A Minnesota Vikings fan cheers from the stands, reacting to a key moment as crowd energy builds throughout the game Sep 23, 2012, at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during a matchup against the San Francisco 49ers that ended in a 24-13 Vikings victory with fans fully engaged in the home atmosphere. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-US PRESSWIRE.
Enthusiasm is jacked for the Minnesota Vikings in the 2026 NFL Draft, mainly because the franchise found a quarterback in Kyler Murray, the previously poor-drafting general manager has been removed from his chair, and the club has nine picks to spend. Nevertheless, like every year, a few nightmare scenarios lurk.
Several draft outcomes would leave Minnesota in a much worse spot after Round 1.
From bad to awful, consider the following list a worst-case scenario compilation for the Vikings at the end of the month.
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A Handful of Draft Outcomes Could Go Sideways for Minnesota
How livid would you be if these events transpired?
Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano speaks with reporters during media availability, discussing his performance and draft outlook Feb 28, 2026, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Fano addressed questions from scouts and media while showcasing his preparation and experience during the NFL Scouting Combine process. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Drafting an OT
Would it be fundamentally terrible to select an offensive tackle in Round 1? No, not at all. That spot is a premium position.
However, Minnesota jumping into a bed with Round 1 offensive tackle would forebodingly suggest a grim fate for Christian Darrisaw’s ACL. If the Vikings need a new tackle, it would mean they don’t trust Darrisaw for the long haul — or that Brian O’Neill’s days are numbered.
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Picking an OT is not a popular sentiment right now in the mock-draft community, but it would cause head-scratches among fans if it came to fruition.
Reaching for a Round 2 Player
A dirty little secret about last year’s draft for the Vikings? Their 1st-Rounder, Donovan Jackson, lived at No. 39 on the Consensus Big Board, and Minnesota drafted him at No. 24. While the working theory suggests the Houston Texans would’ve grabbed Jackson via the following pick after Minnesota, it still reached for a guy that most draft heads pegged as a 2nd-Rounder.
Jackson has worked out so far in Minnesota, and nobody really regrets the pick. But reaching for 2nd-Rounders should not be the new normal.
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For example, if you hear on Thursday, April 23rd, “With the 18th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select …. cornerback Chris Johnson, San Diego State,” that will mean Minnesota picked the draft’s 42nd-best player on the Consensus Big Board at No. 18.
That’s not the ideal scenario.
An example: in March, A to Z Sports‘ Tyler Forness mock-drafted Georgia linebacker C.J. Allen to Minnesota, explaining, “Linebacker isn’t at the top of the needs for the Vikings across the board, but it’s one long-term need. They don’t have a linebacker signed to the roster after the 2026 season, with Blake Cashman set to be a free agent. Allen has all of the ability to thrive in Brian Flores’ defense and can be eased into the role.”
Allen is a fine prospect, but picking him 18th is a reach.
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Trading Too Far Down
On the other hand, while trading down with a team at No. 18 might be smart — the Vikings can probably get a 2nd-Rounder or 3rd-Rounder by moving down 10-15 spots — they must avoid getting too cute.
Minnesota Vikings safety Lewis Cine goes through pregame warmups, preparing for action and working through drills Aug 20, 2022, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The young defensive back focused on readiness ahead of a preseason matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
For instance, a trade down to No. 28 is fine. Let’s do it. A trade down to No. 45 is not good business. Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski must thread the needle if he trades down, adding another Top 100 pick but still staying in Round 1 or at the Top of Round 2.
There’s a risk of stockpiling five or six players from the draft’s Top 10 — but not landing a blue-chip 1st-Rounder.
The Lewis Cine trade from four years ago is a good (bad?) recent example.
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Our Brevan Bane wrote this week, “It is my belief that the Vikings should double-up in the secondary with their first two selections. They also hold the 49th overall selection in the second round, where someone like D’Angelo Ponds or Chris Johnson could be available.”
“Corners are very hard to predict, as we thought there would be plenty taken in the first round last year, when in reality, there were only 2.5 (.5 being Travis Hunter) taken. The first true CB, Jahdae Barron, wasn’t taken until pick 20 by Denver.”
