Minnesota Vikings NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Smith was wise to return for one more season at Indiana, recognizing that the 2026 draft was already loaded at offensive tackle with seven players (more than any other position) earning first-round selections. Smith had a chance to sneak into that group this year, but by returning, he should boost his stock, perhaps warranting possible top-20 consideration.

Carr piloted a top-10 Irish team in his first season as a starter, throwing 24 touchdown passes against only six interceptions. With good size and downfield touch, he's got the look of a Day 1 quarterback.

Carr is a Bo Nix-style game manager and I mean that in the most laudatory terms possible. He's a steady-as-she-goes QB, who doesn't make mistakes, shows consistently good touch on deep balls, can throw with anticipation on intermediate throws, has the athleticism to play out of structure and finds ways to make plays -- and that's all just from one year of starting experience.

With T.J. Hockenson set to be a free agent in 2027, the Vikings could use a tight end. So why not go with the latest Oregon tight end prospect? At 6-foot-5 and 257 pounds, Johnson uses his frame to stretch the deep middle of the field. A smooth athlete for his size, he's capable of playing inline as well as being a flexed out in the passing game. Johnson's size makes it challenging for defenders to bring him down in the open field, and he's a willing blocker who can fit into 12 and 13 personnel sets. With Kenyon Sadiq off to the NFL, it's Johnson's time to shine.

The fourth Longhorn in the top 12, Goosby got better throughout the 2025 season. If he can continue to build off that production, he will be an easy first-round projection.

Armed with 22 career starts, Seaton will play his next season under Lane Kiffin in Baton Rouge after transferring from Colorado. A highly skilled, athletic offensive tackle, some evaluators believe he could ultimately transition to the right side to ease his move to Sundays. While the talent is evident, he remains far from a finished product.

Aging pass rusher Andrew Van Ginkel will likely need to be replaced after this season, and Dylan Stewart is one of the most explosive athletes in the upcoming class. Similar to Coleman-Williams, he cooled off as a sophomore after a standout freshman season. Regardless, 88 pressures over two years of SEC play warrant early first-round consideration. Quarterback could also be an option for Minnesota if J.J. McCarthy continues to struggle.