Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after their 28-24 win against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings currently hold 9 selections throughout the 7 rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, and they could pull a fast one on the NFL.
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)
Most notably, Minnesota has 4 selections in the first 100 total of the draft. The popular opinion is that the Vikings will look to infuse their defense with young talent with the majority of the selections.
Names like Avieon Terrell, Kayden McDonald, and C.J. Allen are likely to be available for the Vikings at 18th overall.
But, what if they wanted to go against the grain and catch everyone by surprise?
Vikings Should Consider Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq at 18th Overall
Vikings, Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon Ducks
GettyEUGENE, OREGON – DECEMBER 20: Kenyon Sadiq #18 of the Oregon Ducks warms up prior to the game against the James Madison Dukes during the 2025 College Football Playoff First Round Game at Autzen Stadium on December 20, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
The Vikings will have a need at tight end after the 2026 season. They’ve recently altered the contract of T.J. Hockenson to reduce his price and the length of his contract. Therefore, he will be a free agent in 2027.
Minnesota could look to go against prioritizing a Day 1 contributor in favor of selecting the best player available. That could be Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq.
This would line up with what Vikings’ Interim GM Rob Brzezinski said regarding drafting for need versus drafting the best player available.
“I think it’s the biggest reason why a lot of players fail in this business… You force a need. And for a lot of reasons it doesn’t work out, and you pass on a player of higher ability for a position of need… it may be old school, but if you get your board set right, and look for the best player available, I think it’s going to lead you down the right path.”
Sadiq would provide the Vikings with a true vertical threat with league-top TE upside. It’s known that Kyler Murray loves throwing to tight ends, as he made Trey McBride one of the best in the league in his final years with the Cardinals.
QB Kyler Murray Has Some Respect to Earn
Vikings Kyler Murray
GettyNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 07: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on after defeating the New Orleans Saints following the game at Caesars Superdome on September 07, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
In a recent article from NFL Spin Zone‘s Lou Scataglia, he ranked Kyler Murray as the 11th-best QB in the NFC. He came out ahead of only Tua Tagovailoa, Jacoby Brissett, Bryce Young, Tyler Shough, and Jaxson Dart.
He provided some insight on to Kyler Murray being the 11th-best QB in the NFC.
“Kyler Murray signed with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, and it would be a shock if he didn’t start. Murray is the perfectly ‘average’ quarterback, but he’s got to reestablish himself on the Vikings. He’s someone who can give you about 24 touchdown passes per season, and he does have above-average rushing ability.”
Adam Carlson of The Viking Age provided some further context on Kyler Murray, his injury concerns, and the hope that he could turn things around in Minnesota.
“The scariest part of Kyler Murray with the Vikings is his history of missing games. The 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year has struggled to stay on the field. He played every game in a season during just three of his seven years in the league, and most recently played only five games for the Cardinals last season.
Playing with numerous talented players should help Kyler Murray thrive with the Minnesota Vikings, but the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback will have to prove he can fit in with the purple and gold if he hopes to reignite his career with his new team in 2026.”