Avieon Terrell, Round 1 Offensive Tackle, K.J. Osborn

Weekly, we track our versions of the “Nopedy Nopes” in the Minnesota Vikings’ orbit, usually items that are flatly wrong, just really bizarre, or didn’t work out as everyone thought.

Three popular Vikings ideas get a closer look, and each faces real pushback.

This time, it’s mainly about the draft and free agency, as the regular season is about five months away.

A Few Popular Vikings Talking Points Need More Scrutiny

The Vikings’ Nopedy Nopes segment for the first weekend in April.

The Nopedy Nope: Avieon Terrell could be the Vikings’ draft pick at No. 18.

Terrell’s Round 1 draft stock is in jeopardy.  

The Clemson Insider’s Gavin Oliver wrote Monday, “After not participating in Clemson’s Pro Day on March 12, former Tiger cornerback Avieon Terrell held a private pro day at Clemson on Monday morning, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Unfortunately for Terrell, his workout for NFL teams was not injury-free. Schefter reported that Terrell aggravated his hamstring injury on the first run of his private pro day.”

“It’s a setback for Terrell, who has been frequently projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is set to take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. Longtime ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Terrell as the third-best cornerback in this year’s draft class. Terrell did not run the 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, but did impress during on-field drills there.”

Terrell didn’t participate at the NFL Combine. He wasn’t at Clemson’s Pro Day. And he got hurt on the first play of his private Pro Day.

That sound you hear is Terrell’s draft stock falling to Round 2.

The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Terrell as a bonafide CB option for Minnesota at pick No. 18.

The Nopedy Nope: Minnesota could draft OT Spencer Fano and convert him to center.

While most of the world mock-drafts Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman to the Vikings, Bleacher Report flipped the script this week. It nominated Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano for the purple team, recommending an immediate conversion to center.

BR’s Scouting Report explained the pick: “The Minnesota Vikings have an opportunity to land the class’s best offensive tackle prospect and then move him to center. While the approach may come across like a poor use of resources, the type of versatility that Utah’s  potentially brings will help the entire offense, while simultaneously upgrading a unit that will be vital as Minnesota attempts to find its long-term solution at quarterback.”

Brandon Thorn at BR chimed in, “Minnesota has a hole at center following Ryan Kelly’s retirement, while right tackle Brian O’Neill is set to hit free agency after the 2026 season. Fano’s profile is reminiscent of current Packers right tackle Zach Tom coming out of Wake Forest.”

“While rumors of Tom sliding inside to center never materialized, Fano’s would in this scenario. Minnesota is set at the other four spots for the upcoming season. Still, Fano’s athletic ability is an instant weapon within Kevin O’Connell’s designed run game and offers a potential long-term option at right tackle if O’Neill is not retained.”

Drafting a center in Round 1 is usually a little silly — they can be found in Rounds 2 through 7 — and picking one to convert to center might take cake.

What are we doing here?

The Verdict: Nopedy nope on the Vikings working out patchwork offensive line solutions when they have a clean slate at No. 18. Unbelievable.

The Nopedy Nope: K.J. Osborn is an option for the Vikings’ WR3 in 2026.

One week ago, Osborn hopped on a show, declaring his desire to rejoin the team that drafted him six years ago.

Talking to the Caps Off podcast, Osborn told the show, “You can’t help but look at Minnesota. With Kyler Murray going back. Jalen Nailor, I’m so happy for him. Speedy, congrats bro, my guy, he just got 3 years for $35 million from the Raiders. So that spot WR3 is back open. Just looking around. But home is where the heart is. So, we’ll see.”

A few days later, Osborn signed with the Tennessee Titans, where he’ll compete for an active roster spot in July and August.

The Vikings, meanwhile, have these WR3 options left in free agency:

• Keenan Allen
• Brandon Aiyuk (eventually)
• Stefon Diggs
• Tyreek Hill
• DeAndre Hopkins
• Jauan Jennings
• Curtis Samuel
• Deebo Samuel

From the draft, the list is broader:

• Makai Lemon (USC)
• Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State)
• Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana)
• Denzel Boston (Washington)
• Kevin Concepcion (Texas A&M)
• Chris Brazzell (Tennessee)
• Chris Bell (Louisville)
• Germie Bernard (Alabama)
• Antonio Williams (Clemson)
• Malachi Fields (Notre Dame)
• Zachariah Branch (Georgia)
• Elijah Sarratt (Indiana)
• Skyler Bell (UConn)
• Ted Hurst (Georgia State)
• Bryce Lance (North Dakota State)
• Deion Burks (Oklahoma)
• Ja’Kobi Lane (USC)

Minnesota could also promote last year’s WR4, Tai Felton. But it won’t be Osborn.

The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Osborn’s short-term plan to re-up with the Vikings.