2026 draft stuff

[gunnarthor]

This is a pretty good article on upcoming prospects for the draft. Figured it's worth starting now, since the college season is mostly done. Obviously, after the football is over, players will really sky-rocket up these lists. 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/47097046/2026-nfl-draft-questions-top-prospects-qb-class-risers

Sounds like Tennessee would trade down with us (if we're top 10) to get more picks. Two of the top three QBs look good but haven't had a lot of experience. If they Vikes sit somewhere in the 8-13 range, don't move up, and don't get a QB (for whatever reason), it looks like there might be a really good safety, running back, or a nose tackle that could be available. 

Also, if it's ok with everyone, let's try to keep this thread to draft stuff and wants rather than to complaining about KAM.

[The Great Hambino]

Looking into next year and beyond, is there a single position group with better than average depth?  Edge, I guess?

No trading up for me, please.  Too many areas in need of fixing to forfeit bites at the apple, especially with how limited they're going to be in adding free agents next year.  If anything, trade down - within reason.  No going 20 spots down in the first round.

"Best Player Available" should be the motto for the entire draft.

Also, while trying to find out about the picks they have going into next year, I learned that their original 6th rounder has gone on quite an adventure.  Originally shipped off to Houston for Cam Akers, they got it back by shipping off Ed Ingram (always a good sign when you can trade a benched second-rounder for a sixth round pick), then shipped it off again to get Jordan Mason.  

[TheLeviathan]

32 minutes ago, The Great Hambino said:

Looking into next year and beyond, is there a single position group with better than average depth?  Edge, I guess?

No trading up for me, please.  Too many areas in need of fixing to forfeit bites at the apple, especially with how limited they're going to be in adding free agents next year.  If anything, trade down - within reason.  No going 20 spots down in the first round.

"Best Player Available" should be the motto for the entire draft.

Also, while trying to find out about the picks they have going into next year, I learned that their original 6th rounder has gone on quite an adventure.  Originally shipped off to Houston for Cam Akers, they got it back by shipping off Ed Ingram (always a good sign when you can trade a benched second-rounder for a sixth round pick), then shipped it off again to get Jordan Mason.  

Your disparaging remarks about this obvious draft hit are so unnecessary.....

Ed Ingram's HOF bust will laugh at you one day.

[gunnarthor]

A mock draft! There have probably been more out but this is the first one I saw.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/12/03/nfl-mock-draft-2026-quarterback-first-round/87567716007/

Has something special for Nick, too. Has us taking a cornerback who is injured.

[Mike Sixel]

Haven't looked at that yet.....but here are my top needs (other than QB)

DT, CB, OL (C, OT, OT, OG), WR (esp. if they deal Addison, as they should), RB, TE

Now that I've typed that......I think I'd want DT, CB early as possible. 

[The Great Hambino]

10 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Haven't looked at that yet.....but here are my top needs (other than QB)

DT, CB, OL (C, OT, OT, OG), WR (esp. if they deal Addison, as they should), RB, TE

Now that I've typed that......I think I'd want DT, CB early as possible. 

That's almost every position.  That's why I'm on team BPA and team DTU (don't trade up).

I would avoid drafting a QB (need a veteran + not terribly impressed with next year's prospects), but if they're picking in that 8-12 range the best player available almost certainly won't be a QB since teams are so QB-thirsty at the top of round 1, so that issue likely takes care of itself

[Mike Sixel]

42 minutes ago, gunnarthor said:

A mock draft! There have probably been more out but this is the first one I saw.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/12/03/nfl-mock-draft-2026-quarterback-first-round/87567716007/

Has something special for Nick, too. Has us taking a cornerback who is injured.

God no. No way I take a CB that early wtih that injury. No. Just. No. 

[Mike Sixel]

3 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

God no. No way I take a CB that early wtih that injury. No. Just. No. 

The two CBS mock drafts both have the Vikings taking the same CB......

[TheLeviathan]

47 minutes ago, The Great Hambino said:

That's almost every position.  That's why I'm on team BPA and team DTU (don't trade up).

I would avoid drafting a QB (need a veteran + not terribly impressed with next year's prospects), but if they're picking in that 8-12 range the best player available almost certainly won't be a QB since teams are so QB-thirsty at the top of round 1, so that issue likely takes care of itself

The weak QB class is really my own reason not to have sold all my McCarthy stock.

[gunnarthor]

39 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

The two CBS mock drafts both have the Vikings taking the same CB......

Man,  I gotta catch up on the mocks. But I really like the idea of the Clemson DL to go with Redmond inside.  

I did a mock draft and in the second round it looks like there are two centers worth nabbing, so I'll be happy if we take either of them. 

