and disruptor in the run game. Although he needs continued development as a pass-rusher the win rate is strong and the 2024 tape is awesome. The Vikings haven't been directly paired to Woods but they did a lot of work on him over the fall.

-- Another TRADE, the Vikings use their added flexibility in the 3rd to move up for their preferred corner --

1(32) via SEA: Chris Johnson CB / San Diego State - I've heard the Vikings are high on Chris Johnson and I have to say he is a perfect fit for the Vikings defensive system on the outside. He can play on/off coverage and is reliable playing the flat in the run. While he may not have an elite trait, he can do everything well in a versatile defensive system. We'll see if he makes it this far. I would not sleep on Colton Hood being a fit for MN as well.

3(97): Sam Rousch TE/Stanford - Sadiq will be in-play for MN in round one, this feels like a stronger value. Rousch was limited as a pass catcher in Stanford's offense but is a great athlete with a good feel for zone coverage. He'll need time to develop as a route-runner but could see the field early as a high-end run blocker. He could be a Hockenson replacement in 2027.

3(98) via PHI: Kamari Ramsey S/USC - Ramsey is flexible on the back-end having played nickel at USC in 2025 but is likely a deep half safety in the NFL. The Vikings like Jay Ward and will continue leveraging Metellus as a 3rd safety/robber. Ramsey gives them depth and competition for both Theo Jackson and Ward, filling out the back-end of the defense.

4(137) via PHI: Demond Claiborne RB/Wake Forest - I've been on Claiborne for awhile, his explosiveness is very impressive and gives the Vikings RB room a different flavor. He will not develop into a full-time back until he shows better hands in the pass game. But his feel and traits give him high-end upside if he puts it all together.

5(163): Parker Brailsford C/Alabama - We'll see how the Vikings attack center, I'm mainly curious on the style of player they chase. If they are open to a wide-zone athlete, Brailsford make more sense to me than Logan Jones in the 3rd. Brailsford played well against SEC competition and although he lacks the size, is highly physical and gets to the second level in the run game. He's immediate competition to start which is a great 5th round value.

6(196): Mason Reiger EDGE/Wisconsin - His health will be a consideration for teams along with being a bit undersized. But his first step is elite and he fits the profile of hybrid EDGE players Flores has been highly successful with. He would git cleanly into the VanGinkel role as depth.

7(234) CJ Daniels WR/Miami - He's an older player but as a strong track record of getting open with reliable hands. While it may not be the sexiest choice at WR, he can compete for targets as a rookie in a role similar to Jarius Wright.

7(244) Devin Eastern DT/Minnesota - Whether its on the roster or as a UDFA, being able to grab a physically imposing NT would round out the Vikings D-line room for this upcoming season.