Vikings Eyeing Linebacker Prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Minnesota has a strong linebacker corps, but could look to add depth and playmaking in the upcoming draft.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:41am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a Vikings linebacker making a tackle, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the team's colors of purple, gold, and white.The Vikings' linebacker corps will be a key focus in the 2026 NFL Draft as the team looks to add depth and playmaking ability to the position.Denton Today

The Minnesota Vikings are expected to target linebackers in the 2026 NFL Draft, with several highly-touted prospects projected to be available when they pick at No. 18 overall and later in the draft. While the team has a solid starting duo in Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson, they could look to add more youth and playmaking ability to the position group.

Why it matters

The Vikings' linebacker corps has been a strength of the defense in recent seasons, but the team could look to the draft to find the next generation of talent at the position. Adding a dynamic linebacker prospect could provide a boost to the defense and help the team maintain its status as one of the top units in the NFL.

The details

The Vikings have two sideline-to-sideline studs in Cashman and Wilson, along with the fiery youngster Ivan Pace Jr. who specializes in creating mayhem. However, the team could look to add depth and competition at the position, with several intriguing prospects projected to be available in the 2026 draft. Players like Anthony Hill Jr., Jacob Rodriguez, Jake Golday, Kyle Louis, and CJ Allen are all expected to be in the mix, with the potential to provide an immediate impact.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft begins on April 23, 2026.

The players

Blake Cashman

The Vikings' defensive signal-caller, Cashman has been a key part of the team's success in recent seasons with his sideline-to-sideline play and leadership.

Eric Wilson

A veteran linebacker who had a career year in 2025, Wilson is fresh off a new contract and will look to continue his strong play alongside Cashman.

Ivan Pace Jr.

A young, energetic linebacker who specializes in creating mayhem, Pace will look to carve out a larger role in the defense after contributing primarily on special teams in 2025.

Anthony Hill Jr.

A highly-touted linebacker prospect from Texas, Hill is expected to be one of the top players at the position in the 2026 draft.

Jacob Rodriguez

A versatile linebacker from Texas Tech who can make plays all over the field, Rodriguez is projected to be a high draft pick.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Vikings will continue to evaluate the top linebacker prospects leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, with the potential to target the position early in the first round or later in the draft to add depth and competition to the position group.

The takeaway

The Vikings' linebacker corps has been a strength of the team in recent seasons, but the upcoming draft provides an opportunity to add more youth and playmaking ability to the position. With several intriguing prospects projected to be available, the Vikings could look to the draft to find the next generation of talent at linebacker and maintain their status as one of the top defensive units in the NFL.