{"id":871499,"date":"2026-04-22T00:08:41","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T00:08:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/871499\/"},"modified":"2026-04-22T00:08:41","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T00:08:41","slug":"minnesota-vikings-nfl-draft-bold-predictions-highlighted-by-elite-pass-catchers-defensive-back-selections-and-potential-moves-throughout-the-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/871499\/","title":{"rendered":"Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft bold predictions highlighted by elite pass catchers, defensive back selections, and potential moves throughout the weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Minnesota Vikings will make some explosive moves throughout the NFL Draft, and some of them will surprise you.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\"Mar
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMar 31, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O\u2019Connell during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore.
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The Minnesota Vikings have a bevy of directions at their disposal going into the NFL Draft. With needs at seemingly every position, they can do just about anything, and it will make sense.<\/p>\n

What is the optimal path forward for the Vikings? That will depend on who you talk to. It\u2019s one of the more interesting elements going into the NFL Draft, because there are so many paths forward. Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski<\/a> has a lot of pressure on him, as this draft class is critical for the future.<\/p>\n

What will the Vikings end up doing? Our bold predictions highlight what they are likely to do during draft weekend.<\/p>\n

\t\t\tTable of contents<\/p>\n

One of the first two picks will be a pass catcher<\/p>\n

The Vikings may have the likes of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson on the roster, but it wasn\u2019t nearly enough to field a talented offense. They were the 26th-ranked scoring offense in 2025, playing poorly consistently. Part of that was the quarterback position and the offensive line injuries, but head coach Kevin O\u2019Connell will want to attack his group of weapons.<\/p>\n

With the uncertain futures of both Addison and Hockenson, a pass catcher is high on the list. Kenyon Sadiq<\/a> has been at the top of the list for me over the last six weeks, and he\u2019s someone they have shown interest in. If that doesn\u2019t happen, wide receiver in round one isn\u2019t out of the question, same with round two.<\/p>\n

Potential wide receiver options:<\/p>\n

Treydan Stukes will be a Vikings selection<\/p>\n

This is an interesting one for many reasons. It likely will manifest with a Jonathan Greenard trade<\/a>, as that will give the Vikings extra capital on day two. In order to get him, the Vikings will likely have to trade up to get Stukes. That extra capital will work well in making that happen.<\/p>\n

Stukes feels built in a lab for Brian Flores. He has plenty of size, has a lot of experience after six years at Arizona, and can play everywhere on the back end. Having sub 4.4 speed is huge to explosiveness, and his change of direction is really good. Don\u2019t be surprised if he goes earlier than expected.<\/p>\n

Treydan Stukes
#4 safety\/#1 nickel\/#38 overall (would be #26 without injuries)<\/p>\n

Defensive chess piece with top-tier movement skills & versatility. Injury history hurts his grade, but he\u2019s worth a top 50 pick if the medicals clear.<\/p>\n

\u2013 2,674 career snaps between safety (503), slot\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/lsMrs7aTxu<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) February 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Vikings don\u2019t take a trench player with their first three picks<\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t something that I want to happen, but it\u2019s very plausible with how the draft is structured. There is a lot of offensive line talent in the first round, but it\u2019s not a priority position for the Vikings. That, paired with a lack of defensive line talent high up in the draft and you can start to see how it could happen.<\/p>\n

This center class is deep, but there isn\u2019t anyone worthy of a top 64 pick. With all of the needs the Vikings have, the first one will come at either pick 97 or whatever the fourth pick will be.<\/p>\n

Vikings will trade down with one of their first two picks<\/p>\n

Even though the Vikings have nine picks and four in the top 97, trading down is going to be on the mind of Brzezinski. They would love to have another pick on day two or get one in the fourth round. Expect them to make a move to get one of those picks separate from a possible Greenard trade.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\"Oregon\t\t<\/p>\n

Minnesota Vikings News<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMike Macdonald gives credence to popular Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft selection by highlighting current NFL trend\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

The first round options for the Minnesota Vikings are interesting, and a current NFL trend could maximize their success.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\"Sep\t\t<\/p>\n

Minnesota Vikings News<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMinnesota Vikings move on from high-upside defender, but his story might not be over just yet\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

Jaylon Hutchings signed with the Minnesota Vikings after a successful stint in the CFL, but his NFL journey has hit a bump in the road.<\/p>\n