The 2026 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and the Minnesota Vikings are finalizing their plans for who they may be selecting with the 18th overall pick.
This is a draft that isn't viewed as being especially heavy at the top in talent, with the sweet spot being around the late second round to early fourth round area. That being said, there are a handful of players considered "blue chip" talent. It was believed the Vikings would be picking just out of range to land one of these top players, but as the draft approaches, there's hope one of these players could be on the board when the Vikings choose.
Maybe it's because of medical reports, leaked legal troubles, or just teams creating rumors to force a player to fall to them, one of these blue-chip players could fall to the Vikings in the first round.
Who are some top prospects that could fall to the Minnesota Vikings at pick No. 18 during the 2026 NFL Draft?
Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
Rueben Bain Jr. is one of the premier pass rushers in this draft class. He is explosive off the edge, with violent hands, a plethora of moves, and understands how to use bend and angles to get around his would-be blocker. Bain was a monster at Miami, accumulating 20.5 sacks in his three-year career with the Hurricanes.
The only knock on Bain Jr. was his freakishly short T. Rex arms. Even with those stumpy measurements, he was seen as a lock to go in the top 10. However, recent legal trouble could foretell a slide for this dynamic pass rusher. While the news was recently released, the incident actually took place back in March of 2024. Bain was cited for careless driving, which resulted in the death of a young woman. The charge was later dismissed, but it does create some character concerns. Teams were apparently aware of the situation, and Bain has expressed remorse for his actions.
Bain's legal woes could be the Vikings' gain. Edge rusher is a sneaky need for the Vikings, as it remains unclear how the Jonathan Greenard situation is going to play out. If Bain Jr. begins a draft day tumble, it would be very hard to see Brian Flores letting it continue, as adding a blue-chip pass rusher will be too good to pass up.
Makai Lemon WR, USC
With Kevin O'Connell having a heavy influence on this draft, a wide receiver can't be ruled out with the Vikings' first pick. It's been reported that the Vikings want a big-bodied receiver to play on the boundary, but if Lemon falls to them, he'd be too good to pass up.
Lemon is a 5'11" silky smooth route runner who knows how to get open. He won the Biletnikoff Award in 2025, and tracks the ball easily, and has some of the surest mitts in this class. His stats as a Trojan are impressive, with over 2000 career receiving yards, 137 receptions, and 14 touchdowns. He would have an impact day one as a rookie and give the Vikings arguably the best receiving trio in the NFL.
There are a couple of reasons why this elite receiving prospect could fall on draft day. The first are the reports coming out of the Combine that he bombed his interviews. He was also seen during the broadcast ignoring instructions from a coach on a drill, and was awkward when he met with the media. Another reason Lemon could fall is that teams that need a receiver also have pressing needs at other positions and could choose to address them. It'll be interesting to see where Lemon comes off the board, and if he will still be available when the Vikings go on the clock.
Jermod McCoy CB, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy's story has been talked about plenty this draft season. He had an elite 2024 season, looking like the best cornerback prospect in this class. He possesses great size, top-end speed, and is a smart player who understands the nuances of the position. The problem is McCoy blew out his ACL early in 2025 and missed the entire season. He was able to work out at the Combine but chose not to, and that turned some teams off.
McCoy's stock rebounded quite nicely after he nailed his Pro Day, with a 4.37 forty-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical jump. He alleviated a lot of teams' concerns, and now there are some who are predicting him to be the first cornerback selected. While his Pro Day performance was impressive, teams are cautious about using an early pick on a player who is coming off a major injury. There are always concerns about the long-term effects and if there is some sort of undiagnosed degenerative issue.
For this reason, McCoy could take a tumble on draft day, as teams may choose to go with healthier options. If that's the case, the Vikings should pounce on this elite talent, as he has no business being on the board when the Vikings are on the clock at pick No. 18.
Spencer Fano OT, Utah
There are a handful of offensive linemen who will go early in the 2026 NFL Draft, and one who could slide to the Vikings at pick 18 is Spencer Fano out of Utah. Fano started three years for the Utes and won the Outland Trophy as the nation's best interior lineman.
Fano is praised for his high-end athletic ability and his versatility to play any position on the offensive line. He's got great size, standing nearly 6'6" and tipping the scales at 311 pounds. He's widely regarded as one of the top offensive tackles in this class and was seen as a lock to go in the top 15 selections.
As good and as rare an athlete as Fano is, some factors could cause him to slide to the Vikings. His arm length is just a hair over 32", and that is seen as short for a tackle prospect. So teams in dire need of a tackle may pass on a guy who they project as a guard at the next level.
While some teams may not like that, the Vikings should embrace it. Fano can play any position on the line, and the Vikings are in the market for a center. There's no question it's risky to take a prospect at the 18th pick and have him change positions, but it could work for the Vikings. Fano could start his career in purple at center while also providing depth at both tackle spots. Brian O'Neil turned 30 this month and hasn't signed an extension yet, and this could lead the Vikings to view Fano as the heir apparent, giving his selection added value.
*Caleb Downs S, Ohio St.
Downs has an asterisk by his name because he isn't falling to the 18th overall pick. Downs is one of the top players in this class, and five years down the road, he could be seen as the best of the bunch. As good as Downs is, there's a chance he does slip beyond the 10th pick.
First of all, safety isn't seen as a premier position in the league, and teams that need defensive help are more likely to use an early pick on an edge rusher or cornerback. There was also some concern about Downs having a knee issue that came up around Combine time, but those whispers have fallen silent. Daniel Jeremiah said he sees Downs going more in the ten to twenty range, and there isn't anyone more dialed in than him. There have also been recent rumblings that many teams don't see much of a gap between Dillon Thieneman and Downs.
If those factors do come into play and Downs is somehow still available when the Dolphins go on the clock, the Vikings should be picking up the phone. It would take at least one of the Vikings' third-round picks this year, and maybe a fourth next year, to get the deal done. While it's always tough losing draft capital, the Vikings would be getting the best safety in the draft. Downs is extremely versatile, a sure tackler, very intelligent, and a natural leader. He'd be a home run pick and a dynamic heir to Harrison Smith.
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