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The Annual League Meeting came and went with minimal ruffles to rule, bylaw and resolution changes.

Most of what was passed dealt with special teams, and there were a few tweaks to operations for officiating games.

One of the biggest potential difference makers is reducing the amount of time a player on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list is required to be sidelined at the start of the year.

Now, we've reached April, and by the end of the month, the Vikings will be on the clock. We have some position-by-position previews in the works, so be on the lookout for those as you prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Let's get to some questions.

Please explain Top 30 visits in detail. I hear we have prospects coming on a Top 30 visit. How many other teams will these players visit? Is it a more in-depth evaluation? What percentage of players do we draft using this process? Is this public info? It could help us determine players the other teams are targeting.

— Gerald Goblirsch

There were a few candidates to lead off this week's edition, but given the Vikings are hosting their Top 30 visit today and tomorrow, this seems like a great place to start.

Teams are allowed to invite up to 30 draft-eligible prospects for private, in-person visits at team headquarters. Players who attended nearby colleges or live near the team's headquarters are considered a local visit and do not count against the 30-player limit.

Players are allowed to visit multiple teams, but teams don't usually publicize their lists of invitees because they don't want to offer hints about how their draft boards might be shaping up. Some names, however, are reported (most likely with help of players' agents whose job it is to promote their clients).

I can relay last year's invitees included first-round pick Donovan Jackson, as well as undrafted free agent signees Silas Bolden, Max Brosmer, Zemaiah Vaughn and Ben Yurosek, so that's a pretty substantial success rate of coordinating invitees with players who might be added with opportunities to make the team (don't forget that the limited number of picks in last year's draft placed extra emphasis on mining UDFAs) or at least join the practice squad. Levi Drake Rodriguez, a seventh-round find in 2024, was among the Vikings Top 30 guests that year.

The Vikings have emphasized trying to have as many invitees visit simultaneously for efficiency during a busy time, but occasionally there are some scheduling conflicts if a player has already committed to a visit with another team. There's also possibly value to be had in observing how each player interacts with other invitees.

Sometimes the motivation is wanting to have more time to build on prior interactions at a college all-star game or the combine; other times it might be utilizing the opportunity to converse with a player the team has not been able to connect with at those other pre-draft events. Obtaining more medical information can play a role, and so can wanting to inquire more about players' journeys so far. The past few years of COVID-19 policies extending eligibility windows and NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) deals prompting more transfers have presented unique situations for college scouting departments.

For the prospects, it's almost like a job interview for a position that may or may not exist by the end of the month.

For the teams, it's an opportunity to layer in redundancy (either to continue an established conversation or be prepared for multiple paths to rounding out the roster).

The process seems incredibly valuable and a welcome milestone bringing the draft closer to fruition.

The big question I am looking to hear from the Wilfs is now that they have dismissed Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, what is the strategy? Meaning, we took some big swings at free agency last year. We also missed big on most of our recent drafts, according to the data. Going forward, are the Wilfs ready to put a stake in the ground to build through the draft? Are we going to be a big player in free agency going forward and roll the dice on player health following a productive or two season? P.J. Fleck is talking about the U being a long-term development system as opposed to swinging for the fences through the NIL process. It seems like the Vikings have taken some pages from his book. Maybe they should go all-in on being a great place to develop talent and sprinkle in a free agent signing here and there. They already have one of the best reputations in the league. Why not go deep with our players and build some loyalty?

— Joe Feldsien in Phoenix, Arizona (Longtime Vikings fan)

Last week's Annual League Meeting provided opportunities to hear from Head Coach Kevin O'Connell, Executive Vice President of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski and Owner/President Mark Wilf during 1-on-1 interviews with VEN's Tatum Everett, as well as sessions with other media members.

Lindsey Young put together takeaways from O'Connell's time at the NFC Coaches breakfast, and there was also an update on the line of thinking at center and the news that Minnesota intends to exercise its fifth-year option on receiver Jordan Addison.

The Vikings re-emphasized their philosophical approach to this offseason, which included needed salary cap maneuvers, protecting a core of last year's squad that narrowly missed the playoffs (despite numerous challenges) through re-signings and a prioritization on boosting competition in the quarterbacks room. Team officials also noted the focus on the upcoming draft in which Minnesota currently has nine selections.

Brzezinski, who is entering his 34^th NFL season and 28^th in the Vikings organization, was tabbed by owners to guide the operation through the transition after Adofo-Mensah. Everyone in the organization wants the best outcomes for every draft, and that is true again this year.

Subject: Scouting Report: Low-Cost QB Depth Target – Brendon Lewis (Memphis)

Attn: Minnesota Vikings Scouting / Player Personnel Department

To the Vikings Front Office,

As the team navigates the 2026 offseason and evaluates the quarterbacks room behind Kyler Murray, I would like to formally submit Brendon Lewis (QB, University of Memphis) for your consideration as a high-upside developmental prospect or UDFA target.

With the current emphasis on roster efficiency and "grit," Lewis offers a specific profile that addresses our recent struggles at the position:

• Elite Accuracy & Efficiency: In 2025, Lewis maintained a 68.8% completion rate, showing the consistent ball placement and "routine play" execution necessary for Kevin O'Connell's system.
• Ball Security: He posted an impressive TD-to-INT ratio (16:7), proving he can protect the football — a critical contrast to the high turnover rates seen in our 2025 campaign.
• Dual-Threat Mobility: With 664 rushing yards and 9 TDs last season, his "scramble-drill" ability mirrors Kyler Murray's skill set, allowing for scheme continuity if the starter is sidelined.
• Proven Durability: Unlike recent high-draft selections, Lewis has an "ironman" reputation with over 35 collegiate starts, showing the physical toughness to stay on the field.
• "Hungry" Mindset: As a multi-year starter who has fought for his spot at every level, he provides a high-effort, low-ego presence in the QB room at a fraction of the cap hit of a first-round pick.

