Vikings Projected to Take Heisman Candidate in Way-Too-Early 2027 Mock Draft

The Minnesota Vikings just wrapped up their 2026 NFL Draft, but teams are already looking to next year. 

After heavily addressing the defensive side of the ball this year, it’s reasonable to expect Minnesota flips the script in 2027 and goes offense first. That’s exactly the thinking behind USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz’s pick, who has the Vikings taking Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy in the first round. 

“If the Kyler Murray trial run proves fruitful, it seems likely that both sides would want to re-up with one another next offseason,” wrote Middlehurst-Schwartz. Minnesota could continue to transform its backfield, however, by bringing on a replacement for Aaron Jones, who will turn 32 in December and took a significant pay cut to stick around for 2026. At 5-10 and 210 pounds, Hardy is more Ashton Jeanty than Jeremiyah Love, though it remains to be seen whether he can transcend the running back value conversation the way either ball carrier did.”

Minnesota Predicted to Add the Nation’s Top Running Back in Ahmad Hardy

The Vikings added Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne in this year’s draft, but it certainly wouldn’t stop them from taking one of the top talents at the position next year. After racking up 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns with the Tigers last season, Hardy got some Heisman buzz, and figures to be another potential finalist in 2027. 

According to CBS, he has some of the best odds to win for a non-quarterback. 

“The odds of a running back winning the Heisman Trophy are not good,” wrote Cody Nagel. “It would take monumental numbers to end the decade-long drought for the position. Ahmad Hardy will get plenty of opportunities at Missouri once again in 2026 as the SEC’s top rusher.”

Regardless of his chances at winning college football’s top award, Hardy still figures to be one of the best running backs in the draft, and would be an instant home-run threat in the Minnesota backfield, with Aaron Jones aging and Jordan Mason becoming a free-agent. 

The Vikings Had a ‘Big Risk, Big Reward’ Approach to the 2026 Draft

Meanwhile, the 2026 NFL Draft has some mixed reviews from analysts after Minnesota made some questionable reaches. The Vikings used their first-round pick on defensive tackle Caleb Banks, an immense talent who has struggled with injuries. Despite his skills and size, ESPN Draft analyst Mel Kiper thought the Vikings took too big of a risk at No. 18, however. 

“Caleb Banks is a good player,” wrote Kiper. “He can wreak havoc on opposing linemen and has legit burst to affect the quarterback in the pocket as an interior pass rusher (4.5 sacks in 2024). He’s at his best as a run stuffer, closing gaps with his 6-foot-6, 327-pound frame, and he brings scheme versatility to the table. But his foot has been a major problem.” 

Minnesota may have a much different draft in 2027, though, as the team will now begin their general manager search. Interim GM Rob Brzezinski filled in for 2026, but there’s no guarantee he’ll be the guy in 2027 after a polarizing draft this week. 

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