Vikings 2026 Offseason Kickoff: McCarthy Struggles, Turner Emerges & First Mock Draft

Vikings enter 2026 offseason—key talks on McCarthy, Turner, mocks. In this episode of The Real Forno Show, hosts Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano dissect the Minnesota Vikings’ 9-8 season wrap-up, focusing on quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s challenges, edge rusher Dallas Turner’s rapid growth, and an early dive into the 2026 NFL Draft with a simulated mock. As a Vikings 1st & SKOL production, this Minnesota Vikings podcast offers fans an in-depth offseason primer, blending analysis, bold predictions, and draft strategy to fuel SKOL Nation’s excitement.

Delving deeper, Forness reflects on McCarthy’s Week 18 exit due to a broken hand, noting, “His ball placement was bad. It was all over the place,” while questioning injury impacts and suggesting veteran competition like Anthony Richardson: “My bold prediction is that the Vikings are gonna end up with Anthony Richardson.” On Turner, Forness praises his evolution, stating, “Turner over the last few weeks… grew so much as a baseline player,” highlighting stats like 8 sacks and 15% pressure rate, and potential trades like Jonathan Greenard. The episode introduces mock draft trackers and simulates picks using PFF’s tool, with Forness explaining, “Mock drafts are to explore scenarios,” selecting players like Mansoor Delane (CB) at 18 and emphasizing secondary needs. Stefano adds production notes, teasing upcoming SKOL Search episodes for scouting reports.

Key points include:

• JJ McCarthy Analysis: Final start stats (14/23, 188 yards); accuracy and injury concerns; calls for mechanics work and contingency like Richardson or Kirk Cousins as backup.
• Dallas Turner’s Growth: From criticized pick to standout (8 sacks, 42 pressures); impacts offseason with versatility under Flores, potential 12-sack 2026.
• Mock Draft Tracker Intro: Aggregates from PFF, ESPN; Vikings at No. 18, focusing CB/RB/S needs; explores scenarios without forcing positions.
• First 2026 Mock: Picks include Delane (CB, LSU) Rd1, Kamari Ramsey (S, USC) Rd2, D’Angelo Ponds (CB, FSU) Rd3; youth focus on secondary, DT, TE; avoids overreaching trenches.

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SKOL fans, tune into The Real Forno Show for unfiltered Minnesota Vikings podcast episodes packed with expert breakdowns, live mocks, and community vibes on Vikings 1st & SKOL via Fans First Sports Network—perfect for offseason hype. Subscribe now for SKOL Search drops starting Wednesday, featuring prospects like Caleb Downs and Jermod McCoy.

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Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow. Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN.

Question:

What’s your bold Vikings offseason prediction—McCarthy rebound or major trade? Drop it in the comments!