B+
Minnesota Vikings
Slaughter should have been long gone. The Vikings pounced, and earned a B+.
by J ·
2026 NFL Draft
· 8 picks
· 6 steals
· 1 reaches
The trade table was a mismatch, and the Vikings were on the right end of it, hauling in a fortune in surplus value.
That is an offensive lineman worth more than the slot they spent on him, plainly. They are betting Eastern proves the room right and everyone else wrong. For all the activity, quarterback went untouched, which is hard to explain.
A workmanlike haul that should hold up just fine.
Pick-by-Pick
In the 18th pick they get a featured back, and a steal at that.
Quietly one of the better values of the day, Dillon Thieneman at Round 2, Pick 17. It answers the question that was keeping the coaches up at night.
Jake Slaughter at pick No. 82 is a first-round grade at a bargain-bin price, no notes. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
Nice patience on Nate Boerkircher, who had no business lasting to the 163rd overall pick. Another box on the needs board, quietly ticked.
By-the-book stuff, Justin Jefferson at pick 196 squarely in line with his ranking. A minor need, but a need all the same.
The board fumbled Zavion Thomas all the way to the Round 7 slot, and they scooped it up. One more legitimate question on the roster, answered.
They let Charles Demmings come to them and pounced at slot 244. It adds depth where they could use a little.
This one needs a full-page explanation: Deven Eastern in the 257th overall pick, miles early. The roster fit checks out.