We’re a month away from the 2026 NFL Draft. Free agency is essentially wrapped up, with very few impact players still on the market. The only major Vikings news expected before the draft is whether Harrison Smith retires (likely) and whether the team can convince DeAndre Hopkins to reunite with Kyler Murray (maybe). Smith retiring would leave an obvious hole in the starting lineup. Hopkins would provide depth, but wide receiver is not a top need regardless. Assuming the roster stays mostly as-is,
what are the Vikings’ top needs?
Offensive Line
Ryan Kelly retired earlier this month after sustaining concussions in Weeks 2, 4, and 16. His last even occurring while wearing a guardian cap. His departure leaves a significant vacancy at center. The offensive line was frequently injured last season, and depth is needed even if all returning starters stay healthy. The unit isn’t as bad as it’s been in the past, but it’s still thin.
The Vikings signed OT Ryan Van Demark to an offer sheet, and the Bills are not expected to match. He should provide much‑needed depth at tackle. Center remains one of the team’s top needs, but it’s a position they can likely address in the middle rounds of the draft
Secondary
Harrison Smith is likely retiring. The team added veteran CB James Pierre on a 2-year deal. Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, and Pierre form a decent starting trio at cornerback, but there isn’t much depth behind them. Jay Ward, Josh Metellus, and Theo Jackson make up the safety room. It’s not as dire as mock drafts suggest, but depth is extremely thin. Brian Flores needs more young talent to work with.
Defensive Line
Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave are gone. Neither fully lived up to expectations, to be honest. Both struggled to regain form coming off 2024 injuries. Jalen Redmond should step in at nose tackle and performed well in rotation with Hargrave last season. It’s surprising this position group isn’t universally listed as a top priority. Defensive lines operate on heavy rotation, and right now the Vikings barely have a starting group, much less depth.
Quarterback
The most talked about position in sports has been a mess in Minnesota for decades. A couple of years with Cousins was the most consistency this team has gotten. J.J. McCarthy has been disappointing and often unavailable. Carson Wentz looks like Burt Reynolds in the Longest Yard (2005 version). The team signed Kyler Murray to see if QB Whisperer Kevin O’Connell can revamp his career. Even if they do, there’s no guarantee Kyler stays beyond 2026.
The Vikings need a developmental QB if McCarthy isn’t the future, but quarterback depth feels like a luxury compared to more urgent roster needs. The question: do they invest in a young QB now, or see what McCarthy can learn and wait until 2027?
The Vikings have several glaring needs to address if they want to compete in 2026. The NFL is more wide‑open than ever, and the Seahawks just showed how quickly a team can turn things around. If the Vikings believe Kyler Murray was simply stuck on a bad roster in Arizona, O’Connell and company might be dreaming of a Seattle‑style resurgence. Either way, Minnesota remains one of the league’s most interesting teams, even if they’re not quite in the championship conversation.
