J.J. McCarthy Justin Jefferson Minnesota Vikings
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J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with Justin Jefferson #18
The Minnesota Vikings hold 9 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, including 4 in the top 100 picks.
Here is a quick list of every single Vikings draft selection.
Round 1, Pick 18
Round 2, Pick 49
Round 3, Pick 82
Round 3, Pick 97 (compensatory)
Round 5, Pick 163 (via Eagles)
Round 6, Pick 196 (via Colts)
Round 7, Pick 234
Round 7, Pick 235 (via Panthers)
Round 7, Pick 244 (via Texans)
Of course, the Vikings will look to build out the team in the later rounds. However, they’ve been given a “dream” draft scenario as we inch closer to the 2026 NFL Draft by Bleacher Report.
Vikings’ ‘Dream’ 2026 NFL Draft Scenario Revealed
Minnesota Vikings Matt Daniels, Kevin O'Connell
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 22: Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels (L) and head coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings look on during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 22, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report shared his opinion on what Minnesota’s “dream” draft scenario would entail.
“Injury concerns push Jermod McCoy to the Vikings at No. 18. Even getting their choice of McNeil-Warren or Thieneman would be great. They need to stock up on secondary talent to take on Caleb Williams, Jared Goff and Jordan Love.”
Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy is a stud prospect at corner. Even though he missed the entire 2025 season, he is still in conversation for many people’s CB1 in this class. McCoy impressed at Tennessee’s Pro Day with a 4.38 second 40-yard-dash, 38-inch vertical, and 10’7″ broad jump.
Here are some quick hitters on Jermod McCoy’s strengths and weaknesses from NFLDraftBuzz.
Strengths
Elite ball skills, great spatial awareness
Great instincts in zone coverage
Great route recognition, doesn’t bite often on double moves
Natural fluidity in coverage and aggression at the catch-point
Natural ability to press and mirror opposing receivers
Weaknesses
Torn ACL in January 2025 caused him to miss entire 2025 season
Tendency to get grabby when beaten downfield
Questionable tackling in space
Inconsistencies in engaging in run support
McCoy’s fall to 18 would be greatly beneficial for the secondary-needy Minnesota Vikings.
CB Stephon Gilmore Steps Away From Football
Minnesota Vikings Stephon Gilmore
GettyLONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 06: Stephon Gilmore of Minnesota Vikings looks on during the NFL match between New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 06, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Former Vikings standout CB Stephon Gilmore announced his retirement from the NFL in a lengthy social media post.
“To my first love, Football.
As a young, scrappy kid from Rock Hill South Carolina with humble beginnings, the eldest of 6 – you gave me focus, opportunity, strength, and friends to last a lifetime.
From my first game with Finley Road Falcons to two Super Bowls, multiple Pro Bowls, and a Defensive Player of the Year Award, you taught me the invaluable lesson of working hard and believing in myself.
To my wife and kids, thank you for making it possible for me to chase my dreams;
to my parents, thank you for raising me to be the man l am today; to my coaches, thank you for pouring into me.
And to the fans-thank you for your support. I have had an incredible 13 years in the League, and I cannot wait to see what this next chapter holds.
GillyLock Out.”
Gilmore was certainly known more as a New England Patriot or Buffalo Bill more than anything. However, the Vikings will always be the team that Gilmore most recently played for.
Stephon Gilmore spent 2024 with Minnesota, achieving 40 tackles and 1 interception. His contributions helped a league-top Vikings defense to a 14-3 record. He finishes with 32 total interceptions in his 180 career games played.