NFL mock draft 2026: Minnesota Vikings select Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Kayden McDonald, DL, THE. . .dramatic pause. . .Ohio State University

Yes, just about each mock draft in America has the Vikings linked to a security in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft, however the defensive position, in my view, is a a lot better want with the discharge of Jon Allen and Javon Hargrave earlier within the offseason.

Right now, the Vikings’ defensive position is counting on plenty of younger gamers. Jalen Redmond took a giant step ahead final season and can proceed to be relied upon, however gamers like Levi Drake Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins shall be anticipated to make the leap from being rotational-type gamers to the beginning lineup, and none of these three gamers have the form of talent set that McDonald brings to the desk.

The Vikings’ protection, pretty much as good as it has been, does not actually have a real run-stuffing defensive sort out who can anchor issues within the center. McDonald is one of the best on this class in the case of stopping the run, and plugging him into the center of the defensive position ought to assist Redmond and the opposite defensive linemen immensely, in addition to serving to to maintain blockers off of the linebackers on the second degree. His presence ought to assist Brian Flores’ protection to place opposing offenses into second and third-and-long conditions extra constantly, which is what this protection lives for.

McDonald nonetheless has some growth to do as an inside move rusher, however for now he’ll be requested to cease the run. His move rush expertise will catch up finally. The Vikings can tackle the security place on Day 2 of the draft, however McDonald seems to be one of the best decide for them at this spot in Round 1.