[Mike Sixel]

7 minutes ago, gunnarthor said:

Man,  I gotta catch up on the mocks. But I really like the idea of the Clemson DL to go with Redmond inside.  

I did a mock draft and in the second round it looks like there are two centers worth nabbing, so I'll be happy if we take either of them. 

actually, maybe one has the ND RB, and one has the CB.....but either way, I'm not rolling that die. Heck, the next pick in the USA mock is a CB. Just take him. 

[Mike Sixel]

Just saw a list of all their FAs, and, um, I keep 2, maybe 3, tops? They are going to need a lot of players from this draft. 

[Vanimal46]

Love stories like this. True underdog that built his way to the top. Also...

Quote

HIS CHILDHOOD DREAM was to become the starting quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings.

"Oh yeah, you betcha," his brother Joshua Rodriguez said with a chuckle.

Jacob Rodriguez was born in Hastings, Minnesota, the youngest of five siblings in a family that competed in everything, from croquet to UNO to holiday pancake decorating. Joe and Ann Rodriguez signed up Jacob and his twin brothers Joshua and Jeremiah for wrestling at a young age because "we were breaking everything," Joshua said.

 

[Mike Sixel]

44 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

Love stories like this. True underdog that built his way to the top. Also...

 

They are trying to get him heisman votes, and he's like 110th ranked prospect? It's a great story, 100% fun read for sure. I was shocked how low he was rated!

[gunnarthor]

39 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

They are trying to get him heisman votes, and he's like 110th ranked prospect? It's a great story, 100% fun read for sure. I was shocked how low he was rated!

Looks like he's a bigger Ivan Pace.

https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Jacob-Rodriguez-LB-TexasTech

"The modern NFL game might challenge Rodriguez in obvious passing situations where he'd need to cover athletic tight ends or running backs split wide, but his value as a run defender and blitzer gives him a clear path to contributing snaps early in his career. His quarterback background provides an intangible edge in recognizing offensive tendencies and making pre-snap adjustments that defensive coordinators covet. Teams running traditional 3-4 fronts where inside linebackers can flow freely to the ball should have Rodriguez high on their board, as his skill set aligns perfectly with that aggressive, downhill style."

[nicksaviking]

22 hours ago, gunnarthor said:

A mock draft! There have probably been more out but this is the first one I saw.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/12/03/nfl-mock-draft-2026-quarterback-first-round/87567716007/

Has something special for Nick, too. Has us taking a cornerback who is injured.

Yeah, I'd hope every GM has learned that lesson by now. Seems we have seen these players slide the last couple of years while the wonks on TV are incredulous that they are still on the board.

[gunnarthor]

1 hour ago, nicksaviking said:

Yeah, I'd hope every GM has learned that lesson by now. Seems we have seen these players slide the last couple of years while the wonks on TV are incredulous that they are still on the board.

Yeah, I think that sounds about right, actually. Last year it was Will Johnson. I had to look him up. He's played really well for Arizona but has only played in 7 games, starting 5. Before the draft, he was a potential top10 pick, they got him midway through the second.

[gunnarthor]

So, take this with a grain of salt but this article on SBNation suggests that at least one QB evaluator believes that if Arch Manning declares for the draft, he'll go #1 overall. I have no idea who Nate Tice is.

https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/1091884/nfl-mock-draft-2026-4-qbs-in-first-round-plus-the-arch-manning-dilemma#comments

"Manning has played much better as of late, including a three-touchdown performance against Vanderbilt, and then last week’s win over Texas A&M. His recent stretch has led Nate Tice — one of the voices in the quarterback evaluation space I listen to — to declare that if Manning were to enter the draft, he would be the first-overall pick."

[The Great Hambino]

2 hours ago, gunnarthor said:

So, take this with a grain of salt but this article on SBNation suggests that at least one QB evaluator believes that if Arch Manning declares for the draft, he'll go #1 overall. I have no idea who Nate Tice is.

https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/1091884/nfl-mock-draft-2026-4-qbs-in-first-round-plus-the-arch-manning-dilemma#comments

"Manning has played much better as of late, including a three-touchdown performance against Vanderbilt, and then last week’s win over Texas A&M. His recent stretch has led Nate Tice — one of the voices in the quarterback evaluation space I listen to — to declare that if Manning were to enter the draft, he would be the first-overall pick."

Nate Tice is a guy who has carved out a space for himself in the analytical football space.  I liked him as Robert Mays's sidekick on The Ringer's football podcasts before he went off to do his own thing.  He shows up every now and then on NFL Network.

