The Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line has been one of the main reasons behind their success, and with veteran center Ryan Kelly nearing his exit, the team is already preparing for the future. In our mock draft, our in-house experts suggest they’ll target a rock-solid prospect in 2026 to keep their dominance in the trenches intact.
Iapani Laloulu May Be The Answer Vikings Are Looking After Ryan Kelly’s Future Exit
In our three-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft, published June 10, 2025, analyst Mark Stolte projects the Vikings to trade down from the 15th to the 18th pick, selecting Oregon’s Iapani Laloulu.
The 6-foot-2, 325-pound center is a force, allowing zero sacks across 760 pass-blocking snaps in 2024. Oregon’s run game thrived with him at the helm, averaging 4.7 yards per carry in the A-gap, showcasing his strength inside. “This pick helps the Vikings keep the offensive line rolling when Ryan Kelly eventually retires,” Stolte noted.
Laloulu’s versatility stands out. In 2024, he logged 970 snaps, 854 at center, and played every interior line position as a freshman in 2023. His 80.6 PFF pass-blocking grade and top-20 run-blocking marks among Power Four centers show his readiness for the NFL.
Kelly’s Almost On His Way Out
Kelly, who signed a two-year, $18 million deal with Minnesota in March 2025, brought stability to the Vikings’ line. The four-time Pro Bowler, now 32, allowed just one sack in 601 snaps last season with the Indianapolis Colts.
However, his injury history, with five missed games over the past two seasons, raised a lot of concern. His contract, with a $5.62 million cap hit in 2025 and $12.07 million in 2026, is effectively a one-year deal with an expiration after 2025.
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The Vikings’ proactive approach reflects their 2025 draft, where they selected Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson in the first round. Laloulu’s addition would ensure continuity, protecting quarterback J.J. McCarthy as he develops into the franchise’s new focus.
Ultimately, the Vikings’ focus on Laloulu shows how committed they are to building an elite offensive line, which is a necessity in the rugged NFC North. With Kelly’s exit window approaching, Laloulu’s zero-sack resume and run-game prowess make him an ideal fit.
While the trade-down raises some eyebrows, Minnesota’s front office has shown a knack for finding value in the trenches. A seamless transition at center could keep the Vikings’ offense ready for years as McCarthy’s era unfolds.
