2026 NFL Team Draft Page

The Vikings are on the brink of being eliminated from the playoffs. It is an unexpected outcome considering the money the team spent in free agency. By most account, they improved the roster especially along the interior offensive and defensive lines. The biggest difference is at the quarterback position JJ McCarthy is having a rough start to his career and it is impacting wins and losses. It is not over for JJ by any stretch of the imagination but his struggles look like they will lead to a losing season. The hope is that he becomes more consistent and improves his accuracy.

Looking towards the draft, the team really could go in any direction. The Vikings are also severely above the salary cap which is resulting in a negative $37M in available cap space. There will be some contract restructures and cuts or trades. Right tackle Brian O'Neill will turn 31 next September and will be in the last year of his deal with a $23.2M cap hit. According to Spotrac, if the Vikings cut or trade O'Neill they would save $19.5M in cap space. O'Neill partially tore his Achilles in December of 2022 and missed several games due to an ankle in 2023. This year, he suffered an MCL injury they kept him out of multiple games. The fact that the team has not addressed his cap number could mean they plan on moving him or even releasing him. It does not look like an extension is coming either. But, as soon as I say that, they could reach an agreement.

Regardless of what they do with O'Neill, drafting his replacement now is not a bad idea. In theory, it should help their young QB too. Spencer Fano would be a perfect replacement for O'Neill even if they decide to keep O'Neill for one final season. One scout considers Fano the 2026 class' top offensive tackle prospect due to his loose, fluid movement skills and relentless motor that allows him to get out of compromising positions, and strain and sustain blocks at a high level. Fano has started 26 games at left (11 in 2023) and right (15 in 2024/2025) tackle, earning second-team AP All-American honors in 2023.

This may not be a popular pick among Vikings fans but it might be a wise pick in the end especially if you want to provide your young QB with the best possible line in front of him.

Mark P, Vikings Analyst - DrafttekVikings@Gmail.com

Please visit our Vikings team page where you can see all the team's picks in the 7-round mock and more.