Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings have lost some players this offseason. In free agency, the primary exit belonged to wideout Jalen Nailor. In addition to him, the franchise also said goodbye to defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, leaving the squad in need of a new defensive lineman.
That vacancy certainly put defensive tackle on Minnesota’s draft list, but this might not be the class to find a replacement for the departed players.
ESPN’s draft analyst Jordan Reid noted Friday, “For the first time since 2021, it is possible that no defensive tackles could be selected in Round 1. I haven’t found a team that has a true first-round grade on any defensive tackle.”
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates during the first half of the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025.
This draft class doesn’t have any sure-fire star defensive linemen. None of the prospects is viewed as a top-10 selection, and Reid even questions their first-round stock.
He explained, “With Caleb Banks (Florida) recently having foot surgery, he’s likely to be a Day 2 pick. The inconsistencies of Peter Woods (Clemson) throughout the season and during the predraft process have caused most teams I have spoken with to put an early-to-mid second-round mark on him. Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) has mixed reviews because of his lack of pass-rushing ability; many teams wouldn’t use a first-round pick on a two-down interior defender.”
All of these guys have at one point been linked to the Vikings via mock draft, but the 18th overall pick might be a reach for every single one of them.
McDonald could be the nose tackle for years to come, but he’s exclusively a run-stuffer with little pass-rush ability. A first-round run-stuffer needs to be a superstar at that, like Vita Vea was nearly a decade ago.
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, September 6, 2025.
Banks suffering his second foot injury this year is a red flag. Big players with injury concerns usually tumble down draft boards and he is a large human being at 6’6″ and 327 lbs.
Woods has the quickness to become a difference-maker, but his measurements at the scouting combine put his draft stock in jeopardy. He clocked in smaller than expected and suddenly, the quickness was not as impressive.
Christen Miller (Georgia) and Lee Hunter (Texas Tech) are viewed as second-rounders. Of course, the Vikings could find defensive line help on Days 2 and 3, but the first-rounder might be better spent to bolster other areas on the roster. A trade to the end of the top round could be a compromise.
If there’s no standout defensive tackle arriving in the draft, the club would rely on last year’s standout Jalen Redmond to lead their defensive line. He has emerged as a playmaker on Brian Flores’ defensive line and could take another step in his third season as a Viking.
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) looks to throw during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings with defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez (50) coming after him at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Behind him, Minnesota employs 2024 7th-rounder Levi Drake Rodriguez. He was the backup nose tackle last year and could get more run there with Hargrave out of the picture. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, a 2025 5th-rounder, is also primed for a breakout season. The 22-year-old has all the physical tools, but had to refine his game in his rookie season.
Still, more help is needed. Another veteran could be added in free agency. That group is led by former Bengals and Lions defensive tackle D.J. Reader, who specializes in run defense. Calais Campbell is another experienced defender with some gas left in the tank despite turning 40 prior to the season.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.