The Minnesota Vikings are surely going to be one of the more fascinating teams in the NFL this offseason. With a massive question mark at the most important position in sports, the Vikings could be hyper-aggressive to find a solution at quarterback.
The ideal scenario is that somehow, JJ McCarthy stacks a strong offseason and wins the starting job, but if the Vikings end up bringing in a legitimate starter somehow, that could signal the end of the McCarthy era.
In our latest NFL mock draft, the Vikings swing a major trade for a quarterback and really put their stamp on the offseason.
Minnesota Vikings make a major quarterback trade in latest mock draft
18. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
A first-round cornerback is firmly on the table for the Vikings. Jermod McCoy is the selection. McCoy is arguably the best cornerback prospect in the NFL Draft and a day one starter for the Vikings. Overall, Minnesota's roster is rather strong, so I don't believe this team is necessarily needing to go into the NFL Draft with a 'best player available' mindset.
The Vikings can draft for need, and McCoy would satisfy a major need on the backend of the defense, especially with Brian Flores back in the picture.
49. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
I was flat-out shocked to see Emmanuel McNeil-Warren still available here at pick 49, and it would be a massive shock if the Vikings didn't make this selection. All of a sudden, with the selections of McCoy and McNeil-Warren, the Vikings have truly overhauled a secondary that has needed some young talent for a while now.
The safety position is an interesting one in the NFL. The free agency market is usually pretty filled with competent safeties, but it's always a good idea to draft and develop at as many positions as possible.
82. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Jacob Rodriguez could be an exceptional find for the Vikings at pick 82. He might be the best coverage linebacker in the NFL Draft. While Rodriguez isn't the biggest player at the position, he does a lot of the typical linebacker things well and is a future starter for the team. With Eric Wilson currently set to be a free agent, it might be time to find a replacement.
97. Sam Hecht, OC, Kansas State
Vikings trade pick 156 to Arizona Cardinals for QB Kyler Murray
The Vikings and Kyler Murray could be the next reclamation project quarterback we see in the NFL. While Murray does have a behemoth contract, the Vikings could straight-up guarantee that he's on the team with a trade. The Arizona Cardinals would not be able to get much at all for Murray even if a team was willing to trade for him.
But the fit makes all the sense in the world, and all the Vikings have to give up is pick 156.
235. Luke Altmeyer, QB, Illinois
The Vikings should also be looking to take a swing on a developmental quarterback. Seeing as the team still might not have a franchise quarterback even with Murray potentially in the picture, they should take multiple swings every offseason until they find the guy.
Luke Altmeyer might only end up as a mid-tier backup at best, but these are the types of changes that Minnesota has to take. You never know which team could find the next Brock Purdy with one of these late-round quarterbacks.
236. J'Mari Taylor, RB, Virginia
Running back is somewhat of a need for the Vikings, so they take a chance on J'Mari Taylor at pick 236. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason just didn't really cut it in 2025, so perhaps there's a chance Taylor sees a few carries per game in 2026.
241. Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon
Adding another cornerback, the Vikings take Jadon Canady and keep stacking these late-round selections.
245. Romello Brinson, WR, SMU
Finishing up in this draft, the Vikings take Romello Brinson from SMU. Brinson is 6-2 and had 638 yards in 2025. Minnesota could hope that Brinson finds a role at the bottom of the depth chart.