Updated Vikings depth chart reveals projected starters after 2026 NFL Draft

While several AFC teams reached the double-digit mark as it pertains to total picks in this past week's 2026 NFL Draft, no NFC squad made more selections than the Minnesota Vikings, who ultimately added nine new players in Pittsburgh before the festivities came to a close this past Saturday.

However, let's also not forget about the player they lost, as Jonathan Greenard was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Vikes' first selection of the week at No. 18 overall was undoubtedly one of the more surprising of the opening round, as Minnesota took a chance on Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks, who appeared in just three games for the Gators this past season due to a left foot injury and won't be cleared for full football activities until June after recently reinjuring that same left foot.

Minnesota continued on the defensive route with its first two picks on Friday, first selecting Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday (Round 2, No. 51 overall) and following up with another defensive tackle in Iowa State's Domonique Orange (Round 3, No. 82 overall).

The Vikings finally added an offensive player late in the second round in Northwestern tackle Caleb Tiernan (Round 3, No. 97 overall), but returned to the defense a selection later with Miami safety Jakobe Thomas (Round 3, No. 98 overall).

Rob Brzezinski used three of the team's four Saturday selections on offense, with the overall haul being Michigan tight end/fullback Max Bredeson (Round 5, No. 159 overall), Stephen F. Austin cornerback Charles Demmings (Round 5, No. 163 overall), Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne (Round 6, No. 198 overall), and Cincinnati offensive lineman (Gavin Gerhardt (Round 7, No. 235 overall).

Let's have a look to see where these players, as well as a few of the undrafted free agents Minnesota signed, fit on the Vikings' depth chart.

Updated Minnesota Vikings depth chart after the 2026 NFL Draft

Offense (1 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE)

At this point, the only rookie with even a remote chance of starting on offense would seemingly be Bredeson, but that'd only be if the Vikings use a fullback or multiple tight ends to start a game. Tiernan could see significant snaps if Christian Darrisaw can't remain healthy.

Defense (3-4 Base)

One would assume Banks would crack the starting lineup as a rookie, but that'll obviously all depend on that pesky foot.

Special Teams

The big change on special teams has nothing to do with the draft, of course, but it's obviously worth noting that Johnny Hekker has replaced Ryan Wright at the punter position.

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