{"id":853670,"date":"2026-04-04T18:00:23","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T18:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/853670\/"},"modified":"2026-04-04T18:00:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T18:00:23","slug":"vikings-dream-2026-nfl-draft-scenario-revealed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/853670\/","title":{"rendered":"Vikings ‘Dream’ 2026 NFL Draft Scenario Revealed"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"J.J.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with Justin Jefferson #18 <\/p>\n

The Minnesota Vikings<\/a> hold 9 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, including 4 in the top 100 picks.<\/p>\n

Here is a quick list of every single Vikings draft selection.<\/p>\n

Round 1, Pick 18
\nRound 2, Pick 49
\nRound 3, Pick 82
\nRound 3, Pick 97 (compensatory)
\nRound 5, Pick 163 (via Eagles<\/a>)
\nRound 6, Pick 196 (via Colts<\/a>)
\nRound 7, Pick 234
\nRound 7, Pick 235 (via Panthers<\/a>)
\nRound 7, Pick 244 (via Texans<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Of course, the Vikings will look to build out the team in the later rounds. However, they\u2019ve been given a \u201cdream\u201d draft scenario as we inch closer to the 2026 NFL Draft by\u00a0Bleacher Report.<\/p>\n

Vikings\u2019 \u2018Dream\u2019 2026 NFL Draft Scenario Revealed\"Minnesota<\/p>\n

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON \u2013 DECEMBER 22: Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels (L) and head coach Kevin O\u2019Connell of the Minnesota Vikings look on during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks<\/a> at Lumen Field on December 22, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Alex Ballentine of\u00a0Bleacher Report<\/a> shared his opinion on what Minnesota\u2019s \u201cdream\u201d draft scenario would entail.<\/p>\n

\u201cInjury concerns push Jermod McCoy<\/a> to the Vikings at No. 18. Even getting their choice of McNeil-Warren or Thieneman would be great. They need to stock up on secondary talent to take on Caleb Williams, Jared Goff and Jordan Love.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tennessee\u2019s Jermod McCoy is a stud prospect at corner. Even though he missed the entire 2025 season, he is still in conversation for many people\u2019s CB1 in this class. McCoy impressed at Tennessee\u2019s Pro Day with a 4.38 second 40-yard-dash, 38-inch vertical, and 10\u20197\u2033 broad jump.<\/p>\n

Here are some quick hitters on Jermod McCoy\u2019s strengths and weaknesses from\u00a0NFLDraftBuzz<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Strengths<\/p>\n

Elite ball skills, great spatial awareness
\nGreat instincts in zone coverage
\nGreat route recognition, doesn\u2019t bite often on double moves
\nNatural fluidity in coverage and aggression at the catch-point
\nNatural ability to press and mirror opposing receivers<\/p>\n

Weaknesses<\/p>\n

Torn ACL in January 2025 caused him to miss entire 2025 season
\nTendency to get grabby when beaten downfield
\nQuestionable tackling in space
\nInconsistencies in engaging in run support<\/p>\n

McCoy\u2019s fall to 18 would be greatly beneficial for the secondary-needy Minnesota Vikings.<\/p>\n

CB Stephon Gilmore Steps Away From Football\"Minnesota<\/p>\n

GettyLONDON, ENGLAND \u2013 OCTOBER 06: Stephon Gilmore of Minnesota Vikings looks on during the NFL match between New York Jets<\/a> and Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 06, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Former Vikings standout CB Stephon Gilmore announced his retirement from the NFL in a lengthy social media post.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo my first love, Football.<\/p>\n

As a young, scrappy kid from Rock Hill South Carolina with humble beginnings, the eldest of 6 \u2013 you gave me focus, opportunity, strength, and friends to last a lifetime.
From my first game with Finley Road\u00a0Falcons<\/a>\u00a0to two Super Bowls, multiple Pro Bowls, and a Defensive Player of the Year Award, you taught me the invaluable lesson of working hard and believing in myself.<\/p>\n

To my wife and kids, thank you for making it possible for me to chase my dreams;
to my parents, thank you for raising me to be the man l am today;\u00a0to my coaches, thank you for pouring into me.<\/p>\n

And to the fans-thank you for your support. I have had an incredible 13 years in the League, and I cannot wait to see what this next chapter holds.<\/p>\n

GillyLock Out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gilmore was certainly known more as a New England Patriot or Buffalo Bill more than anything. However, the Vikings will always be the team that Gilmore most recently played for.<\/p>\n

Stephon Gilmore spent 2024 with Minnesota, achieving 40 tackles and 1 interception. His contributions helped a league-top Vikings defense to a 14-3 record. He finishes with 32 total interceptions in his 180 career games played.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBrevan Bane<\/a> 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<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Vikings\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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