He's an Edina product and held clipboards at Wisconsin.  You're probably more familiar with his dad, Mike

[Vanimal46]

2 hours ago, The Great Hambino said:

Nate Tice is a guy who has carved out a space for himself in the analytical football space.  I liked him as Robert Mays's sidekick on The Ringer's football podcasts before he went off to do his own thing.  He shows up every now and then on NFL Network.

He's an Edina product and held clipboards at Wisconsin.  You're probably more familiar with his dad, Mike

Arch Manning could be the top pick, but as a Texas fan, he’s not going to declare this year. Especially if Texas misses out on the college football playoff. 

[gunnarthor]

So looking at the standings, I think the Vikings floor would be pick #9. We're currently #11. Somehow, there are eight teams with 3 or fewer wins. Two teams have 4 wins - Cincy and Atlanta. Strangely, the Vikings are the only team with exactly 5 wins. Four teams - Miami, Balt, KC, Dallas - have 6 wins. So, realistically, the ceiling is likely around 15. 

Atlanta is cooked, I don't see them passing us. Cincy has four games against losing teams left so they could pass us. Miami could lose out. Dallas and KC should get at least two wins. Baltimore, I have no idea. 

[Cap'n Piranha]

Agreed there are myriad needs, but I don't think I would touch arguably the biggest one (QB), since I'm very leery at this point on KOC's ability to develop a young passer.  My ideal draft would feature the Mauigoa kid from Miami (slot him at RG and try to either trade Fries, or release him and save $5M against the cap).  I'd love to get Price from ND in the 2nd round, especially if trading Addison nets a 2nd or higher.  After that I'm shotgunning the OL (first center, then the tackles).  If someone wants to give me a 2nd or better for Darrisaw, or a 3rd or better for O'Neil, I do those moves as well.

Essentially, I'm pseudo punting on 2026, but not really because the goal is to build a solid or better OL, and replicate the JJM Michigan offense (which seems like what happened yesterday).  If that unlocks JJM, fantastic; use the 2027 draft to address the defense.  If it doesn't, then hopefully the failure leads to a top 5 pick in 2027, and I give up whatever it takes to get Sayin or Carr on this squad.

[Cap'n Piranha]

On 12/4/2025 at 10:28 AM, gunnarthor said:

Looks like he's a bigger Ivan Pace.

https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Jacob-Rodriguez-LB-TexasTech

"The modern NFL game might challenge Rodriguez in obvious passing situations where he'd need to cover athletic tight ends or running backs split wide, but his value as a run defender and blitzer gives him a clear path to contributing snaps early in his career. His quarterback background provides an intangible edge in recognizing offensive tendencies and making pre-snap adjustments that defensive coordinators covet. Teams running traditional 3-4 fronts where inside linebackers can flow freely to the ball should have Rodriguez high on their board, as his skill set aligns perfectly with that aggressive, downhill style."

Sounds maybe more like Cashman to me?  I thought I remembered that when Cashman was out last year, Pace really struggled to get the defense lined up.  Either way, I'm intrigued by adding a field general type linebacker who can maybe learn while playing with Cashman in 26, and then hopefully replace him in 27.  If he's available in the 3rd, I'd be good with the pick.

[nicksaviking]

38 minutes ago, Cap'n Piranha said:

Essentially, I'm pseudo punting on 2026, but not really because the goal is to build a solid or better OL, and replicate the JJM Michigan offense (which seems like what happened yesterday).  If that unlocks JJM, fantastic; use the 2027 draft to address the defense.  If it doesn't, then hopefully the failure leads to a top 5 pick in 2027, and I give up whatever it takes to get Sayin or Carr on this squad.

I think if you go into 2026 with JJ as the starting QB you are already telling the fans you're punting.

Which is fine if they still can't realistically get a long term franchise QB next year, but why would we want to replicate the Michigan offense? That's not a style of offense that can win a Super Bowl. Unless you have a Jalen Hurts or Lamar Jackson, you have to have a QB that can sling the ball all over the field. Plus, this franchise hasn't been able to put together an above average OL in two decades. If they try running the ball 60+% of the time, they're going to go three and out most series.

[Cap'n Piranha]

5 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

I think if you go into 2026 with JJ as the starting QB you are already telling the fans you're punting.

Which is fine if they still can't realistically get a long term franchise QB next year, but why would we want to replicate the Michigan offense? That's not a style of offense that can win a Super Bowl. Unless you have a Jalen Hurts or Lamar Jackson, you have to have a QB that can sling the ball all over the field. Plus, this franchise hasn't been able to put together an above average OL in two decades. If they try running the ball 60+% of the time, they're going to go three and out most series.

It's me being more realistic with what I think the Vikes are actually going to do.  I don't think KAM and KOC are going to admit that they completely whiffed on their 1st round QB choice after 10 games of him actually playing.  I shouldn't have said "I'm", as I meant that more as a sort of royal we.

