{"id":848369,"date":"2026-04-02T01:39:23","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T01:39:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/848369\/"},"modified":"2026-04-02T01:39:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T01:39:23","slug":"the-vikings-6-biggest-roster-needs-before-the-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/848369\/","title":{"rendered":"The Vikings’ 6 Biggest Roster Needs before the Draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"VikingsPlayers from the Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee Titans line up at the line of scrimmage during fourth-quarter action at U.S. Bank Stadium on Aug. 19, 2023, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The moment reflected late-game execution in a preseason contest as both teams evaluated depth and situational performance. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

The Minnesota Vikings locked in a 2026 coaching staff, re-signed some players from the 2025 roster, and added just a few newcomers. Next up? The draft<\/a>. It\u2019s three weeks away. So, let\u2019s peek at the long-term roster needs, ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most important, given the current depth chart).<\/p>\n

Minnesota still has clear fixable spots heading into draft month.<\/p>\n

The Vikings have a boatload of picks this go-round to fill out the current roster<\/a>, which has about 60 men.<\/p>\n

These 6 Positions Stand Out Most on Minnesota\u2019s Depth Chart<\/p>\n

What do you consider the primary roster needs before the draft?<\/p>\n

\"TaiTai Felton moves through pregame warmups ahead of preseason action on Aug. 9, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, giving an early glimpse of the rookie receiver\u2019s preparation and movement skills. The session highlighted his route work and focus as he pushed for a role within Minnesota\u2019s offensive rotation entering the season. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.<\/p>\n

6. WR3<\/p>\n

Under Contract for 2026: Tai Felton | Myles Price
Under Contract for 2027: Tai Felton | Myles Price <\/p>\n

This doesn\u2019t account for Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison \u2014 those dudes are not WR3s.<\/p>\n

But the fact remains that Felton is the only possibly serious WR3 on the depth chart, a problem the Vikings could easily fix by signing a free agent like Deebo Samuel, Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill<\/a>, or DeAndre Hopkins. It\u2019s why some consider WR a sneaky roster need this draft, especially by those who don\u2019t think Felton projects a long-term solution.<\/p>\n

Possible Fixes from the Draft:
Chris Brazzell (Tennessee)
Elijah Sarratt (Indiana)
Ted Hurst (Georgia State)<\/p>\n

5. Running Back<\/p>\n

Under Contract for 2026: Jordan Mason | Aaron Jones | Zavier Scott
Under Contract for 2027: __________<\/p>\n

If the Vikings want to draft a tailback later this month and basically redshirt him \u2014 great. But now is the time to contemplate the future at the spot, with Jones and Mason scheduled for off-ramps next offseason.<\/p>\n

In fact, the Vikings haven\u2019t drafted productive halfbacks since Dalvin Cook<\/a> and Alexander Mattison in 2017 and 2019, respectively, so nature says it\u2019s time to head back to the wishing well.<\/p>\n

Possible Fixes from the Draft:
Jadarian Price (Notre Dame)
Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas)
Jonah Coleman (Washington)
Emmett Johnson (Nebraska)
Nick Singleton (Penn State)<\/p>\n

4. Cornerback<\/p>\n

Under Contract for 2026: Byron Murphy Jr. | Isaiah Rodgers | James Pierre
Under Contract for 2027: Byron Murphy Jr. | James Pierre <\/p>\n

Similar to the running back draft drought \u2014 but more egregious \u2014 Minnesota hasn\u2019t found decent cornerbacks in the draft since Trae Waynes<\/a> in 2015 and Mackensie Alexander in 2016. Yes, we\u2019re talking a naughty stretch of 10 years.<\/p>\n

The only reason this spot doesn\u2019t rank higher on the list is because of one man: Brian Flores. He fostered a Top 3 defense last year with Murphy Jr., Rodgers, and Fabian Moreau<\/a>. For some reason, Flores doesn\u2019t need elite corners to cook. But could you imagine what it might be like if he had one though? Lordy.<\/p>\n

Possible Fixes from the Draft:
Jermod McCoy (Tennessee)
Avieon Terrell (Clemson)
Colton Hood (Tennessee)
Brandon Cisse (South Carolina)
Chris Johnson (San Diego State)
D\u2019Angelo Ponds (Indiana)
Keionte Scott (Miami)
Keith Abney II (Arizona State)
Treydan Stukes (Arizona)
Davison Igbinosun (Ohio State)
Malik Muhammad (Texas)<\/p>\n

