Is the Vikings’ Dream Draft Scenario Still In Play?

After years of poor drafts, the Minnesota Vikings are left hoping – scratch that – needing to find multiple starters in the draft next week. The early rounds are the best bet for accomplishing that, and with four selections in the top-100, Minnesota has the draft capital to get it done. However, whether the board falls just right for them is another story.

So, is the Vikings’ “dream scenario” still in play based on the latest intel?

Let’s start by identifying what that dream scenario would actually be. Minnesota has needs most everywhere, but crucially at safety, defensive tackle, and WR3. Regardless of Harrison Smith’s retirement decision, safety remains a priority over cornerback simply because of how Brian Flores operates.

Cornerbacks are somewhat shielded in Flores’ scheme, while he asks his safeties to handle just about everything. Not to say having quality corners isn’t important, but Minnesota hasn’t selected a cornerback higher than the third round since Flores joined the organization.

Running back and center are also concerns to address, but they are both much deeper positions in later rounds. While Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, and Blake Brandel won’t strike much fear into the hearts of opponents, the Vikings could have a much lower floor than that. Minnesota has met with multiple running backs leading up to the draft, but not many are projected to be early selections, leaving their first three picks to find a key contributor at safety, DT, and WR3.

Pick No. 18

Almost every mock since mid-February has the Vikings selecting Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman here, and it feels about 50/50 if he would still be around at No. 18. With Caleb Downs likely long gone, Thieneman is the next best choice, but several safety-needy teams could scoop him up earlier. The Dallas Cowboys at No. 12, or the Carolina Panthers trading up from No. 19 to leapfrog Minnesota, could force the Vikings to pivot. Should they lose out on Thieneman, a trade down to land Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren could be in the cards.

Theo Jackson and Jay Ward have had their moments over the years and, along with Josh Metellus, make up a solid room. Still, while safety remains undervalued across the NFL, Minnesota looks at them as a premium position, and giving Flores another chess piece feels like a smart decision.

Overall, there’s a very high chance Minnesota walks away with one of the top safeties in the first round, checking off the first box on their list.

Pick No. 49

The second round would be a prime spot to nab a defensive tackle to pair with Jalen Redmond, but an early run could leave the Vikings left out in the cold. This pick unfortunately feels about 5-10 spots too low, making a potential trade-up a possibility. It’s unlikely Kayden McDonald, Peter Woods, or Caleb Banks fall to No. 49, but there still could be several difference makers on the board.

The Vikings could turn to Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter or Georgia's Christen Miller, who both would seriously upgrade Minnesota’s run defense at over 315 lbs. each. Iowa State’s Domonique Orange, a great prospect with an even better name, had a top-30 visit with the Vikings and could also be one to watch at 49. Either way, they could easily cross off item No. 2 on the list with any of these players.

Picks No. 82, 97

The Vikings haven’t addressed their hole at WR3 with a veteran free agent, and they may not. If they chose not to add someone like Deandre Hopkins, they’ll need to find a gem with this pick. Tai Felton hasn’t shown that he’s anywhere close to rising into a significant role, and the depth behind him isn’t any closer.

Minnesota has done plenty of work at wide receiver in this draft, meeting with half a dozen receivers who could fall in this range. Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell II, UConn’s Skyler Bell, or Georgia State’s Ted Hurst would all be nice options who could be available. It’s very likely there would still be a receiver the Vikings like at the spot, and, with the future of the position very much in doubt, Minnesota could be looking to find Justin Jefferson's long-term running mate here.

At No. 97, the Vikings could have their pick of running back, center, or anything else Rob Brzezinski’s heart desires. With three boxes checked off by Friday night, Minnesota would be thrilled with the start of their draft.

One wrinkle in all this could be Brzezinski’s pledge to go with a best-player-available approach. If tight end Kenyon Sadiq falls into Minnesota’s orbit, or running back Jadarian Price hangs around into the second round, the Vikings may be unable to resist the allure.

Still, with so many roster holes left to fill in the draft, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where the Vikings aren’t greatly improved after the draft, regardless of how the board falls.