Drafting Ty Simpson at No. 18
The Vikings don’t need a quarterback from this draft. They just don’t.
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Some, like former NFLer Chase Daniel, have suggested that Minnesota should take a flyer on Simpson in Round 1, even if Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy are attached to the roster. Daniel is wrong; Murray and McCarthy are enough for Minnesota to determine in 2026 if it has a franchise quarterback.
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson drops back to pass during first-half action, scanning the field against Indiana Jan 1, 2026, at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. Simpson operated within the offense during the College Football Playoff quarterfinal, testing the Hoosiers’ defense in a high-profile postseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Additionally, the upcoming draft class stinks for quarterback talent, and if Murray and McCarthy don’t pan out, the 2027 draft class is much deeper at the position. The Vikings shouldn’t reach for a quarterback just because McCarthy hasn’t fully blasted off yet.
In fact, there’s a decent chance that Murray plays so well that the franchise considers him the quarterback for the long haul.
AS Monaco beat Marseille (2-1) in Ligue 1 matchday 28. Thanks to this victory, Monaco (5th) have drawn level with Marseille (4th).
Tadej Pogacar has won his third Tour of Flanders, his fourth consecutive Monument victory. Demi Vollering won the women’s race. Union Bordeaux-Bègles will face Stade Toulousain in the Champions Cup. French players have excelled in the NBA. Gaël Monfils has qualified for the second round in Monte Carlo.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 18: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with teammates after making a three pointer in the fourth quarter of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
LeBron James has reacted to the injuries of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, with the Los Angeles Lakers now facing the final stretch of the season without both players.
Dončić is dealing with a hamstring injury, while Reaves has been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season with an oblique issue.
James said:
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“It was a shot to the heart and to the chest and the main frame with Luka, and we got that news kind of quick.”
“I woke up from my nap yesterday and then saw that news, I was like … (expletive).”
The Lakers are expected to rely heavily on James, who recorded 30 points and 15 assists in their 134-128 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
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Coach JJ Redick said:
“I think simplicity wins. It´s nothing too crazy. But it´s just being really simple with the menu and hopefully over the next five games, we can really figure out what works for this group.”
The injuries come at a point, with the Lakers already in the playoffs but still fighting for position in the Western Conference.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) lines up under center during third-quarter action, scanning the defense and preparing to initiate the play as the offense works through a drive Aug 10, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, against the Las Vegas Raiders during preseason game action. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings’ rumor mill never takes days or weeks off, and in fact, the noise gets louder as the draft approaches. That just so happens to be 18 days from now.
Minnesota’s latest rumor roundup touches McCarthy, Murray, and a possible Brandel shift on the offensive line.
So, to keep you in the loop, here’s the second batch of Vikings rumors for the first weekend in April.
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Latest Chatter Points to Key Decisions for Minnesota’s Offense
The Purple Rumor Mill for April 5th, 2026.
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy drops back and delivers an early throw, settling into the offense and setting tempo Jan 4, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The first-quarter sequence showed Minnesota aiming for rhythm in a pivotal divisional clash against Green Bay as McCarthy operated within structure. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Rumor: J.J. McCarthy could be traded to the Jets in a deal centered around a 2nd-Rounder.
Pro Football Network‘s Josh Weil published a few McCarthy trade ideas, and for the Jets, he explained, “New York trades a 2026 second-round pick (No. 44 overall) to Minnesota for McCarthy and a 2026 third-round pick (No. 97 overall). Will the reunion with Geno Smith result in success for the Jets? Maybe, but with an aging quarterback who has had his share of injuries, bringing in a backup with more upside than Brady Cook can make an injury not devastating for the Jets.”
“They would be able to focus on other positions with their higher draft picks and still bring in a hungry McCarthy, who could very well win the starting job over Smith.”
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McCarthy has raised no fuss about Murray’s arrival, and to be shipped out, McCarthy must likely ask for a ticket.
