Forum The Longship 2026 Draft's Biggest Surprise?

2026 Draft's Biggest Surprise?

MaroonBells
Joined Jan 2014
4,403 posts
Rep: 4,601

To me, it's gotta be Emmanuel McNiel-Warren falling to the end of the 2nd round. Daniel Jeremiah had him ranked 15th overall and higher than Thieneman. Many had him mocked to the Vikings at 18.

He went 58th and was available where we picked in the 2nd round. After going DL in the 1st round, I thought sure we'd take EMW there. What a gift. But given the Greenard trade, the Golday versatility and the outstanding Jakobe Thomas film, I'm actually happy now we didn't take him.

“A gentleman is someone who can play the accordion, but doesn't." - Tom Waits

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#1 · Apr 26, 8:59 AM
MA
Joined Apr 2024
623 posts
Rep: 1,436

I wasn't a fan. His best plays in college were in run support and forcing fumbles. Didn't see him making many plays in coverage. He reminded me a lot of Lewis Cine coming out. I agree, I think Thomas was a better value and much better fit for a Flores defense.

edited Apr 26, 2026 9:04 AM
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#2 · Apr 26, 9:04 AM
JustInTime
Joined Feb 2025
2,689 posts
Rep: 1,704

Biggest surprise was that McVay didn’t actually strangle Snead live on tv after drafting Simpson.

“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”

Shakespeare 

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#3 · Apr 26, 9:11 AM
MaroonBells
Joined Jan 2014
4,403 posts
Rep: 4,601

JustInTime wrote:

Biggest surprise was that McVay didn’t actually strangle Snead live on tv after drafting Simpson.

Are the leaves falling from the Shanahan tree? Both the Rams and 49ers drafted like they were drunk.

“A gentleman is someone who can play the accordion, but doesn't." - Tom Waits

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#4 · Apr 26, 9:19 AM
purplefaithful
Joined May 2013
7,702 posts
Rep: 4,257

Ty Simpson and then everything else

I didnt see the RB's dropping that much after Price

The earlier run on C

How long the Vikings waited on S

Kaleb Banks at 18

edited Apr 26, 2026 9:35 AM

Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger! 

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#5 · Apr 26, 9:35 AM
MaroonBells
Joined Jan 2014
4,403 posts
Rep: 4,601

purplefaithful wrote:

Ty Simpson and then everything else
I didnt see the RB's dropping that much after Price
The earlier run on C
How long the Vikings waited on S
Kaleb Banks at 18

No doubt. Banks was a big surprise considering how far he was falling in media rankings. But the ONLY reason for that was the foot. Yes, bad feet on big men is never a good thing. But I feel a lot better about the foot after listening to this foot and ankle surgeon.

“A gentleman is someone who can play the accordion, but doesn't." - Tom Waits

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#6 · Apr 26, 9:43 AM
purplefaithful
Joined May 2013
7,702 posts
Rep: 4,257

MaroonBells wrote:

No doubt. Banks was a big surprise considering how far he was falling in media rankings. But the ONLY reason for that was the foot. Yes, bad feet on big men is never a good thing. But I feel a lot better about the foot after listening to this foot and ankle surgeon.

That pick will forever be linked to BFlo and the Medical Staff....

I agree with Brez they have the best orthopedics on the planet. Other NFL teams tap into their ortho resources.

TCO (Twin Cities Orthopedic) is amazing and I am lucky to know one of the Vikings Dr's on the sidelines personally and professionally. Best of the best!

edited Apr 26, 2026 9:56 AM

Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger! 

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#7 · Apr 26, 9:55 AM
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Forum The Longship 2026 Draft's Biggest Surprise?
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