my first Vikings mock draft of 2026, and with the curtain pulled on the 2025 season and the Seattle Seahawks reigning supreme. It’s time to look again with my 2026 Vikings mock draft 2.0.
Adam New’s Post-Super Bowl Blueprint for the Vikings’ 2026 Draft
In my first mock draft, I concentrated on the defensive side of the ball early, and that trend remains. I firmly believe that’s how the Vikings should attack this draft, while making room for an RB, TE, and C at some point, depending on how the board falls on draft day. I have gone for a different position in round one this team, looking to add beef up front first, rather than boosting the secondary — that comes on Day 2. Here is my Vikings mock draft 2.0.
Round 1: Pick 18 – Caleb Banks (DI), Florida
There are a few areas of the Vikings’ defense that need to be addressed in this draft, and I start by finding a long-term partner for Jalen Redmond in the center of the Vikings’ defensive line. At 6’6″, 325 pounds, with arms over 35″, Caleb Banks has overwhelming size, length, and forklift power, to pair with inhuman burst and quickness at that size.
 hypes the crowd during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 7, 2023. © Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/USATSI_21596620.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/USATSI_21596620.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/USATSI_21596620.jpg” alt=”Florida defesive tackle Caleb Banks in 2023. Vikings mock draft 2026.”><figcaption>Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) hypes the crowd during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 7, 2023. © Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK.</figcaption></figure>
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<p>The only concern is a longer-than-ideal injury history, but the raw talent is there, and Banks can be the final piece to a completely dominant Vikings defensive line.</p>
<h3>Round 2: Pick 49 – Keionte Scott (CB), Miami (FL)</h3>
<p>Keionte Scott is a nickel CB who can have a big impact on a game. During Miami’s run to the national championship game in 2025, he amassed 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, and two pick-sixes. An explosive long-striding closer, with springy coverage and an elite processor with a fast-flowing style and relentless physicality, Scott should be a great fit in the Brian Flores defense.</p>
<h3>Round 3: Pick 82 – Genesis Smith (S), Arizona</h3>
<p>The Vikings need to replace Harrison Smith and never really replaced Camryn Bynum last season. Genesis Smith would be the Bynum replacement with rare range and long-strider speed as a center-fielder and single-high safety, and his playmaking instincts are elite. Smith is one of the best coverage safeties in this draft class, which is just what the Vikings need in their secondary.</p>
<h3>Round 3: Pick 97 – Jadarian Price (RB), Notre Dame</h3>
<p>Jadarian Price has been living in the shadow of Jeremiyah Love in the Notre Dame backfield. While you might need to spend a top 10 pick to acquire Love’s services, Price may be the better value pick on Day 2. An exciting draft prospect in his own right, </p>
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Price is an explosive vertical threat with a great blend of vision, spatial instincts, and foot speed. He has a smooth running style, and he goes 0-to-100 in the blink of an eye when he sees a gap to exploit.
Round 5: Pick 156 – Jake Slaughter (C), Florida
The first player to land on the Vikings with the same pick as in my first Vikings mock draft. With the future of Ryan Kelly uncertain after a series of concussions, and in the last year of his contract. The Vikings need to think about the future at center.
 gets a hug after an NCAA football game against Tennessee at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Florida lost to Tennessee 31-11. © Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/USATSI_27660093.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=830,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/USATSI_27660093.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/USATSI_27660093.jpg” alt><figcaption>Florida offensive lineman Jake Slaughter (66) gets a hug after an NCAA football game against Tennessee at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Florida lost to Tennessee 31-11. © Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure>
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<p>The free agency addition of Tyler Linderbaum would be the dream scenario, but Jake Slaughter would make a good plan B, especially if Kelly does try to play on. Minnesota will need some insurance at center.</p>
<h3>Round 7: Pick 234 – Drew Allar (QB), Penn State</h3>
<p>This isn’t the draft to try again for a top QB, but taking a punt on one in the later rounds is always worthwhile, even if it’s for a guy whose ceiling is career backup. Drew Allar has the tools to be that and more potentially.</p>
<p>A former five-star recruit, standing at 6’5 “, 235 pounds, he has a rocket arm, and he has the nimble mobility and arm elasticity to work off-platform — as well as goodpre-snap command and post-snap processing. So why might he be available this late? Accuracy issues and poor mechanics will need much work for Allar to have any success in the NFL. At this point in the draft, it’s worth a gamble.</p>
<h3>Round 7: Pick 235 – Jeff Caldwell (WR), Cincinnati</h3>
<p>Jeff Caldwell transferred to Cincinnati for a step up in competition in the 2025 season and reeled in 32 receptions for 478 yards and six touchdowns. </p>
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I seem to suggest every off-season that the Vikings need a big physical wide receiver, and Caldwell brings this (6’4, 208 lbs) while also having the speed to be a vertical threat. An explosive talent that comes in at No. 29 on Bruce Feldman’s annual Freaks list, Caldwell would be a great get on Day 3.
Round 7: Pick 244 – Riley Mahlman (OT), Wisconsin
As the 2025 season proved, good depth on the OL is always valuable. Picking up a well-rounded if unspectacular OT prospect like Wisconsin’s Riley Mahlman, who is strongest in pass protection, would be an excellent use of a seventh-round pick — especially if the Vikings get back to the explosive passing offense that Kevin O’Connell wants.
Round 7: Pick 244- Jack Velling (TE), Michigan State
The second player to make it onto both of my Vikings mock drafts to date, though a few spots lower in the seventh round this time. The Vikings went TE-heavy towards the end of last season to help out their QB. If that trend continues, then a fresh face at the position makes sense.
Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.
