{"id":854257,"date":"2026-04-05T00:44:32","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T00:44:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/854257\/"},"modified":"2026-04-05T00:44:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T00:44:32","slug":"our-staff-predicts-the-vikings-second-draft-pick","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/854257\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Staff Predicts the Vikings’ SECOND Draft Pick"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"ArizonaNov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive back Treydan Stukes (2) against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

All the focus is on the Minnesota Vikings\u2019 draft pick at No. 18<\/a> \u2014 and rightfully so. But this week, we asked VikingsTerritory writers to predict the second draft pick of the event, and Minnesota currently holds the 49th selection.<\/p>\n

Minnesota\u2019s second-round outlook sparked a wide mix of predictions from the VikingsTerritory staff.<\/p>\n

These are their formal predictions, with the draft 2.5 weeks away. <\/p>\n

The Prospects Who Stand Out for Minnesota at Pick No. 47<\/p>\n

Which player do you think the Vikings will draft in Round 2?<\/p>\n

\"AlabamaAlabama wide receiver Germie Bernard goes through pregame warmups, preparing for action and working through routes ahead of kickoff Oct 11, 2025, at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri. Bernard focused on timing and movement as the Crimson Tide readied for a road matchup against the Missouri Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

1. Germie Bernard | WR, Alabama<\/p>\n

Predictor: Sean Borman<\/p>\n

From a roster-building standpoint, getting a talented WR like Bernard with pick 49 makes sense. The Vikings just picked up Jordan Addison\u2019s 5th-year option for 2027. While interim GM Rob Brzezinski<\/a> said the team has budgeted for an Addison extension, picking Bernard not only adds a WR3 who can play immediately, but also provides insurance and leverage for future Addison negotiations.<\/p>\n

2. Treydan Stukes | CB, Arizona<\/p>\n

Predictor: Brevan Bane<\/p>\n

The kid could fit in Minnesota, playing corner (mostly in nickel) or even at safety, next to a potentially returning Harrison Smith or a replacement to be determined. <\/p>\n

3. Logan Jones | C, Iowa<\/p>\n

Predictor: Kyle Joudry<\/p>\n

Going to Minnesota will be Logan Jones<\/a>, the center from Iowa (after a trade down in the 2nd). He fits their preferred details for the spot as a smaller option who is an excellent athlete.<\/p>\n

4. Jadarian Price | HB, Notre Dame<\/p>\n

Predictor: Henrique Gucciardi<\/p>\n

There are multiple reports that the Vikings are targeting an RB early in the Draft. Price is an explosive and patient runner who could also contribute as a kick returner. He also doesn\u2019t have much mileage, as he was Jeremiyah Love\u2019s backup in college.<\/p>\n

5. Jonah Coleman | RB, Washington<\/p>\n

Predictor: Josh Frey<\/p>\n

The Vikings need to inject some youth into their running back room, and Coleman is a player who can impact the game in all aspects, whether it be running the ball, catching passes, or blocking.<\/p>\n

t6. Anthony Hill Jr. | ILB, Texas<\/p>\n

Predictor: Cole Smith<\/p>\n

Smith aligns with the 49th overall pick on the PFSN Industry Consensus Big Board and was one of the nation\u2019s most reliable tacklers in 2025. This gives the Vikings a young linebacker alongside Blake Cashman<\/a> and allows Brian Flores to be even more creative with Eric Wilson.<\/p>\n

t6. Anthony Hill Jr. | ILB, Texas<\/p>\n

Predictor: Dustin Baker<\/p>\n

Eric Wilson will turn 32 this year, and the other starting off-ball linebacker, Blake Cashman, will be a free agent in 2027. Minnesota needs youth at linebacker. <\/p>\n

Flores favors versatile players, and Hill perfectly exemplifies a do-it-all linebacker. While at Texas, he demonstrated the ability to rush the passer from the edge, play off-ball linebacker, and drop into coverage. This hybrid skill set is a mainstay among players who have thrived in Flores\u2019s system<\/a>, such as Andrew Van Ginkel and Josh Metellus.<\/p>\n

t8. D\u2019Angelo Ponds | CB, Indiana<\/p>\n

Predictor: Janik Eckardt<\/p>\n

\"IndianaIndiana defensive back D\u2019Angelo Ponds stands on the practice field during summer workouts, taking reps and sharpening technique Aug 5, 2025, at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Ponds worked through drills with teammates as the Hoosiers prepared for the upcoming season and evaluated defensive depth in camp. Mandatory Credit: Rich Janzaruk-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Ponds thrives in zone-heavy schemes that feature nickel defenders. His awareness, quick reaction, and strong ball skills are best utilized in these systems. He is particularly effective in off-coverage and zone concepts, where he can quickly read the quarterback and react. He\u2019ll be a Viking on Day 2 of the draft.<\/p>\n

t8. D\u2019Angelo Ponds | CB, Indiana<\/p>\n

Predictor: Steve Hoikkala<\/p>\n

The biggest knock on Ponds is that he is undersized at only 5\u20199, 182 lbs, but he plays a lot bigger than that with his top CB vertical at the Combine<\/a> at 43.5\u2033, and ran a 4.31 40-time at his pro day. He has a nose for the ball and in (2) seasons at Indiana in the Big 10, he only allowed 1 TD, caught 5 INTs, and allowed a meager 52.4 passer rating to opposing QBs.<\/p>\n

If he is there at pick #49, D\u2019Angelo Ponds<\/a> may be tough to pass on for the Vikings. If the Vikings don\u2019t select a CB in the first round, the second round may be the last chance to get a potential starter for the future in this draft.<\/p>\n

t10. Lee Hunter | DT, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

Predictor: Adam New<\/p>\n

The Vikings need a big nose tackle, and Texas Tech\u2019s Lee Hunter ticks that box. A 24-year-old rookie, he brings plenty of experience and should be able to make a big contribution in Year 1.<\/p>\n

t10. Lee Hunter | DT, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

Predictor: Tony Schultz<\/p>\n

\"TexasTexas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter speaks with reporters during conference media availability, discussing preparation and expectations Jul 8, 2025, at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Hunter represented his program at Big 12 Media Days, offering insight into the Red Raiders\u2019 defensive outlook heading into the season. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

After taking a starter and a player of need in round one, the Vikings can follow that up immediately in round 2. Safety, cornerback, center, or running back can be addressed in the first round. However, this may be a surprise pick at wide receiver or defensive tackle.<\/p>\n

I say they take defensive tackle Lee Hunter over wide receiver Chris Brazzell<\/a> because Brazzell has some driving violations. Sound familiar? Hunter would shore up the middle on run plays and has some push to collapse the pocket and make plays in the backfield. If his projection pans out, he, Jalen Redmond, and Levi Drake Rodriguez would make a formidable front.<\/p>\n

t10. Lee Hunter | DT, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

Predictor: Wes Johnson<\/p>\n

This pick is obviously based on what happens in the first round, but let\u2019s assume the Vikings go safety \u2014 Dillon Thieneman or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren \u2014 with their first pick. Hunter fills a need for depth along the defensive interior and should help shore up the defense upfront in a division where they like to run the ball.<\/p>\n

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