Weil also dropped a McCarthy trade theory to Cleveland: “Cleveland trades a 2026 third-round pick (No. 70 overall) and a 2026 fifth-round pick (No. 149 overall) to Minnesota for McCarthy. While the Browns picked a pair of quarterbacks in last year’s draft and still have Deshaun Watson under contract, it is clear they are looking for someone to come in and run away with the job.”
“It seems like the Browns didn’t want to invest a first-round pick in the position, but getting a first-round quarterback at pennies on the dollar in terms of draft stock may make them buyers for McCarthy. McCarthy’s QB Impact Score last season was 64.5, resulting in a D grade. While this is a far cry from where his expectations are, he still cleared Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel by a wide margin in that category.”
Generally speaking, the Vikings probably won’t trade McCarthy.
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Rumor: Kyler Murray is the Vikings’ QB1 in 2026; Kevin O’Connell spilled the beans.
O’Connell chatted with KFAN this week and mentioned his offense in 2026: “I call it the Justin Jefferson program. If they’re playing man coverage, they’re absolutely not playing Justin 1 on 1… what that means if you’re going to try and play those coverages, and have a spy for Kyler Murray, or for that matter any of our other QB’s, you’re leaving yourself a 3 man rush.”
“So, you have to ask yourself, what do you have to take away? If the answer is Justin Jefferson or Jordan Addison, there’s going to be some opportunity.”
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray takes the field for warmups with SoFi Stadium reflected in his visor, capturing a unique pregame moment Jan 3, 2021, in Inglewood, California. Murray prepared for a matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, showcasing focus and presence before kickoff in a high-profile NFC West contest. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
O’Connell’s comments left no doubt: he is building the offense around Murray as the starting quarterback and planning for September with Murray in mind. Defensive coordinators must now contend with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Murray’s mobility — a combination sure to cause headaches.
Coaches rarely speak this way about backup quarterbacks. As QB4, Max Brosmer received no extensive analysis on Tuesday, which is understandable. He’s not a starter.
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O’Connell may not have intended to reveal his hand, but his plan is evident. While the Vikings will still hold a quarterback competition in training camp, Murray enters the summer as the clear frontrunner.
Rumor: Blake Brandel is the odds-on favorite to start Week 1 at center.
Until this week, no one really knew the Vikings’ plan at center. O’Connell changed that a little bit.
He said to reporters, “It is great that we feel that good about Blake’s versatility, but ultimately we want to do what’s best for Blake to ascend and reach his highest potential at one position or have the flexibility still to play multiple. What his offseason looks like, what his training camp looks like and what his work flow looks like leading into the season, we want to have him more than likely at that center spot and build on some things that he did last year.”
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“It’s a position that’s got some really unique names in the draft, depending on where you may be looking to take one. There’s some guys with experience, there’s some guys with tremendous upside and then some guys that have that flex above the neck of really the smarts and the command that it takes to play center at the National Football League level. We’ll continue to work through it.”
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Blake Brandel moves through pregame warmups, preparing for depth duties and special teams work Sep 12, 2021, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The lineman went through drills alongside teammates ahead of kickoff, focusing on readiness and technique before facing the Bengals. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert added, “O’Connell said the Vikings plan to make center the permanent position for longtime backup Blake Brandel, making him the early front-runner for the job that was vacated by Ryan Kelly’s retirement.”
From an early April standpoint, the starting center job is Brandel’s. A rookie will have to outshine him at training camp.
The three-day competition in the rural town of Stawell featured more than 700 competitors and offered total prize money of A$155,000 (£81,000).
Jamaican Asafa Powell, Britain’s Linford Christie and Australian great Cathy Freeman are among the global champions to compete at the event since it was first held in 1878.
Richardson’s partner and fellow American sprinter Christian Coleman, holder of the indoor 60m world record, contested the men’s event.
The former 100m world champion was eliminated in the semi-finals, where he finished fifth in 12.48 seconds.
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The men’s event was won by Australian 21-year-old Olufemi Komolafe in 11.93 off a five-metre start – starting behind all but one of his competitors, with runner-up Jake Ireland starting at 4.5m.
