2026 draft stuff

[Mike Sixel]

3 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Fullback. Seems those guys are usually UDFAs not 5th rounders.

Right. He didn't run the ball or catch the ball last year, and had a foot injury. He would have been there much later. 

[AlwaysinModeration]

Maybe a punter?

[Mike Sixel]

Demmings is a great late round pick. Small school. Raw. Athletic. 

[Vanimal46]

11 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Fullback. Seems those guys are usually UDFAs not 5th rounders.

Oh my word you’re serious… wow. 

[Vanimal46]

We’re gonna take a 7th round center again aren’t we. Sigh…

[TheLeviathan]

15 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Fullback. Seems those guys are usually UDFAs not 5th rounders.

This is a good player though.  I think we'll end up looking back fondly at that choice.

[TheLeviathan]

You know what I do like about this draft?  Emphasis on physicality.  This team needs that and they're getting it in this draft.

[Danchat]

Drafting a FB in the 5th round is certainly a choice, and he's not even the best FB in this class. Not wise use of draft capital there when you can find them in the UDFA signings. I like the CB pick, they needed to add some young talent to that room.

[nicksaviking]

The FB might be a good player, but it’s basically an un-evaluable position since they are all either over-sized RBs or oddly sized TEs. But that’s why none are ever drafted. 

[nicksaviking]

Claiborne at RB. I like this one. Finally a different kind of RB.

[Danchat]

They flipped a future 6th and a this year 7th to go get Claiborne. He's a small back with blazing speed, will KOC actually use him? He never used simiarly speedy backs Nwangwu and avoided Chandler when possible.

 

[Mike Sixel]

Move him to WR.....

[nicksaviking]

Got the Center. Not familiar with him but center is a position where it seems you can hit on no-name guys late.

[Danchat]

And they finish by going with a guy I've never heard of, a center out of Cincinnati. Basically the same thing they did with Jurgens a couple years ago, so they've failed to draft a demonstrably better backup center than him.

[nicksaviking]

Sullivan and Birk were no-name late picks. Seattle just won the Super Bowl with UDFA Jalen Sundell. I’m by no means going to celebrate the pick but it is one of the best positions to find guys really late. 

[Mike Sixel]

I like the late picks for real value. I thought the early picks were taken too early, and carry real risk. Not my favorite draft, not my least favorite.

[nicksaviking]

Center but only late, and no WR. I wouldn’t be surprised if they end up bringing in Glasgow and DeAndre Hopkins on cheap deals.

You know, youth movement.

[The Great Hambino]

Drafting a fullback in any round gets an A+ from me.

This has absolutely nothing to do with me watching my former position go the way of the middle guard.  We're not extinct yet!

[Mike Sixel]

The wonks really do not like this class, mostly saying what I'm saying ... They picked guys too early for their value. Even if the first pick is healthy, he was way down on boards because of the foot. I'm not confident at all.... Given these are the same scouts making the picks, grading prospects, whatever, for the last few classes here. 

[Danchat]

It's between a B and a C for me. I like the focus on defense and they needed an infusion of talent, I like the DL upgrades even if Banks has a ton of risk. I thought they had chances for a starting DB and potential at WR/C but made a couple questionable picks in Round 3 and 5. The Greenard trade didn't provide as much value as you'd hope, and the UDFA class was pedestrian - seems like Kwesi's penchant for landing several of the best UDFAs has left with him. They got the top UDFA punter which is good, but I didn't have them landing a single draftable UDFA out of the 19 players they signed.

[DocBauer]

So I took a week off to reflect  on the draft, and read various opinions on the selections made, as well as digging in to the UDFA signings. The draft is simply not the way I would have run things, but I'm still waiting for the day they ask my opinion, lol

But I'm never going to be down on a draft that adds to the trenches. And while again, it's not the way I would have drafted, I think we need to look at each selection on their own merit.

BANKS: Take away the foot injury, I don't know that he reaches the Vikes at 18. DT wasn't deep this year, but there were some interesting prospects. But Banks is absolutely the most talented of the bunch and has serious upside. Rumor has it a few other clubs also were willing to "bank" on the positive medical reports and grab him in the 20's.