3. Center<\/p>\n

Under Contract for 2026: Blake Brandel | Michael Jurgens
Under Contract for 2027: Michael Jurgens<\/p>\n

Similar to cornerback, center might check in around No. 2 if not for head coach Kevin O\u2019Connell\u2019s comments this week at the NFL\u2019s league meetings. He offered a glowing endorsement for Brandel to play center in 2026, while mentioning that a rookie center is probably on the way.<\/p>\n

\"BlakeBlake Brandel lines up in protection during NFC wild card action on Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, battling the Rams\u2019 defensive front. The Vikings guard worked to anchor the interior against pressure, reflecting the physical demands of postseason play as Minnesota\u2019s offensive line faced a high-stakes defensive challenge. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.<\/p>\n

Ryan Kelly retired last month after sustaining three concussions<\/a> in 2026 alone. The Vikings need youth in the pipeline at center, especially if Brandel doesn\u2019t pan out as a long-term starter.<\/p>\n

Possible Fixes from the Draft:
Connor Lew (Auburn)
Sam Hecht (Kansas State)
Jake Slaughter (Florida)
Logan Jones (Iowa)
Parker Brailsford (Alabama)
Pat Coogan (Indiana)<\/p>\n

2. Safety<\/p>\n

Under Contract for 2026: Josh Metellus | Jay Ward | Theo Jackson
Under Contract for 2027: Josh Metellus | Theo Jackson<\/p>\n

Where\u2019s Harrison Smith, you say? He\u2019s not a member of the Vikings\u2019 roster as of April 1st. He\u2019s a free agent.<\/p>\n

Of course, Smith\u2019s decision this offseason is binary: he\u2019ll either retire or return for Year No. 15. But no matter what he decides, the Vikings need a safety for the long haul. They just do. Metellus played through a torn labrum last season and took a noticeable step back. Flores benched Jackson for Ward in December. And Ward\u2019s rookie deal is nearing expiration.<\/p>\n

The only reason safety isn\u2019t No. 1 is that Ward could break out this year, and Metellus is due for a bounceback season. Metellus and Ward (if extended) at safety in 2027 isn\u2019t the worst starting spot for an offseason.<\/p>\n

Possible Fixes from the Draft:
Caleb Downs (Ohio State)
Dillon Thieneman (Oregon)
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo)
A.J. Haulcy (LSU)
Kamari Ramsey (USC)
Genesis Smith (Arizona)
Jalon Kilgore (South Carolina)
Bud Clark (TCU)<\/p>\n

1. Defensive Tackle<\/p>\n

Under Contract for 2026: Jalen Redmond | Levi Drake Rodriguez | Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
Under Contract for 2027: Levi Drake Rodriguez | Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins<\/p>\n

Foremost, it will be \u201ceasy\u201d for the Vikings to re-sign Redmond in 2027; his restricted free agency affords a remarkable degree of team control.<\/p>\n

Still, Minnesota released Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave this offseason, and those actions directly pointed the needle to defensive tackle as the top long-term need. The Vikings proved last year that they hoped to build the defensive trenches from the inside \u2014 the interior; they just picked the wrong guys in Allen and Hargrave.<\/p>\n

\"JoshJosh Jacobs bursts into the open field for a touchdown run while Jalen Redmond gives chase during third-quarter action on Dec. 29, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The play showcased Jacobs\u2019 acceleration and vision, while Redmond\u2019s pursuit effort reflected Minnesota\u2019s urgency in a fast-moving NFC North matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.<\/p>\n

The mindset was righteous, and now the club, equipped with nine picks this cycle, can find a younger option. <\/p>\n

Possible Fixes from the Draft:
Peter Woods (Clemson)
Kayden McDonald (Ohio State)
Caleb Banks (Florida)
Christen Miller (Georgia)
Lee Hunter (Texas Tech)
Domonique Orange (Iowa State)
Gracen Halton (Oklahoma)
Darrell Jackson Jr. (Florida State)<\/p>\n

It\u2019s worth noting that Minnesota could rather easily trade down<\/a> on draft night, add an extra 2nd- or 3rd-Rounder, and still come away with McDonald or Banks.<\/p>\n

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