Vikings First-Round Pick: We Name the Guy

The time has come. Every April, just before the draft, we ask our staff to predict the Minnesota Vikings’ first draft pick, whether the franchise stays at its organic spot of No. 18 or trades up or down. These are our writers’ official predictions.

Twelve predictions. One pick. Draft night is almost here.

The prognostications are scattered in 2026, probably because Minnesota has an interim general manager, Rob Brzezinski, and he doesn’t have a track record.

The Prospects Dominating Minnesota’s Draft Outlook and Our Pick

Showtime is in five days.

San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson celebrates a play against Washington State during a first-half moment. Vikings draft prediction, — San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Chris Johnson (1) celebrates after a play against Washington State during the first half, Sep 6, 2025, at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Washington, showing visible energy and emotion as he reacts near teammates following a defensive stop in a tightly contested early-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images

1. Chris Johnson | CB, San Diego State

Predictor: Janik Eckardt

After botching recent drafts, the Vikings are in desperate need of hitting on several selections. To increase the odds, the front office adds even more picks in a trade-down. Johnson has an intriguing athletic profile and could be the young corner the Vikings have been looking for.

2. Caleb Banks | DT, Florida

Predictor: Josh Frey

The Vikings need to recover at the defensive tackle position next season. Jalen Redmond blossomed into a very capable player in the middle of the defensive line, but Minnesota needs another player to line up alongside him. Caleb Banks is massive and strong, with an explosive first step that could make him a great pass rusher in the NFL.

3. Jermod McCoy | CB, Tennessee

Predictor: Kyle Joudry

The Vikings scoop up Jermod McCoy, doing so after a modest trade down.

4. Colton Hood | CB, Tennessee

Predictor: Brevan Bane

It’s a trade-down with the San Francisco 49ers! The package looks a little something like this: MIN sends: Pick 18. SF sends: Pick 27, Pick 127, and a 2027 2nd Round Pick.

The Vikings trade down in the first round to pick up extra draft capital (including a 2nd in a very stacked 2027 draft), and keep the fifth year of control on their selection this year. That selection is Tennessee CB Colton Hood. The kid has fluid hips, natural ball skills, and an instinctual ability to play press-man at the line.

5. Peter Woods | DT, Clemson

Predictor: Dustin Baker

If you really want to get this prediction right, the process this year is not easy. The Vikings could bend in about five directions that would shock nobody. Usually, the draft pick, or at least the player’s position, is pretty damn evident.

This year is different, mainly because Kwesi Adofo-Mensah isn’t employed in Minnesota.

In 2023, the Vikings needed a wide receiver. They drafted one. In 2024, they needed a quarterback. They drafted on. Last year, they needed a guard after the embarrassing playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. They drafted one.

In 2026, the Vikings have released defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. They need an interior defensive lineman. Whether sticking-and-picking at No. 18 or trading down, Woods will be the guy. He’s considered by most as the top DT in an otherwise weak class.

t6. Kenyon Sadiq | TE, Oregon

Predictor: Wesley Johnson

The Vikings could go in a few different directions here and are really set up to take the best player available. While I would entertain DT Kayden McDonald, OT’s Monroe Freeling and Max Iheanachor, or one of the WRs that may fall, Sadiq fits a more immediate need. T..J Hockenson will, in all likelihood, be leaving the team next offseason, and finding a capable replacement now is smart football.

Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq catches a touchdown pass during a second-half play at Autzen Stadium. Vikings draft prediction, — Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) catches a pass for a touchdown during the second half, Nov 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, securing the ball in stride as he breaks free from coverage and completes a scoring play that energizes the crowd in a late-season conference matchup. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

While an athletic freak at TE, fans should temper their expectations for Sadiq compared to other recent first-round TEs (Loveland, Warren, Bowers), as he is not as refined a pass-catcher.

t6. Kenyon Sadiq | TE, Oregon

Predictor: Cole Smith

The Vikings’ first pick will be Kenyon Sadiq. Everyone has thought that safety Dillon Thieneman was destined to be the pick, but his Oregon teammate gives the Vikings a unique offensive weapon in year one while providing them with their next TE1 after T.J. Hockenson leaves following the season.

t8. Kayden McDonald | DT, Ohio State

Predictor: Adam New

The Vikings trade back to later in the first round and select Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald. Giving the interior of the Vikings’ defensive line a boost by adding a big nose tackle.

t8. Kayden McDonald | DT, Ohio State

Predictor: Sean Borman

The Vikings need iDL, and McDonald has no injury-related absences. In McDonald, they’d be getting more powerful up front. He’s a big run stuffer with some flash quickness

t10. Dillon Thieneman | S, Oregon

Predictor: Tony Schultz

So many are trying hard to figure out who the Vikings will draft. In some cases, maybe too hard. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again and a third time to make it happen: Thieneman! Thieneman! Thieneman! Dillon Thieneman is the popular choice not just because of his skills but also his fit and need in the Vikings’ defense.

The sphere of pick 18 is where he projects in this draft, regardless of who’s picking. Recent rumors suggest there could be a run on offensive linemen, and teams might trade up to get ahead of others. It would not shock me if the Vikings trade down a bit and still get their man in the former Oregon Duck.

Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman reacts after a win over Penn State at Beaver Stadium. Vikings draft prediction, — Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) reacts after defeating Penn State at Beaver Stadium, Sep 27, 2025, in University Park, Pennsylvania, displaying visible emotion following the final whistle as teammates celebrate a major road win against a ranked opponent in a high-stakes Big Ten matchup. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images

Adding a 3rd rounder or maybe a low second, while still landing the best player available and a player of need, will look great for a team trying to get over past mistakes. Don’t overthink it. Draft him!

t10. Dillon Thieneman | S, Oregon

Predictor: Ted Schwerzler

Every mock draft continues to say the same thing, and at this point, there’s no reason to believe they aren’t speaking it into existence. Dillon Thieneman, you are a Minnesota Viking.

t10. Dillon Thieneman | S, Oregon

Predictor: Henrique Gucciardi

It’s one of the most common picks in mock drafts around the world, and for good reason. He’s a great prospect, safety is a position of need, and Thieneman could be an immediate heir to Harrison Smith.