Spaun’s clubs remain nearly exactly as they were at Oakmont 9 months ago, with one minor exception, as Spaun opted for a 7-wood this week instead of the 5-wood he used at Oakmont. Both clubs are TaylorMade Qi10s with Mitsubishi Diamana PD shafts, so it’s simply a course-dependent adjustment for Spaun.
What has changed are his sponsors. While his main endorsement contract with Cleveland/Srixon covers his ZXi irons, Cleveland wedges and Srixon balls, Spaun has a brand new partnership with L.A.B. Golf, just announced this week.
.@labgolfputters is making it official with World No. 13 J.J. Spaun.
Spaun won the U.S. Open last year gaming a L.A.B. DF3, punctuated by that 64-footer on 18 and the now-iconic putter toss.
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“I switched to L.A.B. and had an amazing season, including a U.S. Open win. I love… pic.twitter.com/uAhr9sPnO8
“I switched to L.A.B. and had an amazing season, including a U.S. Open win. I love working with the L.A.B. guys,” Spaun said in the announcement. “The fact is, these guys know things about putters and putting that nobody else does. The margins out here are so small, and I want every advantage I can get. L.A.B. is that advantage. The golfers who do their homework will figure it out.”
Spaun was the first player ever to win a major championship with a Lie Angle Balanced, “zero torque” or low-torque or putter last June. He capped it off with a memorable 64-foot bomb on the 72nd green and tossed his L.A.B. Golf DF3 putter in the air.
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Like at Oakmont, Spaun again put the Valero away by driving the 71st green, but this time, he drilled the 9-foot eagle putt to go ahead by a shot at 17 under, a total no one could match on a windy, cold and wet day at TPC San Antonio.
But where Spaun really did his damage this week was with his irons, as he was second in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach, picking up 6.7 shots.
He has a unique set of Srixon ZXi irons, gaming the players’ distance ZXi5 model for his 4-iron and the more compact ZXi7 in the 5-PW.
The unusual part is that Spaun’s iron set doesn’t have the typical half-inch length and half-degree lie increments that most players use. Instead, Spaun’s short irons are standard length, while his mid and long irons are slightly shorter than standard. Meanwhile, his lie angles jump by a degree for the 6-7-8-irons.
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Spaun isn’t a unicorn for this, but it’s still rare on Tour. Pros and OEM reps spend hours and hours testing clubs to make sure each one is dialed for the individual player. That’s exactly what the Srixon team has done with Spaun.
Keep reading below for more on Spaun’s detailed specs.
J.J. Spaun’s winning clubs at the 2026 Valero Texas Open
GT3 – Speed-Tuned Distance & Control
GT3 offers Titleist’s boldest combination of power and personalization. With a speed-tuned design that allows you to precisely match performance to your most frequent contact location, you can make your biggest drives even bigger while taking total control over flight and shaping.
For players with a relatively consistent impact location, GT3 offers a precisely adjustable CG Track to max out distance and directional control.
Seamless Thermoform Crown
A reimagined ultra-lightweight design, born from a new Proprietary Matrix Polymer. The tunable acoustic properties of this unique composite allow Titleist engineers to realize new material gains while maintaining our signature sound and feel. All wrapped in a clean look that inspires total confidence.
Split Mass Construction
A breakthrough in internal weighting unlocks longer drives and enhanced directional control in GT3. The Adjustable CG Track now sits closer to the face for more dynamic CG control, while additional discretionary mass is pushed to the back of the club to maintain optimal stability through impact.
Advanced Aerodynamics
GT3 features a new raised tail contour that represents a dramatic shift in driver aerodynamics. Previously impossible to execute due to design constraints, this advanced shaping results in a driver that swings faster while still providing optimal CG control.
TaylorMade Fairways have dominated on Tour for over a decade because of their unique performance recipe, which enables maximum distance and versatility.
The Qi4D fairway is designed for golfers who want the most advanced technology while still prioritizing versatility and control with amazing distance.
ADJUSTABLE PERFORMANCE
Utilizing a single Trajectory Adjustment System weight (8g x1) provides the golfer a more mass efficient way to adjust flight, spin and swing weight.
4° loft sleeve can be used to adjust loft, lie and face angle for optimized flight and is available in all lofts.
