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Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell gives Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson a pep talk following a Week 9 matchup during the 2024 NFL season.
The Minnesota Vikings have 4 selections in the opening 100 of the 2026 NFL Draft. As of now, they will pick at 18, 49, 82, and 97 in that range.
Minnesota has a dire need for young defensive talent. Pro Football Focus hinted at this in their latest three-round mock draft.
The publication had Minnesota go heavy on defensive prospects, using 3 of those 4 selections on defenders.
Vikings Go Heavy on Defense in Latest PFF Mock Draft
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – AUGUST 19: Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Tennessee Titans in the second half during a preseason game at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 19, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Titans defeated the Vikings 24-16. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
With the 18th selection, PFF the Vikings taking Clemson CB Avieon Terrell. This has been a common mock to the Vikings across various publications.
“Terrell secured PFF overall grades above 80.0 in each of the past two seasons, playing almost 1,500 defensive snaps in that span. In addition to his coverage skills, he is a willing run defender who earned an 85.2 PFF run-defense grade in 2025.”
They continued the defensive trend by selecting Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas. This pick is interesting, seeing as Minnesota has a full edge rusher room. Taking an edge in the top 50 with a room of Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner is a bit of a head scratcher.
At pick 82, the offensive selection happened. It came with Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price. Price has been a bit lost in conversations about top running backs thanks to teammate Jeremiyah Love. Love is likely to be a top 10 selection.
At pick 97, the mock draft haul was rounded out with Arizona safety Genesis Smith.
This is a solid mock draft, though, the selection of Jacas at 49 is a bit questionable. It seems more realistic that the Vikings could double dip at cornerback. In this hypothetical, Indiana CB D’Angelo Ponds went one selection later to the Detroit Lions.
Minnesota Free to Sign WR Tyreek Hill Now
GettyMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 08: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins reacts after the Dolphins defeated the New York Jets, 32-26, in overtime at Hard Rock Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The Miami Dolphins just released WR Tyreek Hill, and the Vikings could take a look.
Hill will be 32 next season, and only appeared in four games in 2025. Minnesota may look to make a move for him, as their WR room is a bit up in the air. Jalen Nailor is a pending free agent and may be asking a steep price on the market.
The status of Jordan Addison is also shaky. His legal issues are mounting, and a decision on his fifth-year option needing to be made soon.
Field Yates posted to social media to explain an important tidbit about Hill.
“Because he was released from his contract, Tyreek Hill becomes a free agent and is immediately eligible to sign with another team. While it’s unclear when Hill intends to find a new home, he does not have to wait until March 13th like free agents to be on expiring deals.”
Hill does have one former connection already in Minnesota in new assistant head coach Frank Smith. Smith was the offensive coordinator in Miami the bulk of the time Hill was there as well. He served under Mike McDaniel from 2022-2025.
Also important to note is Tyreek Hill’s boyhood NFL allegiance. In an internet clip from a few years ago, he revealed he grew up a Vikings fan. Not just a fan, but a “die-hard” fan.
“If I had it my way though, if I had to choose any team I wanted to play for, growing up as a kid I was a Minnesota Vikings fan. Love the Vikes, man.”
WR Tyreek Hill on Minnesota Vikings fandom
It’s hard to estimate what Hill would command in terms of money. Still, it’s fun to ponder the possibility of him coming to Minnesota to play with Justin Jefferson.
Brevan Bane Brevan Bane is a sports scribe covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals. Brevan began his writing career by making a platform on Twitter and leveraging his presence into writing and content creation opportunities for outlets like PurplePTSD, Vikings Territory, The Noise, Hockey Wilderness, and the VikesNow YouTube channel. You can follow him on X @brevmanbane. More about Brevan Bane
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