If the Wilfs gave me personally free reign to run the team tomorrow, I'm telling KOC he can either become the OC or resign and promoting Flores to HC.  I'm trading pretty much everyone over the age of 27/28 for as much as I can get (spread across the 26 and 27 drafts), and drafting nothing but lineman (especially O-line) in 2026.  I'm then committing to winning maybe 2 games in 2026, so I can draft Sayin or Carr 1st overall in 2027.  I'm using the rest of my picks in 2027/2028 to build the skill corps on offense and further entrench the lines, while trusting Flores to identify FA targets on defense for 2027 and 2028.  By 2029, the script flips as I start to pay my high-level picks on offense, and shift to drafting defense.

To appease the fans, I'm slashing ticket prices, and offering free food/drink vouchers for anyone who maintains their season tickets.

[TheLeviathan]

1 hour ago, Cap'n Piranha said:

Agreed there are myriad needs, but I don't think I would touch arguably the biggest one (QB), since I'm very leery at this point on KOC's ability to develop a young passer.  My ideal draft would feature the Mauigoa kid from Miami (slot him at RG and try to either trade Fries, or release him and save $5M against the cap).  I'd love to get Price from ND in the 2nd round, especially if trading Addison nets a 2nd or higher.  After that I'm shotgunning the OL (first center, then the tackles).  If someone wants to give me a 2nd or better for Darrisaw, or a 3rd or better for O'Neil, I do those moves as well.

Essentially, I'm pseudo punting on 2026, but not really because the goal is to build a solid or better OL, and replicate the JJM Michigan offense (which seems like what happened yesterday).  If that unlocks JJM, fantastic; use the 2027 draft to address the defense.  If it doesn't, then hopefully the failure leads to a top 5 pick in 2027, and I give up whatever it takes to get Sayin or Carr on this squad.

I think I'm in a different direction entirely, though I see your vision.  If Caleb Downs is available....I take that man.

If he's not I want to deal down a bit and target guys like Sonny Styles, AJ Haucy, Mansoor Delane, CB McCoy, etc.  I want CB, S, LB, and NT this year.

[Cap'n Piranha]

20 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

I think I'm in a different direction entirely, though I see your vision.  If Caleb Downs is available....I take that man.

If he's not I want to deal down a bit and target guys like Sonny Styles, AJ Haucy, Mansoor Delane, CB McCoy, etc.  I want CB, S, LB, and NT this year.

I don't hate going defense--other than I trust Flores' ability to create a top tier unit far more than KOC's.  I don't think KOC can consistently get 90th percentile outcomes out of the players on his offense, so barring moving on from KOC, the only way to fix that is to give him a lot of players with higher 70th and 80th percentile outcomes; that means drafting a lot of offensive talent, and seeing what shakes out.

Ideally, I'd let Flores run the whole thing, and get him an OC that can agree with him on how to play complementary football, I just can't see KOC being shown the door this offseason (as much as I think he probably should be).

[TheLeviathan]

2 hours ago, Cap'n Piranha said:

I don't hate going defense--other than I trust Flores' ability to create a top tier unit far more than KOC's.  I don't think KOC can consistently get 90th percentile outcomes out of the players on his offense, so barring moving on from KOC, the only way to fix that is to give him a lot of players with higher 70th and 80th percentile outcomes; that means drafting a lot of offensive talent, and seeing what shakes out.

Ideally, I'd let Flores run the whole thing, and get him an OC that can agree with him on how to play complementary football, I just can't see KOC being shown the door this offseason (as much as I think he probably should be).

I don't think KOC will even use a RB if we take one highly.  But I know Flores needs a dude to suck up blockers in the run game.  And he needs someone on the outside so that Murphy and Metellus can go back to the roles they thrive in.  (And a Smith replacement)

I just don't see the needs on offense to be as old nor as limited in team control as the defensive side.  

[Cap'n Piranha]

18 hours ago, TheLeviathan said:

I don't think KOC will even use a RB if we take one highly.  But I know Flores needs a dude to suck up blockers in the run game.  And he needs someone on the outside so that Murphy and Metellus can go back to the roles they thrive in.  (And a Smith replacement)

I just don't see the needs on offense to be as old nor as limited in team control as the defensive side.  

Man, if KOC won't use a running back, even though he clearly has a QB who needs a strong running game desperately...than fire him for no other reason than being pig-headed.

[TheLeviathan]

2 hours ago, Cap'n Piranha said:

Man, if KOC won't use a running back, even though he clearly has a QB who needs a strong running game desperately...than fire him for no other reason than being pig-headed.

I hope this last game was evidence that he had a wake-up call on that.