GOLDAY: I really like the length and speed and athleticism he provides. A definitite Flores choice here. He might see limited reps as a rookie, but Flores has a plan for this kid.

ORANGE: A true NT to stuff the run and tie up blockers for the LB/EDGE to make plays. ANY kind of pocket pushing/rush ability developed and he could be a beast.

TIERNAN: I didn't see OT as a NEED this early. But again, I will never complain about adding talent to the trenches. He's massive, moves well, and can play either spot. Just needs to sustain blocks a little more.

THOMAS: Again, a Flores pick, IMO. A smart kid with a good frame who sort of replaces Bynum a year late, with a physical play style. A little better run fit tackling, from what I read, and he might be a really solid player.

BREDESON: I understand some angst about drafting a FB this early. But this kid is the real deal as a blocker. Bigger than Ham, maybe an even better blocker, he supposedly has good hands despite seldom being used as a receiver. With some recent coaching changes, it appears KOC is prepared to lean in to a better running game than previous seasons. Bredeson is part of that lean. My biggest question is can he be an effective ball carrier for some short yardage plays and traps that Ham was good at.

DEMMINGS: If you just built a CB from the ground up, you'd probably have Demmings. He's tall, long, fast, explosive, and seems to have natural cover ability. He has to adjust to a different level, but he's only expected to be the #4 CB as a rookie. 

CLAIBORNE: While he's been compared to De'Von Achane, as a lifelong Vikings fan, he reminds me a lot of Darrin Nelson. Very similar size and ability. Even if he's a speedy #2 RB and dangerous receiver, this is a great pick. I'm actually surprised they got him this late.

GERHARDT: This pick has some lighting attached to it. With CENTER as an obvious need, I was totally surprised that the team didn't make this a priority pick earlier. Maybe instead of Tiernan in the 3rd round? But he was actually part of the Vikes top 30 prospects brought in. I can't recall now where I read it, but I did see that he was an intended target of theirs. 

What's totally bizarre to me is Vikings history of quality CENTERS. Tingelhoff was an UDFA when the draft was 20 rounds. Was Swilley even a draft choice? Lowdermilk was a 3rd round pick IIRC. Christy was a 4th round pick of the Cardinals, IIRC, as a OG, and signed by the Vikings in the old Plan "B" FA years ago. Sullivan and Birk were both 6th round selections. But when they tried to draft a CENTER early like Elflein and Bradburry, they kinda whiffed.

I'm kinda thinking Tiernan's selection was based on Brandel ACTUALLY being their CENTER of choice to enter 2026. And I've been pounding the table for a couple years that he should be playing OC to increase his value. But I never saw him as the starter there. So I still have questions. But apparently they really like Gerhardt. So I'm holding out some hope that they have a diamond in the rough here.

I'm going to argue a bit with @Danchatconcerning the collection of UDFA. I think they did pretty well once again, though I was disappointed they didn't find a better 5th RB than Kejon Owens from Florida International. He's got a good resume of production, but he's a grinder kind of back, limited speed and quickness.

But I think there are some very interesting options here.

THORSON: My goodness, the Aussie was the Ray Guy winner who has a very nice AVG and NET AVG...based on great hang time...and a solid coffin corner resume. He was supposed to be a 5th-7th round pick and went un-selected. Two PUNTERS were actually drafted and his numbers were better. WTH? This could be an under appreciated steal.

The Vikings signed 3 CB. Marcus Allen from NC was supposed to be drafted. He's got good measurables that compare to Demmings. And he played in a good conference. Absolute similar comments for Da'Veawn Armstead from North Texas, at a lower level school. Biggest issue might be "tightness" in the hips and lower level of competition between the two.

But I think the UDFA CB we should be looking at is Tyreek Chappell from Texas A&M. While he's played outside, he's a smaller, and natural nickel corner. When he was hurt in 2024 and missed most of the season, the A&M pass defense took a real shot. He's sort of an Antoine Winfield junior type of prospect, without as much physicality. But he might be the best of the 3 signings. We could have an interesting battle for CB #5 between these signings and what's on hand.

