Garrett Burroughs, Vikings WireMon, December 1, 2025 at 7:15 PM UTC·5 min readEveryone loves a good mock draft. Some folks do mock drafts all year long, others hit the simulator when the season goes downhill. To close out the year, we will be bringing you a full seven-round mock draft for the Minnesota Vikings as we head toward what is going to be a very important offseason. Let's lay down some ground rules first:
We will be using Pro Football Network's mock draft simulator
There will be no trading up or trading down in season
All picks will come with an explanation
With those established, let's mock!
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRound One, Pick 11: Peter Woods, DT, ClemsonPeter Woods has been a popular pick in recent mock drafts for the Minnesota Vikings. With Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave getting older with no replacement plan in place, Woods would be the perfect plan and would have two great mentors. Woods is one of the youngest players in the draft (will be freshly turned 21 come draft time), and already has a ton of college experience under his belt. The former five-star prospect has violent hands, has played along the defensive line, and brings the explosiveness that would gel well with this Brian Flores defense.
Round Two, Pick 42: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&MWhile I believe Cashius Howell is a first-round caliber player, the Minnesota Vikings steal him in the second. One of the biggest draft risers of this cycle, Howell has been a monster for the Aggies, totaling 11.5 sacks on the year. Howell transferred from Bowling Green in 2023, finishing the year prior with 9.5 sacks. A slow year last year has turned around in spades this year. Howell's speed, pass-rush set, and versatility to line up in five-technique or straight up as an outside linebacker would pair very well with Dallas Turner.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRound Three, Pick 73: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego StateAnother player that has no business being available where we got them, San Diego State's Chris Johnson, really has a chance to be one of the first Group of Five players drafted this year. Johnson has some of the best footwork in the class, paired with fluid hips and a great feel for his space when he drops into zone coverage. Johnson has turned into a ballhawk this season with four interceptions and eight passes defended. If Minnesota wants to get back to forcing turnovers, Johnson is a great pick for a weaker cornerback room.
Round Three, Pick 97: Jalon Kilgore, S, South CarolinaWe are trying to find the replacements for aging vets on this team, and have found a potential gem late on day two. South Carolina's Jalon Kilgore is the enforcer for this Gamecocks defense, flying around the field with a see-ball, get-ball mentality. Kilgore is a more than willing tackler, often playing in the box for run support. Kilgore has lined up at Safety, Nickel corner, and outside corner this year, which is the kind of Swiss Army Knife that would be huge for this defense. The nuances of the game he could learn from Harrison Smith would be crucial for his development.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRound Five, Pick 150: Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota StateWith no more picks between now and round seven, the strategy here is to find who can make the biggest impact for the position. To me, this pick is Bryce Lance out of North Dakota State. Justin Jefferson is Justin Jefferson, but outside of him, this room is lacking. To call a spade a spade, Jordan Addison has not been very good this year, so let's find another option for this room. Lance has back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, and his big frame (6'3) would be a great compliment for this group. His ability to high point the ball in the red zone could take a ton of pressure off Jefferson to be the main target in these situations.
Round Seven, Pick 225: Drew Allar, QB, Penn StateDrew Allar's opinion has shifted quite a bit over the last two years. While some viewed him as a potential first-round pick, or even the top pick of the class, others raised concerns about his lack of development and ability to take over games. But what you cannot argue is the frame this kid has (6'5", 235 lbs) and the missile-launcher arm he has. Allar is someone who needs to sit and learn, but his raw tools would make him a fascinating watch next to J.J. McCarthy in camp next year.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRound Seven, Pick 229: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas TechThese late-round picks are dart throws, and Romello Height is a quality throw I would take ten times out of ten. This talented Red Raiders defense boasts quite a few NFL prospects, and Height's 8.5 sacks certainly qualify him. He has to get better at run defense, because at times it appears the motor doesn't run hot enough that he wants to get involved. But his first step off the line and his growing pass rush set are nice building blocks for a rotational player.
Round Seven, Pick 232, Nyck Harbor, WR, South CarolinaThe easy answer here is Nyck Harbor should be converted into a Tight End in the NFL, where I believe he could make a decent impact early on. Habror has track speed on a massive frame (6'5, 235 lbs) and is a very hard man to bring down. Harbor at Tight End would be similar to a Kyle Pitts kind of player, who would be very dangerous in this Kevin O'Connell offense. It would take time to learn the position if he is asked to line up on the line, and his run-blocking would need to improve. But this is a block of clay you can mold into whatever you want.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRound Seven, Pick 241, DJ Campbell, OG, TexasOur last pick on this Mock Draft Monday is depth for this offensive line: DJ Campbell, out of Texas. This is another project player, as he often relies on his frame and athletic talent to win matchups. His hands land firm and often in the right spot, but sloppy footwork leaves him overwhelmed at times by faster defenders. Footwork can be cleaned up over time, so Campbell is worth a late-round shot.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2026 NFL Mock Draft Monday: Vikings need a lot of help for 2026
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