The Minnesota Vikings are entering the 2026 offseason with a clear mandate: get better-and fast. After finishing 9-8 and falling short of the playoffs, the sense of urgency in Minneapolis is real.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy had an up-and-down rookie season, showing flashes of promise but struggling with consistency.
If the Vikings want to return to the postseason, they’ll need to find a way to unlock McCarthy’s full potential.
But this offseason isn’t just about McCarthy. Minnesota has holes to fill on both sides of the ball, and with the 2026 NFL Draft looming, the front office will need to nail its selections-particularly on defense.
One area that’s drawing a lot of attention? Cornerback.
Coming off a season where the secondary had its share of issues, it’s no surprise that draft analysts are consistently mocking cornerbacks to the Vikings. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top names being linked to Minnesota-and how each could fit into Brian Flores’ aggressive, versatile defensive scheme.
Terrell: The Polished Prospect with NFL Bloodlines
The name Terrell should ring a bell for NFL fans. The younger brother of Falcons standout A.J. Terrell, this cornerback is widely considered one of the top defensive backs in the 2026 class-and for good reason.
Terrell thrives in press-man coverage, where his size and athleticism give him a clear edge at the line of scrimmage. But he’s not a one-trick pony. He’s shown the ability to hold his own in zone coverage as well, which is crucial in a Flores-led defense that mixes up looks and responsibilities.
One stat that jumps off the page: Terrell earned an 85.2 run-defense grade from PFF during the 2025 season. That’s not just a nice-to-have-it's a real asset in a system that demands physicality from its corners. Minnesota wants defenders who can fly downhill and hold their own against the run, and Terrell checks that box.
If the Vikings are looking for a plug-and-play corner with a high floor and the pedigree to match, Terrell could be their guy.
Hood: The Physical Enforcer with Upside
Hood is another top-tier corner who’s been mocked to Minnesota, and he brings a slightly different flavor to the table. Like Terrell, Hood excels in press-man coverage, but he might be even more disciplined in zone. That kind of versatility could be a major asset in a defense that asks its corners to do a little bit of everything.
What really sets Hood apart is his physicality. He’s got the skill set to play as a box safety in today’s NFL, which speaks volumes about his toughness and willingness to get involved in the run game.
That said, there are some concerns-particularly about his tendency to get grabby when he’s out of phase in coverage. It’s the kind of habit that can lead to flags at the next level.
Still, if the Vikings are willing to live with a few growing pains, Hood’s long-term ceiling is enticing. He’s the type of player who could develop into a cornerstone defender with the right coaching and system fit.
McCoy: The Wild Card with CB1 Potential
Then there’s McCoy-the other Tennessee cornerback, though he’s hardly an afterthought. When healthy, McCoy has all the tools to be a true CB1 in the NFL.
From 2023 to 2024, he was a playmaker for the Volunteers, racking up 16 passes defensed and six interceptions. That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed.
But here’s the catch: McCoy missed the entire 2025 season after tearing his ACL during offseason training. That injury clouds his draft stock, and his medical evaluation at the NFL Scouting Combine will be a pivotal moment in his pre-draft process.
If the medicals check out, McCoy could be a steal-especially if he slides to Minnesota at No. 18.
He’s a gamble, no doubt, but the upside is tantalizing. For a team that needs impact talent in the secondary, McCoy might be worth the risk.
Cisse: The Speedster with Scheme Versatility
Last but not least, keep an eye on Cisse out of South Carolina. He’s starting to generate more buzz in draft circles, and a strong showing at the Combine could send his stock soaring.
Cisse brings a different dimension to the table-elite long speed. In today’s NFL, where offenses are constantly pushing the ball downfield, having a corner who can run stride-for-stride with the league’s fastest receivers is a major asset. He projects primarily as an outside corner, but he’s also taken snaps in the slot, which adds to his appeal.
What makes Cisse particularly intriguing for Minnesota is how he might fit into Flores’ defense. With his speed and positional flexibility, Cisse could be deployed in a variety of ways-whether that’s locking down the boundary or matching up with quick slot receivers.
The Bottom Line
No matter which direction the Vikings go in the draft, one thing is clear: cornerback is a priority. Whether it’s the polished and pro-ready Terrell, the physical and versatile Hood, the high-upside McCoy, or the speedster Cisse, Minnesota has options.
The key will be aligning talent with scheme-and finding a player who can step in and help this defense take the next step in 2026. Because if the Vikings want to get back to the playoffs, they’ll need more than just growth from J.J.
McCarthy. They’ll need a defense that can hold its own in a league stacked with elite quarterbacks and explosive offenses.
And that starts with finding the right guy to lock down the corner.