As we gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves in an intriguing position with four top-100 picks. This is a significant upgrade from last year when they had just one, which they used to snag Donovan Jackson, now their starting left guard from Ohio State.
With the draft approaching, the direction the Vikings will take remains a mystery, especially now that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is no longer at the helm. The new leadership trio of Rob Brzezinski, Kevin O’Connell, and Brian Flores will be hoping to improve upon past decisions. Adofo-Mensah's tenure was marred by underwhelming draft results, with the Vikings ranking last in Approximate Value Over Expectation since 2022.
The 2024 draft class hasn’t exactly been a home run either. Out of that group, only kicker Will Richard, a fifth-round pick, has secured a starting position.
The first two picks from that year, QB JJ McCarthy and EDGE Dallas Turner, have yet to make a significant impact. McCarthy struggled when thrust into a starting role last season, while Turner has been more of a rotational player, starting only when injuries necessitated it.
Turner, who has seen action in 33 of the Vikings' 34 games since being drafted, has shown flashes of potential but hasn't secured a consistent starting role. Despite playing over 1,000 defensive snaps and tallying 11 sacks, 86 tackles, and 14 tackles for loss, the coaching staff remains cautious about increasing his workload. Local insider Darren Wolfson recently noted that the team isn’t ready to give Turner a significantly larger role, citing internal hesitations.
This hesitancy is compounded by the situation with Jonathan Greenard, whose contract demands might lead to a trade. If Greenard is moved, Turner could see more opportunities, but the Vikings might also look to the draft or free agency to bolster their pass rush.
Turner’s stats, while respectable, are accompanied by PFF grades in the mid-60s over the past two seasons, suggesting room for improvement. The physical talent is undoubtedly there, but Turner will need to demonstrate growth and consistency to convince the Vikings he’s ready for a bigger role.
As the draft approaches, the Vikings' strategy remains a compelling storyline. Will they use their picks to address these uncertainties, or will they surprise us with unexpected moves? One thing is clear: the decisions made in the coming weeks could shape the franchise's future for years to come.