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REFINED ATTRIBUTES, BIG CHANGES
Engineers conducted an objective analysis of all the performance attributes and discovered new methods to enhance performance and confidence.
Sit points, lie angles, address views, and center of gravity locations were all updated based on Tour feedback and the expertise of leading fitters worldwide, ensuring the optimal fairway across skill levels.
TOUR-PROVEN TECHNOLOGIES
New and improved cut-through Speed Pocket™ protects ball speed and reduces spin on low-face strikes.
Advanced CAD modeling creates a design with a clean and powerful sound, a foundation for TaylorMade fairway performance.
Twist Face™ features corrective face curvature designed to provide straighter shots on mishits.
Multi-Material Construction allows engineers to maximize performance by increasing discretionary weight.
Wedges: Cleveland RTX Zipcore Tour Rack (50), RTZ Tour Rack (54), RTX 6 Tour Rack (60) Lofts/Grinds: 50-10 Mid, 54-12 Full, 60-6 Low Lie: 1˚ Flat Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
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Cleveland RTZ Full-Face Custom Wedge
All-new RTZ Wedges are made with Z-Alloy, a completely new steel formula that enables a zero-compromise design approach for incredible feel, better durability, and more consistency for our best performing tour Wedges yet. Plus, there’s an all-new ADAPT grind featuring full-face grooves, to give RTZ Wedges more versatility than ever before.
Z-Alloy
Z-Alloy is a brand-new steel with better feel. It’s softer, lighter, and remarkably durable. It gives RTZ Wedges superior feel, better forgiveness, and more consistency. On RTZ Tour Rack Wedges, Z-Alloy’s rust-resistant properties ensure longer-lasting, like-new performance.
HydraZip
HydraZip is a unique system of face blasts and laser-milled lines formulated to maximize spin performance under wet conditions. This technology is dynamically configured by loft groupings, which helps balance spin across lofts, while maximizing spin in adverse conditions.
ZipCore
This low-density core technology replaces heavier material in the heel and hosel area with a lightweight, low-density, vibration-dampening material. This proprietary core allows us to shift the Center of Gravity closer to where you strike the ball, while simultaneously adding MOI.
UltiZip
UltiZip’s sharper grooves cut through grass and debris at contact, while deeper grooves help make space for grass, sand, dirt, or water to clear the impact zone, giving RTZ Wedges stronger, more consistent spin from the fairway, rough, or bunker.
Ever since we launched our first putter, Directed Force, golfers have been asking if we could make it less weird. DF3 is that putter.
DF3 still does everything golfers love about the original. It stays square by itself. It’s still irrationally forgiving on mishits. But there’s a lot less to think about.
The DF3 is entirely CNC milled from 6061 aluminum, with 8 screws on the bottom made of steel or tungsten in various densities to precisely target swing weight and lie angle balance each putter.
Z-STAR SeriesWhether you’re chasing major championships or your next personal best, the all-new Z-STAR series is the choice for serious players everywhere. Featuring reformulated cores and covers across the line, this generation of Z-STAR golf balls delivers greater distance, optimized spin, and tour-level stopping power around the green.
It’s a formula designed to give you one thing: pure performance when it matters most.
With a blend of greenside control and long-game distance, the new Z-STAR ♦ DIAMOND also delivers the unique benefit of increased spin on long and mid Iron shots.
Minnesota Vikings safety Lewis Cine (6) goes through pregame warmups, moving across the field and preparing for defensive responsibilities as teammates cycle through drills Aug 20, 2022, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, ahead of a preseason matchup against the San Francisco 49ers with roster spots and roles under evaluation. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
One week ago, we brought you the best draft picks in Minnesota Vikings history, a list headlined by Fran Tarkenton, which should surprise no one. You can read that here. This time, the naughty list is up for review, with the next draft just 18 days away.
A handful of Vikings draft swings aged terribly, leaving long-term scars on the franchise.
The list has a newcomer, sadly, now that the dust has settled, and he checked in at No. 3 — Lewis Cine.
