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Minnesota Vikings interim general manager Rob Brzezinski addressed the team targeting three defensive prospects on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Minnesota Vikings made five selections on the first two days of the 2026 NFL Draft. Only one of those choices was an offensive prospect — Northwestern offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan at No. 97 overall in the third round.
The Vikings filled defensive needs with their other four picks, including two other third-rounders on Day 2. Minnesota interim general manager Rob Brzezinski addressed early Saturday morning why the team emphasized defense so heavily early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“This wasn’t intended to be a defensive day. That’s how the board fell,” Brzezinski told reporters, via The Athletic’s Alec Lewis. “There were opportunities to take offensive players, and the board went in a different direction.
“We just continued to follow our process. And we’re really happy.”
The Vikings opened the 2026 NFL Draft with Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks at No. 18 overall in the first round. Minnesota followed that selection with Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday during the second round.
In the third round, the Vikings sandwiched Tiernan with Iowa State defensive tackle Domonique Orange and Miami safety Jakobe Thomas.
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers and a variety of other NFL teams. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb