The Minnesota Vikings could be a sneaky team to target a wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft as they reassess the long-term structure of their passing game. Even with Justin Jefferson locked in as one of the league’s premier playmakers, Minnesota faces several decisions that could reshape the depth chart behind him.
Projection Has Minnesota Vikings Targeting Wide Receiver in 2026 Draft
In the latest mock draft from Fox Sports, Minnesota is projected to use the No. 18 overall pick on Arizona State standout Jordyn Tyson, one of the most productive receivers in the class. Fox Sports explained the logic behind the selection:
“Tyson could easily go top 10 or 15 in this draft, depending on how badly teams want a receiver,” the mock read. “While it might seem like a surprise for the Vikings to draft him, Jordan Addison is on the last year of his deal and will likely command a big contract given his production as the second option over the past three seasons.”
Tyson brings the size and reliability teams covet, using his frame to win in traffic and create a wide catch window on contested throws. He Tyson stands out at 6’2″, 200 pounds, and over two years at ASU, he hauled in 136 passes for 1,812 yards and 19 of his 24 careeer touchdowns.
Minnesota’s situation behind Jefferson has become even more complicated following Jordan Addison’s recent off-field arrest, though the trespassing charge was reportedly dropped earlier this week. His projected value in 2028 free agency further clouds a position that has long driven the Vikings’ offensive identity.
Selecting Tyson at No. 18 would give Minnesota a physical, dependable target who could grow into a long-term complement to Jefferson. His production and frame fit the profile of a receiver capable of stepping into a significant role early.
While Fox Sports links Minnesota to Tyson, PFSN’s latest mock has the Vikings addressing the secondary instead, selecting Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in the first round.
Minnesota’s broader roster picture also factors into the debate. The Vikings finished the season with a PFSN Offense Impact score of 66.0, ranking 28th in the league, a reflection of an inconsistent unit that struggled to sustain drives without Jefferson on the field.
Their defense, meanwhile, posted a PFSN Defense Impact score of 88.2, the fourth-best mark in the NFL and the primary reason they remained competitive throughout the year. That strength kept them in games, but it also highlighted how often the offense failed to match the defense’s level of play.
Even with a top-tier defense, Minnesota could use help at multiple positions, creating a scenario in which the front office leans toward a best-player-available approach when the team is on the clock in Round 1.