I actually think Jacob Thomas from James Madison might surprise as much as his team has done. His physical numbers are solid, as was his production in 2025. Small school prejudice to not being drafted? He's a perfect PS candidate. 

I keep hearing the Vikes STOLE WR Bell from Georgia. He's a tremendous athlete who can kinda do everything. And I even hear he wasn't utilized and developed properly. But he runs poor routes and is a body catcher. So he's a PS option at best. Knotts saved his best for last, and Wysong from Wyoming is a speed demon without production. I just don't see any of them sticking around. MAYBE Bell on the PS. I think they whiffed here.

I think they MIGHT have added a couple ILB that could be interesting. Scooby Williams has the size/speed/athleticism ratio to be a very good off the ball ILB. But he also has an injury history that prevented him from being drafted. And there is a chance that Lawson from UCF is a steal. He bounced between VA Tech and UCF, but he's a wonderful athlete with potential. I'm not high on either, but both are worth watching in camp and the pre-season to see if they step forward.

I think the FO BLEW opportunity late in the draft and UDFA by NOT getting Mason Reigar from Wisconsin. I know he was on their list. He might only end up as a #3 EDGE player, but he was a massive miss IMO. Stewart, a late development player from Temple is the only guy who has a chance to impress IMO.

BUT, I'm actually kind of excited about the UDFA OL signed. I think Delby Lemieux from Dartmouth is a potential steal. He's a small school OT who was invited to the Senior Bowl and worked out as a CENTER and reportedly held his own. Add 10lbs and spend a year on the PS, do we get another Birk kind of prospect?

Tomas Rimac, OG, spent time at West VA and then VA Tech, and only allowed 2 sacks and 41 pressures in his career. He's a massive OG. I understand OG aren't often drafted unless they're special. But why wasn't this guy drafted late at least?

And I'm confused about OT Tistan Leigh from Clemson. The size seems to be there. He was a top recruit. He only allowed 7 sacks and 61 pressures in his career for a top program.  So I'm guessing the footwork means he's a OG in the future?

UDFA was a HUGE miss in regard to WR, RB, and EDGE. But it might have been a nice collection of S, CB, ILB, and OL talent. There's at least a couple prospects here to watch, mostly at CB and ILB.

But IMO, the BEST signing might be Lemieux. He gains 10lbs of muscle and gets a year on the PS, we might just get the next Birk at CENTER for the future. 

 

 

 

[Danchat]

14 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

I'm going to argue a bit with @Danchatconcerning the collection of UDFA. I think they did pretty well once again, though I was disappointed they didn't find a better 5th RB than Kejon Owens from Florida International. He's got a good resume of production, but he's a grinder kind of back, limited speed and quickness.

Owens' profile is hilarious: 

The perfect combo, small and slow! They did this last year with a similar RB in Tre Stewart, who wasn't even good enough to see many carries during the preseason.

15 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

I actually think Jacob Thomas from James Madison might surprise as much as his team has done. His physical numbers are solid, as was his production in 2025. Small school prejudice to not being drafted? He's a perfect PS candidate. 

I've seen a few people say that he is every bit the prospect that Jakobe Thomas (confusing names at the same position) is.

I've also seen others claim that Jakobe Thomas is going to be a Day 1 starter... maybe let's pump the brakes on a late 3rd rounder who has 1 year of college experience starting Day 1 on the Flores defense. Kinda reminds me of people who claimed Tai Felton was going to push Nailor for the WR3 job.

16 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

GERHARDT: This pick has some lighting attached to it. With CENTER as an obvious need, I was totally surprised that the team didn't make this a priority pick earlier. Maybe instead of Tiernan in the 3rd round? But he was actually part of the Vikes top 30 prospects brought in. I can't recall now where I read it, but I did see that he was an intended target of theirs. 

They've done this before, they probably gave this pick to one of the area scouts to take their favorite "diamond in the rough". Pretty similar process to how they took the current backup center Jurgens. I don't think Gerhardt is as good as some of the UDFA OL they signed like Delby Lemeiux, he's probably on the PS Week 1.

