3 options for the Vikings in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft?

We’re just a few days away from arguably the biggest event of the entire offseason: the NFL Draft. The Minnesota Vikings have nine total picks, including the 18th overall pick. There are several routes the Vikings could pursue, and in this one, we’ll take a look at three potential prospects Minnesota could take at pick 18.

Option 1: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Minnesota’s most teased prospect throughout this entire pre-draft process, Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman, would be a perfect transition from Harrison Smith. Thieneman plays the type of roaming, run-supporting style of play that would thrive in Brian Flores’ defense.

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Option 2: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Still in the Pacific Northwest, Minnesota could try to strengthen its weapons by adding explosive playmaker Kenyon Sadiq. Sadiq would bring an athletic style of play that has been missing from this offense for years, and could play a big role in this offense in year one.

Option 3: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

The last option for the Minnesota Vikings in the 2026 NFL Draft is to replace some huge losses on the interior of the defensive line. Minnesota parted ways with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave to clear some cap space, and McDonald fits a similar style of play that could disrupt offenses in year one.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: 3 options for Vikings in Round 1?