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First-Round Whiffs Still Haunt Minnesota’s Draft History
From bad to worse, these are the worst draft picks in Vikings history.
Minnesota Vikings running back D.J. Dozier carries the ball during postseason action, showcasing his role in the offense Jan 13, 1988, at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Wild Card matchup saw Minnesota dominate the Saints, with Dozier contributing to a decisive victory in a high-energy playoff environment. Mandatory Credit: MPS-USA TODAY Sports
5. D.J. Dozier
Drafting Dozier with the 14th pick in 1987 represented a significant investment, as the Vikings envisioned him as the centerpiece of a run-oriented offense.
But Dozier never lived up to those expectations. In 37 games, he totaled just 691 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns, with his best season being his rookie year, in which he gained only 257 yards. He struggled to establish a consistent role and realize his potential.
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After a brief stint in Detroit, Dozier was out of the league by age 26. For a Top-15 pick at a crucial position (back then, anyway), the Vikings received next to nothing for the long term.
4. Erasmus James
Picked 18th overall in 2005 — that’s where the Vikings draft this year — James was expected to become a dominant force on the Vikings’ defensive line. He possessed the necessary skills, and the opportunity was there for him to succeed.
Unfortunately, injuries rattled his career. In 23 games with Minnesota, James started 12, recording 38 tackles and 5 sacks before the team moved on in 2008. A subsequent stint in Washington did not improve his fortunes. Not one bit.
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James’s career stalled prematurely, making him another 1st-Round pick that failed to deliver long-term value for the Vikings. Minnesota has only drafted one Round 1 EDGE defender since: Dallas Turner.
3. Lewis Cine
Cine’s tenure in Minnesota quickly soured. After only 10 defensive snaps, he suffered a severe leg injury in London during his rookie year, which dramatically altered his career trajectory.
Although he returned in 2023, he struggled to find a role, and the Vikings released him the following year. He either never fully recovered from the injury or just plain stunk. You pick.
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Cine later joined a Super Bowl-winning team in Philadelphia, but his impact was negligible. While injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, Cine’s time with the Vikings stands out as one of the most disappointing first-round stories in franchise history.
He was also cut from a UFL roster not long ago. Brutal.
Minnesota Vikings safety Lewis Cine speaks with a local reporter during training camp, addressing his development and roster outlook Aug 21, 2024, in Eagan, Minnesota. The former first-round pick worked to solidify his role while navigating a competitive depth chart and continued evaluation during summer practices. Mandatory Credit: FOX9
Minnesota Sports Fan‘sEric Strack wrote about Cine a couple of months ago, “Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s biggest draft miss came during his very first swing — when he traded down 20 spots from No. 12 overall to No. 32 overall — passing on (S) Kyle Hamilton and (WR) Jameson Williams, in favor of (S) Lewis Cine, who’s rookie deal was worth $11.5 million. We all know the story, from there. Cine broke his leg during his first preseason as a Viking.”
“And when he finally got on the field one year later, not only was the hard-hitting Georgia safety lacking first round talent … but he didn’t even belong in the NFL. Before the start of the 2024 regular season, Lewis Cine was waived by the Minnesota Vikings. After he was kicked around between a few different NFL practice squads the past couple years, Cine was forced to settle for a UFL contract with the DC Defenders on January 22, 2026.”
Cine’s football career could be over.
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“Not even two weeks later… the 2022 first round pick has been cut from the DC roster. And unless he’s willing to play overseas, it’s possible Lewis Cine may now be forced to look for jobs outside of playing professional football,” Strack concluded.
2. Leo Hayden
The Vikings’ selection of Hayden in the 1st Round of the 1971 draft never gained traction.
Despite participating in the preseason, he never played a regular-season game for Minnesota. He eventually landed in St. Louis, where he rushed for 11 yards before retiring at age 25.
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The Vikings quickly rebounded by acquiring Chuck Foreman soon after, but the Hayden pick remains a significant miss that never had a chance.
1. Dimitrius Underwood
Underwood’s situation unraveled before it started. Drafted in Round 1 in 1999, he abruptly left training camp in August and never played a single snap for the Vikings.