[TheLeviathan]

10 hours ago, Danchat said:

Owens' profile is hilarious: 

The perfect combo, small and slow! They did this last year with a similar RB in Tre Stewart, who wasn't even good enough to see many carries during the preseason.

I've seen a few people say that he is every bit the prospect that Jakobe Thomas (confusing names at the same position) is.

I've also seen others claim that Jakobe Thomas is going to be a Day 1 starter... maybe let's pump the brakes on a late 3rd rounder who has 1 year of college experience starting Day 1 on the Flores defense. Kinda reminds me of people who claimed Tai Felton was going to push Nailor for the WR3 job.

They've done this before, they probably gave this pick to one of the area scouts to take their favorite "diamond in the rough". Pretty similar process to how they took the current backup center Jurgens. I don't think Gerhardt is as good as some of the UDFA OL they signed like Delby Lemeiux, he's probably on the PS Week 1.

Are we sure Owens wasn't a janitor or something?  My god....why even bother?

I think ultimately this draft will come down to the feet of Banks.  I think Golday will be a player that thrives for this team.  The two late third rounders are big upside swings which is the kind of move I love for them to make.  

Orange is going to be a fan favorite I predict.

[nicksaviking]

3 hours ago, TheLeviathan said:

Are we sure Owens wasn't a janitor or something?  My god....why even bother?

I think ultimately this draft will come down to the feet of Banks.  I think Golday will be a player that thrives for this team.  The two late third rounders are big upside swings which is the kind of move I love for them to make.  

Orange is going to be a fan favorite I predict.

Banks and Orange could be good players if healthy. Neither seem to get much pressure, but eating up blockers for the blitzers is more important in this defense I guess.

Chad Greenway compared Golday to Anthony Barr the days after the draft. And my problem with that is the same problem I had with Golday on draft day; Barr wasn't going to be a fit when the Vikings switched to a 3-4. Golday doesn't look big enough to be an edge guy, but if he's interior like Cashman or Wilson, the guy has to be able to cover.

OT is always a need on this team as they rarely have both healthy so I liked the Tiernan pick quite a bit.

[TheLeviathan]

4 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

Banks and Orange could be good players if healthy. Neither seem to get much pressure, but eating up blockers for the blitzers is more important in this defense I guess.

Chad Greenway compared Golday to Anthony Barr the days after the draft. And my problem with that is the same problem I had with Golday on draft day; Barr wasn't going to be a fit when the Vikings switched to a 3-4. Golday doesn't look big enough to be an edge guy, but if he's interior like Cashman or Wilson, the guy has to be able to cover.

OT is always a need on this team as they rarely have both healthy so I liked the Tiernan pick quite a bit.

Golday is almost identical in size as Van Ginkel and was used as both an edge rusher and nickel-type defender.  He's the replacement plan for Gink.

And yeah, DTs in this system are great if they can get off blocks and get to the QB like Redmond but their primary role is to free up blitzers and chew up the running game.  I think both of these guys will fit their roles well pending health.

[DocBauer]

On 5/4/2026 at 11:54 PM, Danchat said:

Owens' profile is hilarious: 

The perfect combo, small and slow! They did this last year with a similar RB in Tre Stewart, who wasn't even good enough to see many carries during the preseason.

I've seen a few people say that he is every bit the prospect that Jakobe Thomas (confusing names at the same position) is.

I've also seen others claim that Jakobe Thomas is going to be a Day 1 starter... maybe let's pump the brakes on a late 3rd rounder who has 1 year of college experience starting Day 1 on the Flores defense. Kinda reminds me of people who claimed Tai Felton was going to push Nailor for the WR3 job.

They've done this before, they probably gave this pick to one of the area scouts to take their favorite "diamond in the rough". Pretty similar process to how they took the current backup center Jurgens. I don't think Gerhardt is as good as some of the UDFA OL they signed like Delby Lemeiux, he's probably on the PS Week 1.

I was really disappointed they couldn't find a better RB UDFA option. I mean, RB have dropped in value the past decades and many quality runners can be found latter on. But Owens was the best we could do? COME ON!

