{"id":862539,"date":"2026-04-09T19:42:38","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T19:42:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/862539\/"},"modified":"2026-04-09T19:42:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T19:42:38","slug":"minnesota-vikings-expected-to-address-critical-need-early-in-nfl-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/862539\/","title":{"rendered":"Minnesota Vikings Expected to Address ‘Critical Need’ Early in NFL Draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last offseason, the Minnesota Vikings<\/a> lost starting safety Cam Bynum to the Indianapolis Colts<\/a> in free agency. The former fourth-round pick proceeded to have another excellent season with the Colts, recording a career-high four interceptions. <\/p>\n

This offseason, the Vikings released franchise icon Harrison Smith<\/a>. The potential future Hall of Famer turned 37 in February, and he\u2019s pondering retirement after starting for the past 14 seasons. The Vikings have not added a safety in free agency, nor did they draft one last year.<\/p>\n

Needless to say, safety is one of the team\u2019s top needs, even if Smith decides to return for a 15th season, as his playing future is surely limited. However, the Vikings seem likely to address this position in the 2026 NFL Draft, where they have nine selections, including the 18th overall pick in the first round.<\/p>\n

Recently, ESPN\u2019s NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller<\/a> sat down with local KSTP Vikings insider Darren \u2018Doogie\u2019 Wolfson. While doing so, Miller stated his belief that the Vikings would address their \u201ccritical need\u201d for a safety early on in the 2026 NFL Draft, either in Round 1 or Round 2, where the Vikings hold the 49th overall pick. <\/p>\n

\u201cI think Minnesota has a critical need at the safety spot that it feels like it\u2019s gonna get addressed if not in Round 1, then it will be pretty early in Round 2.\u201d<\/p>\n

Good to be back on the grind after a solid family vacation. Caught up with ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller today. Snippet of our #Vikings<\/a> centric chat and link to all 11 minutes below:https:\/\/t.co\/GsIIoJhqqL<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/39IvbuxB24<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) April 9, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

The way Miller describes it \u2013 \u201cpretty early in Round 2\u201d almost makes one wonder if the Vikings are targeting potentially trading up from the 49th overall pick, or possibly trading down from No. 18 to land a safety they covet. Either way, expect an injection of youth into defensive coordinator Brian Flores\u2019 secondary on draft weekend. <\/p>\n

Related: Minnesota Vikings In Attendance for Defensive Prospect\u2019s \u2018Statement Workout\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n

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\t\tDedicated NFL copywriter\/editor. My work has been found on Sportsnaut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports … More about Andrew Buller-Russ<\/a><\/p>\n

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