Minnesota Vikings 2026 Draft Class

Caleb Banks became the centerpiece of Minnesota's class because of the possibilities created by his frame.

Banks was listed at 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds. His wingspan measured 7 feet, 1.75 inches at the NFL Scouting Combine, the longest among participating defensive tackles. Those dimensions give him the ability to close throwing lanes, control blockers and affect plays without always recording the tackle.

His final season at Florida was limited to three games by a foot injury. Across 34 collegiate games for Louisville and Florida, Banks recorded 48 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.

The selection is partly about immediate defensive-line help and partly about development. If Banks turns his physical tools into consistent leverage and technique, he has the profile to become more than a rotational interior defender.

Draft-room label High-upside interior disruptor

Read Minnesota's official Caleb Banks profile

Minnesota selected Jake Golday after moving back two places from No. 49.

Golday spent the beginning of his college career at Central Arkansas before transferring to Cincinnati. He played defensive end before moving to linebacker, giving him experience rushing from the edge, working inside and handling coverage assignments.

He finished the 2025 season with 105 tackles, six tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three passes defensed and a forced fumble. At the combine, the 6-foot-4.5, 239-pound linebacker ran the 40-yard dash in 4.62 seconds and recorded a 39-inch vertical jump.

Golday's combination of height, movement and pass-rushing experience should give Minnesota several ways to deploy him. He can develop behind the veteran linebackers while contributing in selected defensive packages and on special teams.

Draft-room label Multiple-role linebacker

View the official Jake Golday selection profile

Domonique Orange, nicknamed "Big Citrus," gives Minnesota a different type of interior presence.

Orange played 50 college games, including 24 starts, for Iowa State. His statistical production was modest, but his primary value came from occupying space, taking on double teams and making the middle of the line difficult to move.

Kevin O'Connell described Orange as a big-bodied nose tackle capable of handling the less visible work required against the run. Minnesota can develop his pass-rush technique without asking him to become the same kind of defender as Banks.

Together, Banks and Orange give the defensive staff two large young linemen with contrasting assignments. Banks offers length and disruption. Orange offers mass and early-down stability.

Draft-room label Interior anchor

Read the Vikings' Domonique Orange profile

Caleb Tiernan was Minnesota's first offensive selection of the draft.

The 6-foot-7.625, 323-pound lineman started 43 consecutive games at Northwestern. He played on both sides of the formation, moving from right tackle to left tackle for his final three seasons.

Tiernan's experience gives him a credible path toward a swing-tackle role. Some evaluations also projected him inside at guard, creating another possible route to playing time.

His athletic testing was particularly notable for a player of his size. Tiernan recorded a 35.5-inch vertical jump at the combine. The combination of size, starting experience and positional options made him a logical developmental selection late in the third round.

Draft-room label Experienced line insurance

See Minnesota's official Caleb Tiernan profile

Minnesota followed Tiernan immediately by selecting Miami safety Jakobe Thomas with the next pick.

Thomas played at Middle Tennessee State and Tennessee before finishing his college career at Miami. In 16 games for the Hurricanes in 2025, he recorded 76 tackles, five interceptions, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and six pass breakups.

That production shows the range of his game. Thomas can attack as a blitzer, finish tackles near the line and make plays on the football from deeper alignments.

O'Connell highlighted Thomas' communication skills and football awareness after the selection. Those traits are especially important in a Minnesota defense that frequently changes its presentation before the snap.

Draft-room label Aggressive defensive communicator

Explore the official Jakobe Thomas selection story

Max Bredeson arrived with one of the clearest potential roles in the class.

The former Michigan captain was selected after veteran fullback C.J. Ham retired. Bredeson began his college career as a walk-on tight end before becoming a fullback and H-back. He earned the 2025 LowMan Trophy as college football's leading fullback.

Bredeson was not drafted for rushing production. His value comes from lead blocking, pass protection, special teams and the flexibility to line up in several offensive positions.

He also has an established relationship with quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The two played together at Michigan and were members of the Wolverines' 2023 national championship team.

Draft-room label Blocker, protector and special-teams contributor

Read more about Max Bredeson's route to Minnesota

Chuck Demmings was the class's small-school bet.

The 6-foot-1 corner recorded nine interceptions and 37 passes defensed during four active seasons at Stephen F. Austin. He also produced a 42-inch vertical jump and a 4.41-second 40-yard dash at the combine.

Demmings primarily worked as a boundary corner and developed experience in press-man coverage. His athletic testing helped confirm that his physical traits could translate beyond the FCS level.

The developmental question concerns how quickly he can adjust to NFL route combinations and competition. His speed, length and ball production give Minnesota a strong foundation to work with.

Draft-room label Athletic press-corner prospect

See the official Chuck Demmings draft profile

Minnesota traded up for Demond Claiborne, sending pick No. 234 and a 2027 sixth-round selection to New England.

Claiborne led Wake Forest in rushing during each of his final three seasons. He finished his college career with 2,599 rushing yards, 26 rushing touchdowns and 424 receiving yards.

His standout measurement was a 4.37-second 40-yard dash. That speed gives Minnesota a change-of-pace runner who can threaten space outside the tackles and contribute in the return game.

Claiborne averaged 26.3 yards across 22 college kickoff returns and scored two return touchdowns. His quickest route to a regular role could therefore combine offensive snaps with special-teams work.

Draft-room label Open-field speed

Read Minnesota's Demond Claiborne selection story · Vikings running backs

Gavin Gerhardt completed the class with substantial college experience.

He started 49 of 54 games during six seasons at Cincinnati. Those 49 starts are the most by a center in school history and tied for third among all Bearcats players.

Gerhardt offered Minnesota a mature interior-line prospect familiar with handling protections and making calls before the snap. He also reunited with fellow Cincinnati selection Jake Golday.

Gerhardt was waived during the formation of Minnesota's initial 53-player roster. His selection still reflected the team's effort to add experience and competition behind its starting offensive line.

Draft-room label Experienced interior depth

Read the official Gavin Gerhardt draft profile