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.
Vikings Emphasize Defense Early in 2026 NFL Draft
Minnesota lost key members of its defense this offseason. The team released defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave along with safety Harrison Smith to save salary cap space in March.
So, the Vikings had holes to fill on defense entering the draft. The team also created another hole on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft by trading edge rusher Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles.
But it was still surprising the Vikings didn’t try to have a more balanced first two days of the draft. Minnesota’s offense finished 26th in points and 28th in total yards during 2025.
Instead of offensive improvements, though, the Vikings replaced their departed defensive linemen and former All-Pro safety. They also added linebacker depth.
Minnesota didn’t replace Greenard along the edge. But 2024 first-rounder Dallas Turner will likely play a much bigger role in 2026 in Greenard’s absence.
Vikings to Target WR on Day 3 of 2026 NFL Draft?
The biggest loss on offense the Vikings sustained over the offseason was wide receiver Josh Nailor. The veteran wideout signed a 3-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Without Nailor, Tai Felton is set to be Minnesota’s WR3.
That should make receiver the main priority for the Vikings on Day 3. Felton, who was a 2025 third-round pick, had just three catches for 25 yards in 17 games as a rookie.
The Vikings, though, will have to wait a little bit to be back on the clock during Day 3. Their first selection of the day will be at No. 159 overall in the fifth round.
Minnesota will make two picks close to each other in the round. The Vikings also hold the No. 163 overall selection.
Then late in the day, the Vikings will make back-to-back picks at No. 234 and 235 during the seventh round.
Of course, that’s barring any other trades happening for the Vikings. The team made two deals during Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft. In addition to Greenard, the Vikings moved back two spots in the second round. As a result, Minnesota turned its sixth-round choice into another fifth-rounder.
The 2026 NFL Draft will conclude in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Saturday, April 25. The fourth round will begin at 11 am CT.
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