The Minnesota Vikings had a lackluster draft classes under former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. As a result, the Vikings‘ executive vice president of football operations, Rob Brzezinski, will have his work cut out for him at the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23.
While he’s serving as the interim general manager, Brzezinski will have to restock the roster with young, inexpensive talent. With the Vikings not spending much in free agency this offseason due to their salary cap situation, the team needs to hit on their draft picks.
Due to this, CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin named the Vikings as one of five teams that need to ace their draft.
“The Vikings, on the other hand, have four top 100 picks and need to make up for what looks like a massive whiff on J.J. McCarthy two years ago,” Dubin wrote in his April 13 article. “They’re heading into a crucial year of the Kevin O’Connell era, and having all that early draft capital is one way to make sure that they meet or exceed expectations.
“This is an interesting draft for the Vikings for another reason, in that interim general manager Rob Brzezinski will run the show, but the Vikings won’t actually be hiring their new GM until after the draft. If Brzezinski does a good enough job and works well with O’Connell and his staff, could he land the full-time role? That’s something to watch out for as well.”
Top Wideout Prospect Could Be Avaliable for Vikings
Minnesota holds the No. 18 pick, and there are several directions; one of them could be wide receiver. The Vikings have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but beyond them, there’s not much depth.
Furthermore, the Vikings have a decision to make soon about whether to sign Addison to a long-term contract. As a result, if one of the top wideouts is there at 18, do the Vikings pass up an opportunity to take him?
On April 10, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that he expects former USC Trojans wideout Makai Lemon to be taken in the 16 to 18 range of the first round.
“My best guess here is that two receivers go in the Top 15,” Rapoport said during his appearance on “The Insiders.” “Then the third receiver, who, at this point, I would say there’s a pretty decent chance is Makai Lemon from USC, ends up being the third receiver.
“I know a lot of teams like him. A lot of teams compare him to Amon-Ra St. Brown. I would expect him to go probably just after 15. So after 15 is 16, and then after that, 17, 18. That is a pretty good spot potentially for Makai Lemon.”
Why Makai Lemon Could Fall Outside the Top 15
Moreover, the reason why Rapoport believes one of the top receiving prospects could fall outside the Top 15 is due to teams having other needs outside of a receiver.
“My read right now is two receivers go in the Top 15, which is not saying anything about the quality of the receivers,“ Rapoport noted. “It more says that teams are going to need tackles and maybe a guard, and a bunch of edges, and maybe a corner, certainly a corner. There’s just not enough room for everyone.”
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