Vikings Fans Believe the Round 1 Draft Target Is Obvious

Minnesota Vikings fans think the team will target a defensive back in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 10:39am

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According to a recent poll of Vikings fans, the team is expected to select a defensive back with their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Cornerback and safety have been identified as clear needs for the Vikings, with Clemson's Avieon Terrell emerging as a popular mock draft selection for Minnesota at pick No. 18.

Why it matters

The Vikings' secondary has been an area of focus for the team in recent years, and fans are eager to see the team address those needs early in the upcoming draft. The selection of a top cornerback or safety prospect could have a significant impact on the team's defensive performance next season.

The details

The poll conducted by VikingsTerritory showed that about three-fifths of respondents believe the Vikings will target a defensive back in the first round. Avieon Terrell, a cornerback from Clemson, has been a popular mock draft selection for the Vikings, with his size, physicality, and ball skills making him an attractive option. Other potential first-round DB targets include Brandon Cisse (South Carolina), Colton Hood (Tennessee), Jermod McCoy (Tennessee), and Mansoor Delane (LSU). At safety, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo) and Dillon Thieneman (Oregon) could be in the mix, though safeties are less likely to be first-round picks.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is 12 weeks away.
  • The poll was conducted this week by VikingsTerritory.

The players

Avieon Terrell

A cornerback from Clemson University who is considered one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

A safety prospect from the University of Toledo who has the physical profile and ball-hawking skills that could make him a potential first-round pick.

Dillon Thieneman

A safety prospect from the University of Oregon who is known for his versatility, instincts, and aggressive play style, though he is more likely to be a second-round pick.

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What they’re saying

“Terrell has been an incredibly popular selection for the Vikings. He's been the top player in all mock drafts, raking up 30 of the 71 selections. He's one of the better cornerbacks in the class, and my personal CB1. He might be 5-11 and 180 pounds, but he plays much bigger than that. His ball skills are tremendous, and he won't ever back down from a fight.”

— Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports

“A three-star recruit out of Indiana in 2023, Thieneman began his college career at Purdue and was an instant success story on a bad team. As a true freshman, he was PFF's highest-graded safety in the nation at 89.5.”

— Will Ragatz, SI.com

What’s next

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The takeaway

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