{"id":856566,"date":"2026-04-06T08:25:57","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T08:25:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/856566\/"},"modified":"2026-04-06T08:25:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T08:25:57","slug":"5-draft-curveballs-the-vikings-could-throw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/856566\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Draft Curveballs the Vikings Could Throw"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"VikingsMinnesota Vikings fans erupt with energy in the stands, reacting to early-game action as noise and momentum build across the stadium Sep 15, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during a matchup against the San Francisco 49ers with the home crowd creating a charged atmosphere throughout the first quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

The 2026 NFL Draft<\/a> will arrive in about 2.5 weeks, and the Minnesota Vikings are anxious to know the outcome of the team\u2019s first few picks, as interim general manager Rob Brzezinski<\/a> has four selections in the Top 10. But what if he swerves? Always remember \u2014 the Atlanta Falcons drafted Michael Penix about six weeks after signing Kirk Cousins two years ago.<\/p>\n

Minnesota has several sneaky draft paths that could catch fans and analysts off guard.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a look at the realistic curveballs Minnesota could throw at you in the draft.<\/p>\n

A Few Unexpected Draft Moves Remain in Play for Minnesota<\/p>\n

Ranked in no particular order, this is the sneaky stuff Minnesota might have up its sleeve. <\/p>\n

\"JeremiyahNotre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love breaks free for a long touchdown run, sprinting downfield during fourth-quarter action Nov 1, 2025, at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Love showcased elite speed and burst on the 94-yard scoring play, helping the Fighting Irish pull away from Boston College late in the contest. Mandatory Credit: Edward Finan-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

1. Trading Up for RB Jeremiyah Love<\/p>\n

Love would make the Vikings\u2019 offense unstoppable; let\u2019s get that out there. With Kyler Murray in the house, the sky is the limit for Kevin O\u2019Connell\u2019s scheme<\/a>, and landing Love would change everything about the franchise. It\u2019s O\u2019Connell\u2019s ticket to changing a pass-happy offense into a balanced killer.<\/p>\n

The trade, however, won\u2019t be cheap. To get Love, whether at pick No. 4, No. 6, or No. 10, the Vikings will have to surrender their 18th pick, a 2nd-Rounder, and perhaps a 3rd-Rounder. If they love Love, it might be worth it.<\/p>\n

2. Drafting TE Kenyon Sadiq at No. 18<\/p>\n

At 6\u20193\u2033 and 245 pounds, Sadiq is still 21, allowing him ample time to develop compared to other prospects. Across 42 games at Oregon, he logged 80 receptions for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns. Highlighting his athleticism, Oregon also used him as a kick returner in \u201923 and \u201924.<\/p>\n

Sadiq\u2019s versatility sets him apart as a potential first-round pick. His capacity to catch passes and block for both runners and quarterbacks is a rare combination for a tight end his age.<\/p>\n

TE1 T.J. Hockenson will be a free agent next offseason. There\u2019s absolutely no reason the Vikings or the team\u2019s fans should say, \u201cWe have Hockenson; we don\u2019t need a tight end.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embracing the best player available mindet, Minnesota could take the plunge with Sadiq<\/a> at No. 18. The coaching staff won\u2019t regret it.<\/p>\n

3. Trading Jonathan Greenard, Jordan Addison, or J.J. McCarthy<\/p>\n

A Greenard trade has been rumored for over a month. If he wants a contract over $30 million per season, Minnesota might have to trade him for budgetary purposes. After all, Micah Parsons earns $46 million per year in Green Bay. Greenard\u2019s at $19 million. Quite the variance. The Indianapolis Colts<\/a> and Philadelphia Eagles have evidently been side-eyeing Greenard\u2019s trade price for weeks.<\/p>\n

Then, an Addison trade is unlikely after exercising his fifth-year option this week. But what if a team dangled a 1st-Rounder, which Minnesota could parley into Jordyn Tyson<\/a> or Omar Cooper? Would you do it?<\/p>\n

\"JonathanMinnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard celebrates after recording a sack, bringing energy to the defense during second-half action Sep 14, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Greenard\u2019s play helped disrupt Atlanta\u2019s offense as Minnesota maintained pressure throughout the matchup against the Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

On McCarthy, teams like the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals need long-term quarterback fixes, or at least plans in that direction. If Minnesota could pry loose a 2nd-Rounder or 3rd-Rounder for McCarthy, Brzezinski would have to listen.<\/p>\n

4. Picking a WR at No. 18<\/p>\n

Jalen Nailor now works for the Las Vegas Raiders<\/a>. He was the Vikings\u2019 WR3 in 2024 and 2025. On deck as his replacement? Tai Felton \u2014 who barely played at all on offense as a rookie last year.<\/p>\n

On top of those factoids, Addison\u2019s legal problems (the WR2) are troublesome. He could be arrested at any minute, sending the Vikings\u2019 offensive planning into disarray. That\u2019s just a fear the Vikings must live with by now. <\/p>\n

Pretend Minnesota let Nailor walk because it planned to spend a 1st-Rounder on a new wide receiver. These players could be on the board at No. 18:<\/p>\n

Makai Lemon (USC)<\/p>\n

Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State)<\/p>\n

Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana)<\/p>\n

KC Concepcion (Texas A&M)<\/p>\n

Denzel Boston (Washington)<\/p>\n

The Vikings do one single thing really, really well throughout the last four decades: draft fantastic wide receivers. Maybe they\u2019ll shock the world and do it again. After all, O\u2019Connell is an offensively minded head coach (and now the default Team CEO).<\/p>\n

5. Choosing an EDGE in Round 1<\/p>\n

The deepest spot on the Vikings\u2019 roster, less than three weeks from the draft? Outside linebacker. These men headline the group:<\/p>\n

Jonathan Greenard<\/p>\n

Andrew Van Ginkel<\/p>\n

Dallas Turner<\/p>\n

Still, drafting an EDGE cannot be ruled out because Greenard is evidently on the trade block to some extent, and Van Ginkel will be a free agent next offseason. <\/p>\n

\"CashiusTexas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell lines up along the defensive front, preparing for the snap during game action Dec 20, 2025, at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. Howell focused on his assignment pre-snap as the Aggies battled Miami, contributing to the defensive effort in a late-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

These are the names to keep in mind:<\/p>\n

Keldric Faulk (Auburn)<\/p>\n

Akheem Mesidor (Miami)<\/p>\n

T.J. Parker (Clemson)<\/p>\n

Cashius Howell (Texas A&M)<\/p>\n

Zion Young (Missouri)<\/p>\n

The Vikings have drafted one EDGE rusher<\/a> in Round 1 in the last 20 years: the aforementioned Turner. Adding another isn\u2019t the worst idea in the world; fans rarely complain about their favorite team having \u201ctoo many good OLBs.\u201d<\/p>\n

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