The Vikings have filled some holes so far in the 2026 NFL Draft. They took a big swing on defensive tackle Caleb Banks in the first round, and if he stays healthy and reaches his potential, it will be looked at as one of the biggest steals in recent history.
On the second day, the Vikings filled needs at linebacker and offensive tackle, double-dipped at defensive tackle, and added a safety. They still have plenty of needs at center, running back, tight end, and cornerback, with the latter topping the list.
Here are the five best available players for the Vikings on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Best available players for the Minnesota Vikings on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Mike Washington Jr. - RB (Arkansas)
It's a bit surprising Washington wasn't drafted in the first three rounds. He's a big back standing nearly 6-foot-2 and opened up eyes at the Senior Bowl, wowing in practice and in the games. Washington went on to surprise at the Combine, where he ran a shocking 40-yard dash in the 4.3s.
Washington can be a three-down runner, as he's shown he can catch passes, with 73 total receptions in his college career. The big knock on Washington and perhaps the reason he's still on the board is that he has some fumbling issues.
He has about 10 career fumbles, including one that cost his team a victory. He likely will have a short wait on Day 3, but his talent warranted a selection earlier than the fourth round or later.
Dani Dennis-Sutton - EDGE (Penn State)
After the Jonathan Greenard trade, edge becomes a much higher priority for the Vikings on Day 3. They are set at the top with Dallas Turner and Andre Van Ginkel, but need some improvement down the depth chart. A guy who could provide that and who happens to be available is Dani Dennis-Sutton out of Penn State.
Dennis-Sutton is a high-motor-edge presence who is extremely strong. He's a big dude, standing 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 256 pounds. He was a sack factory at Penn State, racking up 23.5 in his four-year career.
He's also an excellent run defender, and teams are going to love that. He's a consistent producer, and if he somehow slips to one of the Vikings' fifth-round selections, it would be an easy choice for the team to make.
Connor Lew - C (Auburn)
The Vikings headed into the draft with a big need at center. Kevin O'Connell said it was basically Blake Brandel's job, but some competition would be added. A name many figured the team would target as early as the second round was Auburn's Connor Lew. Well, round two passed, as did round three, and Lew is still on the board.
Lew is a smart and very athletic center prospect. He's a dynamite pass protector who is very experienced with over 1,600 career snaps playing against elite talent in the SEC.
His run blocking was one of his issues, and while it was a concern, it's not the reason he's still on the board. That is more likely because he had a season-ending ACL tear back in October.
Teams are likely very concerned about investing a high pick on a player with a knee issue who makes his living from putting a lot of stress on his lower body.
Also, teams may have gotten negative reports about his current health, or perhaps a potential lingering issue with the knee was revealed. Whether it's the knee or the subpar run blocking, Lew has paid for those issues and is more than worth a pick at this point in the draft.
Bryce Lance - WR (North Dakota State)
The Vikings definitely want to add a receiver in this draft, but have yet to do so. It's been rumored that they want a big-bodied pass catcher who can play on the outside and kick Jordan Addison inside to the slot.
There are a lot of options on the board, but one who is surprisingly still available is Bryce Lance from North Dakota State.
Lance is the younger brother of quarterback Trey Lance, and has the size the Vikings covet at 6-foot-3 and 204 pounds. He's crazy fast, clocking in a 40-yard dash time of 4.34, and has some serious hops with a 41.5-inch vertical jump. He was ultra-productive in college with 25 career touchdowns and well over 2000 receiving yards.
Lance is still on the board, likely due to the fact that he's a small school prospect. North Dakota State has produced plenty of quality NFL players, but Lance wasn't going against elite defensive backs week in and week out.
His route running also needs some polishing, so there may be some work to do before he gets on the field and starts producing. Lance would be a fun pick for the Vikings on day three and would add that big, explosive element to their receiving room that they currently lack.
Add us as a preferred source on Google