The 7 Leading Candidates for the Vikings’ First Draft Pick

You are not far away from learning who the Minnesota Vikings draft in Round 1 this offseason. The club has the 18th pick and will render a verdict on Thursday night. So to make sure you’re prepared, it’s time to peek at the leading contenders to turn purple that night.

Seven names. One pick. Thursday is here.

Ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = Vikings’ most likely draft pick), here’s the list.

The Prospects Most Firmly in Play for Minnesota at No. 18

The long offseason journey is close to a grand reveal.

7. Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)

Turning 21 this year, Hood could be the answer to Minnesota’s decade-long search for a successful rookie cornerback drafted to effectively fill the position. Ranked No. 35 on the Consensus Big Board, Hood aligns with the Vikings’ history of drafting in this range, as seen with Donovan Jackson at No. 39.

His ability to play outside cornerback makes him a particularly valuable prospect, with the potential to contribute as a starter immediately.

6. Kayden McDonald (DL, Ohio State)

If Minnesota considers trading back 5–12 spots, McDonald is a stable, reliable option. A true run-stopping nose tackle, he could fill the void in the defense left by the departures of Linval Joseph and Dalvin Tomlinson. McDonald is a “safe” pick.

At No. 31 on the CBB, trading with a team like Miami at No. 30 could yield additional Day 2 draft capital while still allowing the Vikings to secure McDonald.

SB Nation‘s Michael Peterson on McDonald and the Vikings’ fit: “With the way the Vikings want to play defense under Brian Flores, they’ll need big bodies to plug up as many holes as possible so as not to get burnt by well-timed runs into some of their pressure packages.”

“McDonald is the best at doing just that while still having the strength to push the pocket when needed. He likely won’t be a three-down player immediately at the next level, but I can easily foresee him being able to re-work his body, transform some of the bad weight into better mass, and become an all-around menace in the middle.”

5. Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)

With T.J. Hockenson’s contract potentially extending through the 2027 free agency period, Sadiq’s long-term fit becomes particularly appealing.

If Sadiq is the highest-rated player available at No. 18, the timing aligns well for a future-oriented selection. At 21 years old, Sadiq offers a combination of pass-catching and blocking abilities and meets all the necessary physical requirements.

4. Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)

McCoy is projected to be selected before Minnesota’s pick, making his acquisition less likely. Widely regarded as the CB2 in this draft class behind LSU’s Mansoor Delane, he is generating Top 15 buzz.

The 20-year-old McCoy, currently recovering from a torn ACL that will sideline him for the 2025 season at Tennessee, specializes in outside cornerback duties, similar to Hood.

3. Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)

The departures of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, who collectively accounted for over 1,300 defensive snaps last season, create a significant void on the defensive line, typically necessitating addressing the position in the draft.

If Minnesota remains at No. 18 and seeks to bolster the interior, Woods emerges as a logical and impactful choice.

2. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)

A strategic trade down could create an opportunity to select McNeil-Warren while simultaneously acquiring additional premium draft capital.

With safety projected to become a pressing need if Harrison Smith retires, McNeil-Warren offers a combination of size, range, and a proven ability to generate turnovers. While the selection of safeties in Round 1 is often debated, his overall profile makes a compelling case.

SI.com‘s Justin Melo wrote about McNeil-Warren to Minnesota this week, “Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman is among the more commonly mocked players to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 18 overall. Does McNeil-Warren not warrant consideration here?”

“We’re not convinced Thieneman is the consensus No. 2 safety on every draft board. The Vikings are almost certainly in the market at the position, with 14-year mainstay Harrison Smith available in free agency. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores preaches physicality and violence in the defensive backfield, and McNeil-Warren would fit his scheme like a glove.”

1. Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)

Those who closely follow mock drafts have frequently seen Thieneman linked to Minnesota. Parallels to Harrison Smith continue to emerge, and the timing aligns well with Smith’s career trajectory. Smith might retire; he might be back for one more season. Nobody knows.

Initially viewed as a Round 2 prospect, a strong Combine performance has elevated his stock, and the connection between Thieneman and Minnesota continues to gain momentum.

If you ask the general population who will end up with the Vikings on Thursday night, most will say Thieneman.