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Eagan Today
By the People, for the People
Vikings Tap Top 30 Visits, Combine Meetings for 7-Round Mock Draft
Minnesota focuses on prospects they've spent time with ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:42pm
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The Vikings' 2026 draft class reflects their emphasis on getting to know prospects through extensive pre-draft meetings and visits.Eagan TodayFor this 7-round mock draft, the Minnesota Vikings only selected players they've formally met with during the pre-draft process, including at the NFL Combine and during Top 30 visits to their team facilities in Eagan. The picks reflect the Vikings' interest in these prospects and their belief in the value of getting to know players up close before making selections.
Why it matters
By limiting their picks to players they've spent time with, the Vikings are signaling a focus on familiarity and comfort level with prospects rather than just taking the 'best player available.' This approach could lead to safer, more pro-ready selections, but may also mean passing on higher-upside talents they haven't scouted as extensively.
The details
The Vikings' mock draft haul includes Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman in the first round, Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday in the second, Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst in the third, Florida State defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. in the third, Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne in the fifth, Miami wide receiver CJ Daniels in the sixth, Clemson offensive tackle Tristan Leigh in the seventh, and Wisconsin wide receiver Vinny Anthony II and tight end Lance Mason in the seventh.
- The Vikings hosted all of these prospects on Top 30 visits to their team facilities in Eagan this week.
- Several of the players, including Thieneman, Golday, and Jackson, also met with the Vikings at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
The players
Dillon Thieneman
An Oregon safety who is widely projected as the Vikings' first-round pick, viewed as a 'seamless replacement' for veteran Harrison Smith.
Jake Golday
A linebacker from Cincinnati who the Vikings are considering with one of their second-round selections, known for his outstanding athleticism at 6'4", 240 pounds.
Ted Hurst
A 6'4" wide receiver from Georgia State who could provide a big-play threat opposite Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in the Vikings' offense.
Darrell Jackson Jr.
A powerful defensive tackle from Florida State who the Vikings hosted on a Top 30 visit, adding depth and run-stopping ability to their defensive line.
Demond Claiborne
A running back from Wake Forest with 4.37 speed and over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of the last two seasons, a potential complement to Aaron Jones in the Vikings' backfield.
What’s next
The Vikings will continue their pre-draft evaluation process, with the 2026 NFL Draft set to take place from April 24-26.
The takeaway
By focusing their mock draft exclusively on prospects they've met with, the Vikings are signaling a desire for familiarity and comfort level with their selections rather than simply taking the 'best player available.' This approach could lead to safer, more pro-ready picks, but may also mean passing on higher-upside talents they haven't scouted as extensively.
