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The Minnesota Vikings had a solid 2025 season despite facing plenty of adversity. Minnesota finished the regular season at 9-8 and riding a five-game winning streak. Unfortunately, the Vikings could not make the playoffs due in large part to their inconsistent quarterback play.
Minnesota still has superstar Justin Jefferson and a ferocious defense to build around this offseason. If they can simply get the best out of QB J.J. McCarthy, and build some infrastructure around him, then the Vikings could become contenders in no time.
But that is often easier said than done in the NFL. And it does not help that the Vikings play in the NFC North, one of the league’s best divisions from top to bottom.
The 2026 NFL Draft will be a huge piece of Minnesota’s offseason plan this year. Minnesota has four picks in the top 100 selections. That gives them a rare opportunity to add multiple players who could contribute immediately in 2026.
But which players should the Vikings add? And which positions should they prioritize?
Below we will explore a very early three-round Vikings mock draft courtesy of the PFF mock draft simulator.
The Vikings need to add some serious reinforcements to their defensive secondary.
Minnesota has done well getting by with Isaiah Rodgers, Theo Jackson, and Byron Murphy Jr. at cornerback this season. They have some pieces there, but their secondary is far from complete.
Minnesota could use a young, talented corner to build their secondary around in the years to come. That’s where Delane comes in.
Delane is a physical cornerback who excels when playing man coverage. He also boasts the mental skills that are needed to play zone coverage, though man is where he’s at his best.
Delane logged 28 solo tackles, 11 passes defensed, and two interceptions during his senior season at LSU.
He declared for the 2026 NFL Draft in the middle of December.
Delane has some experience at outside corner, nickel, and safety during his time at LSU. That should make him attractive to NFL teams, as he could be used in a number of different ways.
This would be a great pick by the Vikings.
In this scenario, Minnesota keeps adding to their secondary with another LSU defender.
Haulcy is a big safety at 222lbs who can deliver big hits over the middle of the field. He is a willing run defender who posses great zone coverage instincts. Haulcy is essentially custom built to play in Brian Flores’ defensive scheme.
If the Vikings added Haulcy, they would have a great succession plan in place for Harrison Smith.
The veteran safety will almost certainly retire this offseason. Even if he doesn’t, that day is rapidly approaching and the Vikings need to be prepared.
Minnesota’s secondary would look a lot better in the future with Delane and Haulcy joining Josh Metellus and friends.
Another great pick by the Vikings.
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