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    Vikings Predicted To Select Heisman Candidate Running Back in First Round of 2026 NFL Draft

    The Minnesota Vikings are coming off a frustrating 27-19 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Still, there’s no question the foundation of head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense is taking shape around second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

    As McCarthy continues to grow, adding more offensive playmakers should be a key offseason priority. In his newest projection, PFSN’s Jacob Infante believes the Vikings will target a long-term answer at running back while reinforcing their defense with playmakers across all three levels.

    Vikings Add Explosive Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love in First Round

    In his latest three-round mock on Saturday before Week 10’s results, Infante has the Vikings selecting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 15 overall.

    “Jeremiyah Love isn’t far from the Ashton Jeanty comparisons you’ll hear in this class. He’s a dynamic, three-down runner with impressive burst, vision, balance, and fluid cuts. He drops out of the top ten of our 2026 NFL Mock Draft due to positional value, but he’s a top-10 overall prospect in this class,” Infante wrote.

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    Love has quickly established himself as one of college football’s most explosive players. The Notre Dame standout ranks No. 5 nationally in rushing yards (988), No. 6 in rushing yards per game (109.8), and tied for No. 1 in total touchdowns (16). His blend of speed, balance, and efficiency has made him a Heisman Trophy contender and a likely Doak Walker Award favorite.

    For the Vikings, Love would offer O’Connell the type of versatile back needed to complement McCarthy. With elite open-field vision and home-run ability, Love could immediately elevate Minnesota’s ground game and add another layer to the team’s offensive identity.

    Vikings Bolster Secondary With Smart, Versatile USC Safety Kamari Ramsey

    In the second round, Infante has the Vikings drafting USC safety Kamari Ramsey.

    “Ramsey is an exceptional read-and-react defensive back who consistently identifies route combinations, receiver tells, and triggers to the football,” Infante wrote.

    READ MORE: Can the Vikings Win the NFC North? Latest Playoff Scenarios, Postseason Probability, More After Week 10

    Ramsey’s versatility would fit perfectly in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ system. He can drop deep in coverage, rotate into the box, or handle nickel duties depending on the matchup. Minnesota’s secondary has shown growth in 2025, but the backend is aging. Ramsey’s instincts and tackling ability could solidify the back end for years to come.

    Minnesota Targets Defensive Playmakers Tacario Davis and Deontae Lawson in Third Round

    In the third round, Infante has the Vikings adding two defensive standouts: Tacario Davis, a cornerback from Washington, and Deontae Lawson, a linebacker from Alabama. One of the selections is a projected comp pick.

    Davis, a lengthy and fluid coverage corner, has rebounded from a rib injury and made his presence felt with two interceptions in five games for Washington. His size and athleticism make him an ideal fit for Flores’ aggressive, man-coverage approach.

    Lawson, meanwhile, is an athletic linebacker with strong instincts and coverage ability. The Alabama product tallied 76 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and an interception in 2024 while earning All-SEC honors. He brings the type of range and physicality Minnesota needs to strengthen its second level.

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