The 2026 NFL Draft is just one week away, set to unfold in Pittsburgh. For the Minnesota Vikings, this event represents a pivotal opportunity to acquire the talent needed to steer the franchise back on course. With the Scouting Combine now in the rearview, the speculation is reaching a fever pitch, and The Athletic's Dane Brugler has weighed in with his highly anticipated final mock draft of the cycle.

In a move that addresses a key defensive need, Brugler projects the Vikings to select Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy in the first round. This pick is particularly intriguing given McCoy's unique situation; he missed the entire 2025 season after suffering a torn ACL in January of that year. Despite the injury, his exceptional "Pro Bowl testing" at the combine has solidified his status as one of the draft's top defensive back prospects.

Brugler acknowledges the gamble, noting, "McCoy is a tough player to project... some teams are comfortable with his 2025 knee injury, while others won’t consider him in the first round." However, he sees a perfect fit in Minnesota, adding, "I don’t know how the Vikings feel, but adding his level of talent to a Brian Flores defense would be fun to watch." Pairing a dynamic, athletic corner with Flores's aggressive scheme could be a game-changer for the Vikings' secondary.

While the spotlight is on the first-round selection, Brugler's mock extends through all seven rounds, outlining a complete draft haul for Minnesota. The full list of projected picks provides a blueprint for how the Vikings could build a deeper, more competitive roster for the 2026 season and beyond.