Minnesota Vikings fans are still rejoicing in having Kyler Murray on the roster after signing his one-year deal.
Murray has completely changed the outlook for the franchise, which had so many questions about the quarterback position last year with J.J. McCarthy. The work isn't done for the Vikings, though, as they have a long offseason still to make adjustments to the team.
One monumental moment for the Vikings this offseason is what they do in the 2026 NFL Draft to fill the rest of their massive needs. Here's a look at their mock draft and what they come away with their nine selections.
What could the 2026 NFL Draft look like for the Minnesota Vikings now that they have quarterback Kyler Murray?
Round 1, Pick 18: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
This would be the stunner of the draft, but the Vikings cannot pass up a chance to select Downs if he is available. The versatile safety went back-to-back years as a unanimous All-American in 2024 and 2025, and was also a second-team All-American in 2023. There have been some injury concerns with Downs, but if he drops this far, what a replacement for Harrison Smith he is; a dream defensive back for defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Round 2, Pick 49: Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
Here is the Vikings' long-term solution at center to replace Ryan Kelly after he retired from the NFL. Hecht earned the fourth-highest Pro Football Focus grade among 307 centers in the nation last year with an 80.3, as he only allowed seven pressures, but no quarterback hits or sacks on 392 pass blocking snaps. Just a well-rounded center, the Vikings would be crazy to pass up the chance to lock in Hecht as another center piece to the line.
Round 3, Pick 82: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
There were already injury concerns with Banks going into the NFL Draft, but now his broken foot from the NFL Combine could end up making him drop out of Day 1. Minnesota got rid of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in the offseason, so while it is a risk to select Banks, get him healthy and in the rotation on a snap count, and all of a sudden, the Vikings have a stellar player they can use.
Round 3, Pick 97: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
It appears as though Jonathan Greenard is going to get traded, so if the Vikings want to find his replacement in a rookie, this is the draft class to do it with, with so many great edge rushers. Last season, Moore was a first-team All-Big Ten selection with 10 sacks and two forced fumbles on the season. Put him on the other side of Andrew Van Ginkel, and the Vikings have a solid foundation at edge rusher.
Round 5, Pick 163: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
Last season at Georgia, Everette had a career-high eight pass deflections and nabbed one interception en route to a first-team All-SEC selection. Have him develop behind guys like Byron Murphy Jr. in his rookie season, and he could be a starter by 2027.
Round 6, Pick 196: Josh Cuevas, TE, Alabama
A lot of focus has been on defense, but now the Vikings can find some hidden gems for Murray to work with. Cuevas is a sneaky, underrated tight end who can catch and block, as he finished last year with 411 yards and four touchdowns. He's the perfect backup to T.J. Hockenson.
Round 7, Pick 234: Noah Whittington, RB, Oregon
Time to add some speed to the backfield as the Vikings start thinking about Aaron Jones once his time is up in the next year. Whittington runs a 4.41 40-time after going for 829 rushing yards and six touchdowns last year at Oregon. He'll have time to sit on the bench, but could end up being the next Chicago Bears running back, Kyle Monangai, and surprise some people.
Round 7, Pick 235: Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech
Now to add some depth and speed at wide receiver to replace Jalen Nailor, who is with the Las Vegas Raiders now. Douglas went for 846 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns last season with Texas Tech, as well as running a 4.39 40-yard dash. There are some questions about Jordan Addison's future, but it'll be good to get the second-team All-Big 12 selection in and be a solid choice at receiver.
Round 7, Pick 244: Romello Brinson, WR, SMU
Just for the heck of it, let's add another solid receiver. Brinson went for 638 yards and three touchdowns last year with SMU after coming off a season where he missed half of 2024 with an injury. The more depth the Vikings can add at receiver, the better.