Now that the 2026 NFL Draft is in the past and undrafted free agents have been signed, experts and analysts are entering the quiet part of the NFL cycle for teams like the Minnesota Vikings until the schedules are released.
This means that speculation will be in full effect with power tankings, roster predictions, and even mock drafts for the next year, starting to see the light of day. While it may feel odd to do another mock before this year's rookies.
But it is interesting to see where experts think Minnesota will select in the upcoming draft and what position and prospect is linked to the team. It can be an intriguing look into how outsiders view the current roster of the team.
Extremely early 2027 NFL mock draft has the Minnesota Vikings replacing Andrew Van Ginkel
Recently, Pro Football Focus shared their "Way-too-early 2027 NFL mock draft' and the Vikings own the No. 13 overall pick in that mock, meaning PFF believes Minnesota will struggle and miss the playoffs during the 2026 NFL season.
With that pick, PFF's Daire Carragher has the Vikings selecting South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart. He sees the young defender as a possible replacement for current outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel.
Here is what he had to say about the pick:
"Aging pass rusher Andrew Van Ginkel will likely need to be replaced after this season, and Dylan Stewart is one of the most explosive athletes in the upcoming class."
Calling Andrew Van Ginkel "aging" is interesting. The Vikings edge rusher is currently 30 years old and has earned his role and contract in Brian Flores' defense.
While it would make sense to get younger and less expensive at the position, Minnesota would have a tough decision to make if the veteran is set to hit free agency.
But the mock draft included a small caveat at the end of the Vikings' selection.
"Quarterback could also be an option for Minnesota if J.J. McCarthy continues to struggle."
Of course, Minnesota is slated to start former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray this year while giving McCarthy more time to prepare for a starting gig once again.
But if the former University of Michigan quarterback isn't ready to go for 2027 and the team doesn't bring Murray back, it might make sense for the team to select a quarterback.
However, doing so with the No. 13 overall pick might make that task a challenge in the 2027 NFL Draft.
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