Former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dimitrius Underwood is shown in a portrait-style image, reflecting on his time connected to the franchise during his NFL career. The photo captures Underwood in a composed setting, representing a player whose tenure with Minnesota ended abruptly during the 1999 season. Mandatory Credit: MLive.com
He briefly appeared with Dallas, but his career failed to launch. Underwood faced off-field challenges, including legal issues and later discussions surrounding his mental health, which were not well understood or tolerated at the time.
From a football standpoint, the Vikings gained nothing from this pick, making it one of the most sudden and disappointing 1st-Round busts in team history.
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Imagine if Donovan Jackson just never made it through the summer of 2025 and vanished. That was Underwood a quarter century ago.
DOHA, QATAR FEBRUARY 16:
Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece is seen during a practice session with Carlos Alcaraz of Spain watched closely by his father Apostolos Tsitsipas, ahead of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on February 16, 2026 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Stefanos Tsitsipas has reacted strongly to comments made by coach Goran Ivanišević, who described him as the most “poorly prepared player” he had seen.
Speaking about the situation, Tsitsipas made it clear he did not agree with how it was handled.
“I didn’t see any point in it. If it was a way of him pushing me into working harder and getting my shit together, it was definitely not the right tactic. I was really hurt.”
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He also said the comments came at the wrong time, especially given his condition.
“I never expected that a coach could do that to me, and the worst thing is what he said was not true. I was not fit because I had been injured. I hadn’t been practicing properly for over two weeks. It was like he kicked me when I was already down.”
The remarks have drawn attention to the relationship between the player and the coach, with Tsitsipas openly expressing disappointment about how the criticism was delivered.
With Pep Lijnders now watching on from the other side after playing such a key role during the Jurgen Klopp era at Anfield, it was strange to see him speak so passionately after full time.
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Speaking in his post-match press conference via ESPN, the Dutchman was asked about a major departure in Manchester City’s squad and he delivered a strong statement.
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Lijnders’ ‘end of story’ comment lands badly for Liverpool fans
After watching City dismantle us 4-0, our former assistant delivered a line that feels poignant.
He said: “Every good story comes to an end. I hope he enjoys the last months – there are only six weeks – and has a good farewell. He deserves all that attention as well.”
Those comments were aimed at Bernardo Silva, with our former staff member all but confirming he will leave at the end of the season.
With Pep Guardiola suspended, whether Lijnders was the man who was supposed to deliver this news or not – is hard to tell.
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Pressure builds as Liverpool look for response
What makes this even harder to take is the context in which those words arrived, coming immediately after a heavy defeat where City completely outplayed us.
At the same time, there is a growing sense that we need leadership and unity more than ever, especially with Arne Slot facing huge pressure ahead of the Champions League clash with PSG.
Right now though, all of that feels secondary, because performances like this only reinforce the feeling that we’re at a turning point, and how we respond in the next few weeks will define where this story goes next.
North Carolina Tar Heels football coach Bill Belichick was sued on Thursday over an alleged incident that occurred at his Massachusetts home in June 2024.
Painter Andrew Jackson sued Forty Five Fair Street LLC, a company managed by Belichick, in Nantucket Superior Court. Jackson said in his lawsuit that “construction practices created an unsafe work area for workers at the premises” and, because of that, he suffered injuries after a fall.
Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on during the first quarter against the Syracuse Orange at JMA Wireless Dome on Oct. 31, 2025 in Syracuse, New York.(Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)
“As a direct and proximate result of the fall, plaintiff sustained serious bodily injuries including a severe right ankle injury, together with pain, disability, medical expenses, lost wages, and other consequential damages,” the lawsuit stated.
The filing added that Jackson received workers’ compensation benefits after the fall but “retains his rights to pursue this third-party negligence action against non-employer responsible parties.”
The lawsuit said that Belichick’s company should have made sure the construction site was in a safe-working condition.
North Carolina football head coach Bill Belichick and General Manager Michael Lombardi in action, looks on from the sideline vs TCU at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina on Sept. 1, 2025.
(Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
“Defendant breached its duties by, among other things: a. causing, permitting, or allowing unsafe conditions to exist at the premises; b. failing to maintain the work area in a reasonably safe condition; c. failing to inspect the premises adequately; d. failing to remedy hazardous conditions it knew or should have known about; e. failing to warn Plaintiff of dangerous conditions; and f. otherwise acting negligently in the ownership, operation, management, supervision, maintenance, and control of the premises.”
Jackson is seeking nearly $300,000, according to the Nantucket Current, which first reported the lawsuit.
Fox News Digital reached out to Belichick’s representatives for comment.
North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick with the team before the game at Kenan Stadium. (Bob Donnan/Imagn Images)
Apr 25, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the No. 17 pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
On March 25, the Minnesota Vikings submitted an application for an important annual event. According to the Minnesota Vikings team website, the team has submitted an application to host the 2028 NFL Draft.
Yes, I know the hype is building up toward the 2026 NFL Draft, but the thought of hosting a future NFL Draft is exciting in its own right.
Looking ahead, we are, at the time of writing this article (7:43 pm CT on Friday, April 3), just 20 days away from the 2026 NFL Draft beginning in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. And the 2027 draft will be in Washington, D.C.
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So, the question is, what would the experience be like for the Minneapolis-St. Paul, area for the NFL Draft? Let’s take a deeper dive into the idea.
Could the 2028 NFL Draft be Coming To Minnesota?
The festivities surrounding the NFL Draft are an economic boon to the host city. And Minnesota Sports and Events Executive Vice President of Business Development & Tourism Matt Meunier wants to bring a strong regional flair to Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Aug 3, 2023; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and team owner Ziggy Wilf talk at training camp at TCO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
For the 2028 NFL Draft, Meunier’s submission likes his own location.
Per Meunier, “In terms of the location of the draft, the red carpet and all the ancillary events that go with hosting the draft, all those things are under evaluation by the league right now, so it’s to be determined, but what we can say is TCO Performance Center is a really viable option. We want to unite everybody with this event.”
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Ties of the 2028 NFL Draft to Minneapolis
Not only will the potential 2028 NFL Draft have football ties to the Twin Cities, but another major sporting event could bring action to Minneapolis.
As Meunier notes, “Flag football, youth football is going to continue to be more prominent as it relates to the NFL and leaning into 2028 and the L.A. [Olympic] Games, so there’s potential to stage some youth football and community legacy events out at TCO Performance Center, but in addition to that, every event Minnesota Sports and Events hosts, we’re really intentional about staging events throughout the region and downtown [Minneapolis].”
Apr 27, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; USC wide receiver Jordan Addison on stage after being selected by the Minnesota Vikings twenty third overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
And the team’s Executive Vice President of Public Affairs also noted that the event will bring in some major economic boom to the area.
As Lester Bagley notes, “The Vikings are vested and invested, and we will provide financial support, staff support, and organizational energy.”
Ties of the 2028 NFL Draft to the NFC North
Not only would the 2028 NFL Draft complete the cycle of major NFL events to come through the Twin Cities, but it would also complete the cycle of NFC North teams hosting an NFL Draft. Last year, the Green Bay Packers hosted the NFL Draft. 2024 was the year of the Detroit Lions hosting, and the Chicago Bears hosted in 2015 and 2016. And the Vikings also hosted the 2018 Super Bowl.
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The Confidence of the Owner to Host the 2028 NFL Draft
Now, a week after the application was submitted, the team’s owner feels fairly confident that Minnesota can land the event.
As Mark Wilf noted on a recent radio interview, “Minnesota and the business community, and the entire community, really comes out and supports the big events. We’re working with the league officials to try to figure out the venue, and we’re working hard to try to win the bid for the 2028 draft. Coming up, later in April, it’s going to be in Pittsburgh, and Washington next year. So, we’re shooting for Minnesota. We think we’ve got a great chance. We’re very supportive of making sure the bid is as top-notch as it can be, and hopefully bring another great event to Minnesota.”
So, the 2028 NFL Draft will be very intriguing to Minnesota fans. Right now, the bid is in submission. Now, the Vikings play the waiting game. Hopefully, the application will be approved.
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