The 2025 NFL Draft barely had a chance to get cold before the football-obsessed began putting out mocks of the 2026 NFL Draft.
It is never too soon to start looking ahead. Teams have begun to fill their 2025 rosters, and OTAs are getting underway. In addition, the schedule has been released, and analysts have started to predict where teams might look to improve in the following offseason.
The Vikings’ Next Big Threat: Jordyn Tyson Projected To Join Minnesota
PFSN has already released its 2026 NFL Mock Draft Simulator, and according to a simulation run by College Football Network, the Minnesota Vikings pick 18th overall and take a massive weapon, wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, out of Arizona State.
Jordyn Tyson could be due for a HISTORIC season at Arizona State 🔱pic.twitter.com/fw772r7FYZ
— PHNX Sun Devils (@PHNX_SunDevils) May 6, 2025
“While the 2026 class doesn’t seem stacked with receiver talent, that could change, especially if players like Jordyn Tyson continue to develop. Tyson was often overshadowed by Cam Skattebo in 2024, but he was a true weapon for Arizona State last season,” wrote Max Dorsey for CFN.
Dorsey continued by describing the sophomore’s attributes, “Tyson separates at a very high level, as he’s a smooth and nuanced route runner with a large route tree. He racked up over 1,100 yards last year and scored 10 touchdowns. I think he’ll be the first receiver off the board in 2026.”
Sam Leavitt with a nice back shoulder toss and Jordyn Tyson showing off the body control while being held. pic.twitter.com/m5zuEV37Xr
— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) May 26, 2025
If Tyson continues to develop, he could become another imposing threat for the Vikings’ offense. They are expecting second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy to fully return from his knee injury and thrive. If that happens, they hope that McCarthy and company will help them achieve their Super Bowl goals.
Tyson would join an already stacked wide receiver room that includes the highly decorated Justin Jefferson. A four-time Pro Bowler, Jefferson was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2022. Jefferson has been sharing the workload with another rising star, Jordan Addison. A first-round selection by the Vikings in 2023, Addison is hoping to have a breakout year with the return of McCarthy.
From Happy Valley to the Skoldiers: Dani Dennis-Sutton Bolsters Vikings’ Front Seven
PFSN doesn’t believe there is any such thing as “too early” when it comes to the business of mock drafting, and they have released their three-round draft.
In the draft, PFSN has Tyson going well before the Vikings pick at 18, to the New England Patriots at 14th overall. Instead, they have them going to the other side of the ball and selecting Dani Dennis-Sutton, the EDGE rusher out of the University of Penn State.
“Minnesota’s front seven is loaded after signing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. That said, Andrew Van Ginkel is slated to hit free agency next offseason, and if Dallas Turner doesn’t take a leap in 2025, they could look to bring in competition,” said Jacob Infante for PFSN.
A thing of beauty with the spin move here by Dani Dennis-Sutton (#33).
He likely would have been a top 50 selection had he declared for the draft this year but he decided to return to Penn State for one more season. pic.twitter.com/eOzeESSTmk
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) May 22, 2025
Dennis-Sutton saw significant playing time with the Nittany Lions during his first three seasons, and he could be a difference-maker in Minnesota.
Infante points out how Dennis-Sutton has improved each season, “Dani Dennis-Sutton broke out with 8.5 sacks in 2024 and likely would’ve been a Day 2 pick had he declared last year. He’s a strong, long, explosive edge defender who has developed well as a pass-rush technician. He’d bring real juice to the Vikings’ front seven.”
It is exciting to make some early predictions, but numerous factors still influence what the Vikings will choose to do in 2026. If McCarthy struggles in his first year playing in the NFL, or doesn’t recover from his knee surgery as hoped, Minnesota might be picking much higher in a draft that is expected to be quarterback-heavy.
Despite all the uncertainties, it is never too soon to begin thinking about roster holes and how teams will fill them.