The Minnesota Vikings need a bounce-back season. The Vikings are coming off a disappointing season where the NFC North sent two teams to the postseason, and neither was the Vikings. J.J. McCarthy’s unofficial rookie season did not go well, causing Minnesota to go get Kyler Murray this offseason.

Here are the details you need to know about the Vikings’ draft capital before draft day, plus a prediction and pick for the first round.

2026 NFL Draft picks

• Round 1 — 18th overall
• Round 2 — 49th overall
• Round 3 — 82nd overall
• Round 3 — 97th overall
• Round 5 — 163rd overall
• Round 6 — 196th overall
• Round 7 — 234th overall
• Round 7 — 235th overall
• Round 7 — 244th overall

Minnesota Vikings team needs

The Vikings were clearly unsure about their quarterback situation, which is why they went out and got Kyler Murray. Murray and J.J. McCarthy will now battle for the QB1 position this offseason. The Vikings have a high-end WR1, Justin Jefferson. Minnesota also has an elite defense. Last season, they ranked third in the NFL in defensive EPA/play. This is a well-coached, talented team that is missing just a few key pieces to get to the next level. Some more solid quarterback play would go a long way, but the addition of Murray and the further development of McCarthy could solve that. Outside of that, there are a few areas they could upgrade in this draft.

After losing WR3 Jalen Nailor to free agency, the Vikings could use another receiver to go alongside Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. The other big loss in free agency for the Vikings was Javon Hargrave. The Vikings would love to get another big body in the middle of the defensive line. However, the biggest loss of the offseason could be Harrison Smith. The long-term great safety for the Vikings has hinted that he might be retiring this offseason. If he were to retire, that would leave a massive hole in the backend of the Vikings’ defense, both from a talent and leadership perspective.

Minnesota Vikings Draft Prediction

The Vikings will have a few good options with the 18th overall pick. There could be a few great receivers available to pair with Justin Jefferson. Those options include Makai Lemon, KC Concepcion and Omar Cooper Jr. There is a chance that no safeties are drafted by then, either. That would give Minnesota first choice at the two top-tier safeties in the class, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and Dillon Thieneman. The final viable option for the Vikings would be former Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald. Those are the three major positions of need for Minnesota and there are great options for each of them.

My favorite pick for the Vikings at 18 is former Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman. Thieneman is a three-year starter who has the build and athleticism to succeed in the NFL right away. If Thieneman has already been taken, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren from Toledo would also be a fantastic pick. Both of these safeties are first-round talents and could be the next star safety in Minnesota.

In the second round, the Vikings should take that receiver. My ideal choice for Minnesota would be Germie Bernard out of Alabama. Justin Jefferson is always going to be the superstar WR1. Bernard is a great complement to Jefferson because he is so versatile. He can line up outside or in the slot. He has great hands and is a smooth route runner. Bernard could be a high-end WR2 in the NFL if he adds a little bulk to his frame.

Prediction: Vikings take safety in first round, wide receiver in second round