{"id":853519,"date":"2026-04-04T16:28:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T16:28:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/853519\/"},"modified":"2026-04-04T16:28:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T16:28:20","slug":"the-4-realistic-paths-the-vikings-could-take-in-round-1-of-the-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/853519\/","title":{"rendered":"The 4 Realistic Paths the Vikings Could Take in Round 1 of the Draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Close-upA Minnesota Vikings helmet sits on the sideline featuring a commemorative 9\/11 decal, highlighting a moment of reflection and tribute before kickoff Sep 11, 2016, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, prior to a matchup against the Tennessee Titans as players and staff honored the significance of the day. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

The 2026 NFL Draft is 19 days away, and after the Minnesota Vikings have wrapped up free agency<\/a> \u2014 for the most part \u2014 the clues are there to peek at a possible strategy. Consider the following list the most realistic outcomes on Thursday, April 23rd.<\/p>\n

Minnesota has four credible Round 1 routes, each tied to roster needs and long-term draft value.<\/p>\n

The Vikings have nine picks this cycle, up from five when they embarked on the 2025 NFL Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Minnesota\u2019s First-Round Board Offers Flexibility at No. 18<\/p>\n

Ranked in ascending order, these are the Vikings\u2019 most likely draft outcomes (No. 1 = most realistic).<\/p>\n

\"ClemsonClemson defensive lineman Peter Woods addresses reporters during a preseason media session, discussing expectations and preparation ahead of a marquee matchup Aug. 27, 2024, at the Smart Family Media Center in Clemson, South Carolina. The appearance came days before Clemson\u2019s highly anticipated opener against Georgia in Atlanta. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY NETWORK<\/p>\n

4. Draft Peter Woods (DT) at No. 18<\/p>\n

The Vikings may want a defensive tackle early in the draft after electively releasing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave last month. Allen joined the Cincinnati Bengals<\/a>, and Hargrave picked the Green Bay Packers. What a world.<\/p>\n

Woods is probably the only defensive tackle who merits the 18th overall pick \u2014 for those who believe in the purest form of his upside. It might be strange for Minnesota to reach at No. 18 for Kayden McDonald or Caleb Banks, for example. <\/p>\n

Woods is the no-nonsense stick-and-pick DT option at No. 18. <\/p>\n

Zone Coverage\u2018s Preet Shah on Woods<\/a>: \u201cClemson\u2019s scheme wasn\u2019t a good fit for his style of play. However, at some point, talent should lead to production. The lack of it is definitely a red flag that has taken Wood\u2019s position as the undisputed DT1 in the draft down a notch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPeter Woods has all the tools and could be a monster in this defensive unit. However, that will only happen if he buys in and shows a willingness to curb some of his reckless tendencies while developing his skills. Still, given just how high the upside is, it\u2019s a risk the Vikings should consider taking if they are determined to add to an already fun and young defensive line<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

3. Trading Down + Drafting a Defensive Back<\/p>\n

No matter what, the Vikings need cornerback and safety help for the long haul. Heading into the 2027 offseason, the Vikings will have these defensive backs under contract:<\/p>\n

Byron Murphy Jr. (CB)<\/p>\n

James Pierre (CB)<\/p>\n

Josh Metellus (S)<\/p>\n

Theo Jackson (S)<\/p>\n

Isaiah Rodgers, Jay Ward<\/a>, and Harrison Smith are not scheduled to be on the 2027 roster, and this draft should be just as much about planning for 2027 as 2026.<\/p>\n

In this scenario, the Vikings traded down 5-10 spots, grab a 3rd-Rounder or so, and pick one of these defensive backs:<\/p>\n

Brandon Cisse, CB (South Carolina)<\/p>\n

Colton Hood, CB (Tennessee)<\/p>\n

Chris Johnson, CB (San Diego State)<\/p>\n

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S (Toledo)<\/p>\n

Avieon Terrell, CB (Clemson)<\/p>\n

They\u2019d add a young cornerback or safety while ensuring five Top 10 draft picks are on the menu.<\/p>\n

2. Trading Down + Drafting a DT<\/p>\n

Take that logic from the Woods pick and tweak it just a little bit. <\/p>\n

\"FloridaFlorida defensive lineman Caleb Banks meets with reporters while representing his program during conference media availability July 16, 2025, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia. Banks discussed team outlook and preparation during SEC Media Days, offering insight into Florida\u2019s defensive front heading into the upcoming season. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Minnesota could prefer a defensive tackle with its first pick, but after Woods, the other iDL options can likely be drafted later in Round 1 or early in Round 2. We\u2019re talking these four players:<\/p>\n

Kayden McDonald (Ohio State)<\/p>\n

Caleb Banks (Florida)<\/p>\n

Lee Hunter (Texas Tech)<\/p>\n

Christen Miller (Georgia)<\/p>\n

The Vikings could love McDonald, Banks, Hunter, or Miller, trade down about 10 spots, and perhaps add a 2nd- or 3rd-Rounder while still getting their man.<\/p>\n

1. Draft Dillon Thieneman (S) at No. 18<\/p>\n

This take is everywhere, and this take is everywhere for a reason. <\/p>\n

The aforementioned Smith will either retire in a couple of months or a year in a couple of months. No matter what Smith decides, the Vikings need a safety. Thieneman, after an outstanding showing at the NFL Combine, blends the Vikings\u2019 team need with the best player available at pick No. 18. That\u2019s why you see Thieneman selected by Minnesota in 90% of all mock drafts.<\/p>\n

\"OregonOregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman steps in front of a pass for an interception during second-half action, shifting momentum in a rivalry matchup Nov 29, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The turnover highlighted his awareness and ball skills against Washington in a tightly contested game. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

While Minnesota could prefer the contrarian approach, it really might be as simple as choosing Thieneman and calling it good.<\/p>\n

SI.com\u2018s Will Ragatz on Thieneman<\/a>: \u201cIf he isn\u2019t taken before the 18th pick, it would not be surprising at all to see Thieneman end up in Minnesota. But the consensus formed by mock drafters<\/a> suggests it would be a surprise if he doesn\u2019t become a Viking, and that\u2019s worth pushing back on. There are a few reasons why this shouldn\u2019t be viewed as a slam dunk or a foregone conclusion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor one, Thieneman isn\u2019t the only safety who could make sense at 18. The lone safety who earned a higher PFF grade than him last year was Toledo\u2019s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, who has a legitimate case to be the second player drafted at that position after Ohio State\u2019s Caleb Downs. It\u2019s entirely possible the Vikings wind up preferring EMW, who is three inches taller and arguably a better open-field tackler than Thieneman.\u201d<\/p>\n

He currently ranks 18th on the Consensus Big Board<\/a>, and \u2014 checks notes \u2014 the Vikings have the 18th overall pick.<\/p>\n

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