Preseason & Camp Competition: Beyond the stats, Lewis possesses the "preseason dog" mentality. He has a proven track record of elevated play in high-stakes training camp environments. Bringing in a player with his level of hunger and game-speed experience will naturally push the rest of the QB room. He isn't just a body for the depth chart; he's a competitor who can win games in August and provide high-quality looks for the defense during the week.

Recommendation: Consider Lewis as a "Priority UDFA" or late-round target. He provides the "toughness" and statistical stability the Vikings need to stabilize the depth chart while managing a tight 2026 salary cap.

Respectfully,

— Don Hills in Summit, South Dakota (Minnesota Vikings Supporter)

Appreciate the extended report on Lewis.

With the Vikings having J.J. McCarthy under contract for at least two more seasons (and possibly a third if the fifth-year option is exercised by next year's deadline), signing Kyler Murray on a team friendly deal, re-signing Carson Wentz much earlier this offseason cycle and wanting to continue to work with Brosmer, the quarterbacks group appears fairly resolved.

Teams never stop evaluating ways to get better, however, and O'Connell and Murray last month spoke about their relationship that had included the 2019 pre-draft process when the former was Washington's offensive coordinator and the latter was ultimately selected No. 1 overall by Arizona.

Is there any kind of a way we can sign Kyler Murray to long-term deal if he has a great year, or is it a one-and-done thing because we don't have the money in the future?

Any updates on Tai Felton?

— William W.

A one-year deal with Murray makes incredible sense for both parties.

He will have his first exposure to a different NFL franchise after spending his first seven seasons with Arizona, and the Vikings added a talented player at a time when salary cap constraints would not have allowed a bidding battle with other teams (since the Cardinals are carrying nearly all of Murray's salary this season).

It's a special test drive — or maybe an auto lease? — for both parties. If Murray starts and things go well, then the Vikings will have an opportunity to negotiate a longer-term deal with the QB.

This seems like a great spot to plug this film breakdown story about Murray that colleague Rob Kleifield posted on Friday. It will satiate the "film heads" out there, but I also think it has appeal for fans who are a little more casual but highly curious about Murray.

So sad to hear of Jeff Siemon's passing. I remember watching the game he took over as their middle linebacker. It was a Monday Night game at Chicago. Lonnie Warwick was the starter but went down on a non-contact injury. Jeff stepped in, and the rest is history. He wasn't a loud-mouthy, threatening guy. He was quiet but very efficient. He. Was. Just. GOOD. A leader by example who held a high standard. 50 forever.

And…

Glad to see Adam Thielen sign the one-day deal to go out as a Viking. The Vikings saw something in him to give him a shot, and OMG, did he come through! Also glad to see C. J. Ham follow suit. He was so underrated to the league but very much appreciated in Minnesota. Enjoy your lives now. You've earned it. You'll be missed.

I noticed Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz each signed one-year deals. This made me curious what the 2027 QB draft class is expected to look like. Is that a possible reason they signed only one-year deals in case J. J. McCarthy doesn't meet expectations?

I've heard the Vikings have considered redoing some contracts to free up some money, but I haven't heard any restructures announced to save enough money adequate to make any splash in free agency. Now that the free agent market has been picked over, do the Vikings have a plan outside the draft to fill some needs and bolster depth?

— Jason Gibeaut

I appreciate emailers who sent in messages thinking of the families of Jeff Siemon and Joey Browner. Losing one Vikings Legend is always tough, but two in one day was extra heartbreak.

One of the commitments I try to make in this role is continuing to highlight players of years before who helped enrich Vikings history. I view this as an honor and privilege.

Somewhat related, I think even non-Vikings fans could look at the Thielen and Ham retirements and appreciate the relationships that developed over the years as each of those players added to the franchise's legacy. They've also provided tremendous support for this community, and I look forward to that continuing.

Teams always keep tabs on strengths of draft classes several years into the future because of the interconnectedness with re-signings and potential acquisitions in free agency.

Hi, I've talked to you before. I've been a Vikings fan since 1968. I cannot believe that people want to draft a safety or a corner with the first pick. This team needs to draft a pass-rushing DT with its first or second pick. We need someone to push the pocket inside. Remember in 1967 when we got Alan Page, we became a power. In 1984, we grab Keith Millard, we were again a superpower on defense. In 2003, we get big Kevin Williams making our defense respected. I love the Vikings and always will, but we need another pass-rushing DT. I believe that we drafted the right QB with McCarthy, so let's work on stopping people. Leave the kid alone.

— "Nighthawk"

It's been a while since we've heard from you but glad to hear from you again.

Those are three tremendous examples of interior pass rushers who left indelible marks on quarterbacks and the NFL.

Nabbing Page with the 15^th overall pick is one of the better steals in draft history, as he was the first defensive player ever named an NFL MVP in 1971 and a force for the Purple People Eaters on his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Millard was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1989. The havoc he wreaked on foes was condensed a bit by injury, or he may have had more steam for the Hall of Fame.

Williams' seemed slightly ahead of his time, as well, and he's been in the conversation for "The Hall."

You're not wrong about the impact a game-wrecker on the interior can have, but those players also had some pretty good teammates elsewhere on the field, as well.

I do think the Vikings are projecting Jalen Redmond to continue to ascend, and there are some young players who could play a part in the rotation.

Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores also has ability to scheme up pressure from multiple locations, and defensive tackles can help occupy blockers so that blitzers can knife through gaps.

I think the biggest takeaway is it is great to be able to add great players.

I also agree that the hypersensitivity around McCarthy could cool off as he continues to develop.

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