Long-time Vikings exec Rob Brzezinski, known for his maneuvering through the salary cap, is the point man for the 2026 NFL Draft after Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was let go from his general manager post Jan. 30.
The shakeup hasn't slowed evaluation efforts, and Brzezinski's two-plus decades within the organization enables his 360-degree vision of Minnesota's process, as well as scouting, coaching and ownership goals.
In other words, the show goes on.
Our Mock Draft Tracker series is continuing, too, with a post-Super Bowl examination of expert opinions as to who the Vikings could, should and might potentially choose when they are on the clock April 23-25.
It's premature, of course, to really have a sense. But it's fun nonetheless to take a looksie following the hoisting of the Lombardi Trophy by one-year Vikings marvel quarterback Sam Darnold and the Seahawks.
Now, to gauge the temperature of Minnesota's position in Round 1 (No. 18 overall), let's recall the standouts selected in that slot this century: Back in 2000, the Jets used the 18th pick on Chad Pennington, who finished second on the MVP ballot with Miami in 2008; Jeff Backus was drafted by Detroit the very next cycle, and he rewarded the Lions with nearly 200 starts at left tackle from 2001-2012; New Orleans in 2004 added DE Will Smith, who had 67.5 sacks over nine seasons; Cincinnati chose Leon Hall in 2007, and the cornerback was a Second-Team All-Pro in his third season; eventual Super Bowl XLVII MVP and still active QB Joe Flacco was taken by Baltimore in 2008; nine-time Pro Bowl center and member of the 2010s NFL Team of the Decade, Maurkice Pouncey, was drafted in 2010 by Pittsburgh; SEC greats turned solid pros Melvin Ingram and Eric Reid were selected by San Diego and San Francisco in 2012 and 2013; Kansas City nabbed 2015 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Marcus Peters; the Colts submitted a card in 2016 with Vikings center Ryan Kelly's name on it; one-time rival Jaire Alexander joined Green Bay in 2018; the Miami Dolphins in 2021 scored Miami Hurricanes product Jaelan Phillips, who was acquired by the Eagles this past season to support their pass rush; First-Team All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell was landed by the Lions in 2023; and Seattle improved its interior OL with North Dakota State's Grey Zabel nine months before culminating its 2025 slate under a confetti sky.
The hasty review is confirmation that plenty of fantastic players have emerged from the No. 18 spot. Ultimately, the locale of a player's drafting is less important to their success than their development and implementation in a system, which underscores the collaboration between Vikings scouts and coaches.
Notably, the players mentioned the most in this roundup (three each) are Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood and Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell (Terrell, by the way, was one of two players projected more than once to Minnesota in Version 1.0). Overall, there are seven unique prospects featured in 15 entries.
One of the seven, Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, also was floated as a possible Day 2 selection, same as Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter and Arkansas running back Mike Washington.
Lastly, to be on the same page, some more precise mock-drafting will come to pass as evidence is gathered at the NFL Scouting Combine, which occurs in Indianapolis later this month (Feb. 23-March 2).
Here's a second look at what NFL Draft mavens are anticipating the Vikings to do in the annual event. Reminder, Minnesota last used the 18th overall pick on Super Bowl LX runner-up center Garrett Bradbury.
Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic
Feb. 9
Baumgardner projects at No. 18: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Vikings need back-end help, potentially at both corner and safety. Delane is one of the most competitive on-ball coverage players in this class and was among the most disruptive man-coverage corners in the country the past two seasons.
Baumgardner projects at No. 49: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Baumgardner projects at No. 82: Mike Washington, RB, Arkansas
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com
Jan. 28
Brooks projects at No. 18: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Having just signed a contract extension, Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores needs a technician with a diverse game who can play man or zone from a bump-and-run or off position. Delane's versatility, instincts and awareness make him the perfect fit for a defense designed to create chaos for opponents with creative pre-snap disguises and exotic blitz patterns.
Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball
Feb. 9
Campbell projects at No. 18: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Terrell had 48 tackles with four forced fumbles, a sack, and nine passes batted. Terrell (5-11, 180) is a fast and fluid cover corner who is extremely adept at running the route to prevent separation. He has excellent ball skills, instincts, and plays bigger and stronger than his size. The size and future durability are the biggest concerns for the NFL. Terrell worked his way onto the field as a freshman and had five starts. He recorded 19 tackles with four passes broken up and an interception. In 2024, Terrell started every game and totaled 58 tackles with two interceptions, 12 passes broken up, three forced fumbles, and 4.5 tackles for a loss. Terrell is the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell, Jr.
Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus
Feb. 8
Chadwick projects at No. 18: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Vikings have finished outside the top 15 of team PFF coverage grade in each of the past six seasons and need plenty of help in their secondary. Terrell's 90.6 PFF overall grade over the past two seasons ranked fifth among all Power Four cornerbacks.
Eric Edholm of NFL.com
Jan. 30
Edholm projects at No. 18: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
We don't yet know if Harrison Smith will return for another season, but either way, the Vikings must upgrade at safety. I'll bet Brian Flores will love watching the highly impactful McNeil-Warren meet ball-carriers and make plays all over the field.
Jaime Eisner of The Draft Network
Feb. 8
Eisner projects at No. 18: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
The Vikings have a glaring need in the secondary, so snatching one of the top cornerbacks here is a no-brainer. Cisse absolutely dominated this season, showing off elite speed, a great knack for pass breakups, and a true willingness to stick with bigger wide receivers. He's firmly in the first-round mix and has the talent and profile that could see him finish as the best corner in the entire class. He's the instant upgrade Minnesota's defense has been looking for.
Cynthia Frelund of NFL Network
Feb. 6
Frelund projects at No. 18: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores uses a lot of man coverage, which suits Cisse's traits well. The corner's contested catch rate, ball tracking and potential in the Vikings heavy-blitz scheme projects to offer great upside from Day 1.
Todd McShay of The Ringer
Feb. 9
McShay projects at No. 18: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The Vikings had just eight interceptions last season, which ranked tied for 25th in the NFL. They were aggressive in free agency last year but need to draft a young difference maker in the secondary. While Hood is still developing his consistency when the ball is in the air, I see improvement and potential in that key area. It's actually more of a technique/reps issue than an instincts concern. Otherwise, he's got all the traits: length, speed, hip fluidity, foot quickness, toughness, competitiveness and confidence. Safety and tight end could be other priorities early in the draft, as uncertainty surrounds aging staples Harrison Smith and T.J. Hockenson.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA TODAY
Feb. 9
Middlehurst-Schwartz projects at No. 18: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Bully ball comes easily to Hood, who makes for an exceedingly challenging matchup off the line of scrimmage and at the catch point. That physicality could make him a fast favorite of Brian Flores, who no doubt would love to have a well-built cover man capable of disrupting the timing of opposing aerial attacks.
Matt Miller of ESPN
Feb. 2
Miller projects at No. 18: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
There's a good chance that McNeil-Warren doesn't fall this far. He has all the traits you look for in a safety at 6-foot-3 with great length to eliminate passing windows and the speed to match up down the field. And with eight interceptions over the past three seasons, McNeil-Warren has shown a consistent ability to make plays on the ball. The Vikings had only five draft picks last year and didn't take a defensive player until Round 5, so they need to hit on some young defenders. McNeil-Warren would give Minnesota a youthful foundation at safety, as Harrison Smith turned 37 on [Feb. 2], and allow the Vikings to compensate for missing on [their selection of] Lewis Cine in the 2023 draft.
Miller projects at No. 49: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
The Vikings badly need to get younger and hit on picks outside Round 1. Hunter might eventually move into the first round after a super strong Senior Bowl week and could start right away as a nose tackle or 1-technique.
Mike Renner of CBS Sports
Feb. 9
Renner projects at No. 18: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Hood was a breakout star for the Volunteers after transferring from Colorado. He's physical at the line of scrimmage and boasts some of the best deep speed at the position in the class.
Connor Rogers of NBC Sports
Feb. 9
Rogers projects at No. 18: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
McDonald's size and raw strength would give the Vikings a run stopping force at nose tackle. Running back Jeremiyah Love or one of the two top cornerbacks falling here would be a dream for Minnesota, but this is a strong option with those players off the board.
Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus
Feb. 2
Sikkema projects at No. 18: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
The Vikings got great play from Jalen Redmond this past season, but the long-term outlook on their interior still needs a boost. McDonald was one of the best run defenders in the country this past season, regardless of position, earning a 91.2 PFF grade in that category.
Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports
Feb. 3
Wilson projects at No. 18: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
McCoy is a physical corner who can play man on an island and is also comfortable in zone looks. He's in phase on vertical routes, and in run support he comes downhill looking to thump someone. He's coming off a January ACL injury, and while he's yet to get back on the field, he could end up being the best CB in this class.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com
Feb. 2
Zierlein projects at No. 18: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Terrell is a sticky, man-cover cornerback with the ability to irritate at the catchpoint and play inside or outside.
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