I would be extatic if Thomas and Thomas were both as good as they appear to be potentially. Flores has a keen eye and loves his SAFETYS. 

I'm going to disagree with you a bit on Gerhardt. And I shouldn't do so because I really like Lemieux as a STEAL who will add 10lbs of muscle on the PS, further adapt to CENTER, and do a "Birk" and take over the position. 

But I just have this "itch" in my brain that says the staff sees something in Gerhardt that the rest of don't. is he another Sullivan? It would be amazing if they were right. 

[Danchat]

1 hour ago, DocBauer said:

I was really disappointed they couldn't find a better RB UDFA option. I mean, RB have dropped in value the past decades and many quality runners can be found latter on. But Owens was the best we could do? COME ON!

I would be extatic if Thomas and Thomas were both as good as they appear to be potentially. Flores has a keen eye and loves his SAFETYS. 

I'm going to disagree with you a bit on Gerhardt. And I shouldn't do so because I really like Lemieux as a STEAL who will add 10lbs of muscle on the PS, further adapt to CENTER, and do a "Birk" and take over the position. 

But I just have this "itch" in my brain that says the staff sees something in Gerhardt that the rest of don't. is he another Sullivan? It would be amazing if they were right. 

Since the Spielman departure, this front office hasn't signed a single passable UDFA RB, I'm not even talking the best available, they just don't seem to care about the UDFA RBs. Which is fine since Claiborne and Scott are good enough for RB3/4, but it's strange when they've been willing to pay higher bonuses at all other positions.

It would be great if we could find the next Birk or Sullivan, but this comparing current longshots to past ones frankly isn't relevant. I don't see any reason to be excited about Gerhardt other than the Vikings spent a 7th rounder on him, he didn't have particularly good PFF grades in his 4 years as a starter at Cincinnati. He's the same as any other UDFA center we've brought in after the draft and has quickly been forgotten. Josh Sokol, Jake Lacina, Matt Cindric, anyone?

Not to mention the last 7th round project center in Michael Jurgens who seems to be getting cast aside... I didn't think he was draftable either but he was a better prospect and now has some NFL experience under his belt. Even if it isn't very good experience.

[DocBauer]

On 5/7/2026 at 12:11 AM, Danchat said:

Since the Spielman departure, this front office hasn't signed a single passable UDFA RB, I'm not even talking the best available, they just don't seem to care about the UDFA RBs. Which is fine since Claiborne and Scott are good enough for RB3/4, but it's strange when they've been willing to pay higher bonuses at all other positions.

It would be great if we could find the next Birk or Sullivan, but this comparing current longshots to past ones frankly isn't relevant. I don't see any reason to be excited about Gerhardt other than the Vikings spent a 7th rounder on him, he didn't have particularly good PFF grades in his 4 years as a starter at Cincinnati. He's the same as any other UDFA center we've brought in after the draft and has quickly been forgotten. Josh Sokol, Jake Lacina, Matt Cindric, anyone?

Not to mention the last 7th round project center in Michael Jurgens who seems to be getting cast aside... I didn't think he was draftable either but he was a better prospect and now has some NFL experience under his belt. Even if it isn't very good experience.

The UDFA RB situation the past couple of years is a head scratcher, totally agree. I think Scott was fairly impressive at times last year and should be RB #4 this coming season. But considering Jones's age and the fact he won't be back in '27, and I believe Mason will also be a FA, though he could be re-signed, really makes me question of drafting Williams a couple years ago and then choosing not to look for a potential steal runner in UDFA. I don't get it.

Opinions seem to vary on Jurgens. I don't see him as a starter, but I think he's shown some potential in his first 2yrs. I don't think he's someone on his way out. In regard to Gerhardt, I really have no clue if he's got potential or not. But the fact that he was one of the 30 invited visitors, and they passed on everyone in a good CENTER class gives me pause. There must be SOMETHING they see in him that they like. 

I'm actually higher on Lemieux from Dartmouth more than the other two. A former OT with a year on the practice squad and 10lbs more of mass and muscle, I think he might be a surprise.

But it sure looks like Brandel is the guy at CENTER for 2026. I'm not sure that's a bad thing.