A post GM-change mock draft
Using PFF's mock-draft simulator to take an early look at the draft landscape
By Matthew Coller
It’s impossible to say exactly how the Minnesota Vikings will approach the draft now that Rob Brzezinski is acting as general manager and Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores would appear to be at the lead of the table but we can certainly try our best to project how they might aim to add pieces to the roster in late April.
For that, our first Draft Simulation of the 2026 offseason using the PFF Mock Draft Simulator.
Let’s dive right into the results.
In this draft, the Vikings trade down three spots with the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for the 99th overall pick.
If you read Tuesday’s piece on the Vikings’ recent drafting, you will remember that they have been very short on top-100 selections so picking up anther draft pick in the top-100 without making a major sacrifice seemed to fit the bill.
By the traditional trade charts, the deal was an even split. Though OverTheCap.com’s chart the Vikings came out on top.
The reason moving back seemed applicable was that three cornerbacks were already off the board along with some of the bigger names like Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Love, Ohio State’s Caleb Downs, Ohio State LB Sonny Styles and Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks.
In this simulation, six offensive linemen went between 18-32. There may be some argument that the Vikings could use a tackle in the draft but picking one in the first round would only be needed if there are huge concerns for Christian Darrisaw.
After trading down, the debate was whether to get a defensive starter that fit an immediate need, draft a wide receiver to fill Jalen Nailor’s shoes immediately and possibly Jordan Addison’s long term or reach on a safety.
GM Purple Insider elected to go with the defensive rotational player with upside for this simulation because: A) Interior D-line play is king in the NFL right now B) the Vikings front seven has a chance to be a top-five unit if they improve vs. the run C) the top receivers were off the board already.
About the picks:
Georgia, DT, Christen Miller
The 6-foot-4, 310-pound D-lineman isn’t quite as big as a traditional monster nose tackle but Brian Flores hasn’t seemed to be looking for that in his defense over the years. He does have exceptional strength and produced a 90.2 PFF grade vs. the run and solid 11.3% pass-rush win rate. Miller wasn’t a sack artist but he did create enough pressure on the QB to argue he can develop his rush skills.
Former NFL GM Ran Carthon talked in this video about how Miller “jumped off the tape” and played “up and down the line.” Carthon noted his motor and effort as well.
Pairing Miller with Jalen Redmond, Jonathan Allen and Levi Drake Rodriguez to form a deep D-line that can get after the QB and stuff the run isn’t flashy but it could take the defense to another level.
Notre Dame, RB, Jadarian Price
In a system that requires backs to pass protect and catch the ball, there could be some questions about Price’s fit. However, he was a strong outside zone runner (81.4 PFF zone running grade) who averaged 3.9 yards after contact and overall was over 6.0 yards per carry in each of the last two years. He is known as being a natural, smooth ball carrier who also returned three kicks to the house in 22 tries.
The Vikings need a yang to Jordan Mason’s ying. Mason is a bruiser who plows through his competition, while Price has quick acceleration and a patient style.
If Aaron Jones is done in Minnesota, young legs will be required. The Vikings have tried for a long time to squeeze out a rushing attack without much youth in the backfield outside of Ty Chandler and it hasn’t worked.
Florida, C, Jake Slaughter
Luck was on our side for this draft simulation when arguably the top center in the draft dropped into the third round. Slaughter is an experienced team captain who should be able to start right away. His movement skill should allow him to become a quality zone blocker quickly.
The Vikings options at center are bleak. Either backups Blake Brandel and Michael Jurgens battle it out or they aim for an underwhelming free agent signing.
TCU, S, Bud Clark
A ball hawking safety with 11 career interceptions and split snaps between the slot, box and deep safety positions.
The Vikings need safety depth with the possibility that Harrison Smith will retire. It’s unclear if Jay Ward or Theo Jackson can take on a role alongside Josh Metellus. Even if Clark isn’t a Day 1 starter and they sign a free agent, they need more bodies in the defensive backfield.
Texas, CB, Malik Muhammad
Some reports have Muhammad much higher than where we landed him because of his competitive play style and performance this year stepping into the limelight after Jahdae Barron left in the draft last year. The Vikings’ cornerback depth is basically zero. They need projects that have a chance to succeed.
Other potential first-round options:
Ohio State, DT, Kayden McDonald — A stout, run-stuffing DT that would shift the interior of the Vikings D-line.
Oregon, TE, Kenyon Sadiq — If they are not bringing back TJ Hockenson, the top TE in the draft becomes an option.
Texas A&M, WR, KC Concepcion — With Jalen Nailor possibly on the way out and Jordan Addison’s future unclear, receiver is an option. Actually, receiver should always be an option.
South Carolina, CB, Brandon Cisse — Experienced corner with some flexibility and solid numbers. Vikings need depth and youth at CB.
Arizona St., CB, Keith Abney II — Productive corner who took a big step forward in 2025
Oregon, S, Dillon Thieneman — Playmaker on the ball who lined up all over the field.
Toledo, S, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren — A box safety who took over games in the MAC
Other potential second-round options:
Indiana, CB, D'Angelo Ponds — Undersized but an absolute baller with a ton of toughness.
San Diego State, CB, Chris Johnson — Scored a 91.9 PFF zone coverage grade and had four INTs.
Indiana, WR Omar Cooper Jr. — Caught 13 touchdowns on the national championship squad.
Mississippi, QB Trinidad Chambliss — A project quarterback?
Auburn, C, Connor Lew — Tore his ACL but may have the highest ceiling at center.
Duke, CB, Chandler Rivers — Undersized corner who played a lot in the slot
Conclusions
— This is the play-it-safe draft. The ceiling for players like Miller, Price and Slaughter are not All-Pro level but they do reflect the types who could be Day 1 contributors who fill vital roles right away.
— Filling the secondary in Day 2 is a logical approach. The Vikings have done well at getting the most out of solid players like Metellus and Bynum. They would need to focus a bit on development but both players are experienced.
— There’s just a lot that we don’t know yet. If the Vikings trade Jordan Addison or let TJ Hockenson go, that would significantly alter the plan. If they sign a veteran RB in free agency, then picking one in the second round doesn’t make much sense either. Same goes for a center. We have much to learn before taking a reasonable guess at what the Vikings will do in the draft.
How the whole first round played out
Like the trade down but.... But looking at your actual picks (using NFL Mock draft database
https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/big-boards/2026/consensus-big-board-2026
Miller is a large over reach #21 vs #39
Price is a small reach #49 to #57
Slaughter a very small reach a #82 to #87
Clark... small #97 vs 101
Muhammad would be a very large pick up #99 vs 99
Outside of Miller... The overreach is pretty minimal but the Miller pick would be.... questioned...
Agreed if hte fit/value is not there at 18 (or you have 4-5 guys who you would get) a trade down )like you did would be excellent
I don’t watch college ball during the year at all, so no idea who these guys are yet, but I like it in terms of position/round. My only two draft takes to this point are that Love is overrated (skinny, runs tall, has a ton of spin move and hurdle highlights that aren’t repeatable in the NFL) and Skyler Bell is underrated by at least a round. Round 2 seems like a good place for RB this year, but I think they probably just try to get a vet who they know can pass protect.