Minnesota Vikings’ draft class brought significant depth chart changes and presented opportunities to returning players, giving a boost for next season. Both athletes and coaches found clear advantages following this year’s selection process – setting an optimistic tone going into next season!
Turner Earns the Top Post-Draft Spotlight
Here is a ranking of the key winners from the Vikings’ draft, starting with the most notable.
5. Jordan Mason (RB)
Although the Vikings could have selected other running backs earlier in the draft, the decision to wait until the sixth round to pick Demond Claiborne helped preserve Jordan Mason’s position as the team’s primary running back. While Claiborne holds potential, Mason remains the youthful lead option in the backfield, likely sharing some duties with Aaron Jones if he maintains his health.
4. Blake Brandel (C)
Head coach Kevin O’Connell recently expressed strong confidence in Blake Brandel’s versatility and potential to secure the starting center role for the 2026 season. Despite the presence of a promising late-round pick from Cincinnati, Brandel appears poised to maintain his hold on the position, building on last year’s progress.
3. Brian Flores (DC)
With the departure of the former general manager, defensive coordinator Brian Flores gained increased influence over the draft process and player personnel decisions. The Vikings focused heavily on adding defensive talent this year, selecting five defensive players across various rounds, underscoring Flores’ impact on shaping the roster.
2. Tai Felton (WR)
The Vikings decided not to draft any wide receivers this year after considering many prospects, showing confidence in their current roster and players like Tai Felton who emerged as expected third wideout following the draft and was named depth chart regular despite few predicating his status in that role.
1. Dallas Turner (OLB)
Dallas Turner, after playing only limited minutes during his first two seasons, now appears set for full-time starting outside linebacker duty after trading veteran Jonathan Greenard to make room. Turner looks poised for greater responsibility moving into 2026 season – the coming months will reveal whether investing in him has paid dividends.