Jul 27, 2022; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah looks on at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Minnesota Vikings fans have all eyes on 2025, and the 2026 NFL Draft is worlds away in the league calendar.
That being said, a cold February evening will soon arrive, and while Vikings fans hopefully will celebrate the end of the NFL season with the franchise’s first Lombardi Trophy, it will mark the end of the NFL season nonetheless.
So, let’s look way ahead while also getting excited for this fall’s college football season. Here is a look at few college football players that Vikings fans should have their eye on who could end up in purple when the 2026 NFL Draft arrives.
2026 NFL Draft Prospects for the Vikings
Clemson WR Antonio Williams
Clemson receiver Antonio Williams (0) runs the ball during the game against the Texas Longhorns in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024.
The wide receiver position is one that could be on the Vikings’ radar again next spring. Minnesota finds itself in a tough salary cap situation next year due to some big splashes in free agency and new contracts for players like Byron Murphy and Aaron Jones.
Because of that, Jordan Addison could be a player in trade rumors throughout the spring. Hopefully Kwesi Adofo-Mensah can use his savvy financial mind to keep the young star around long term, but Addison could command a higher price tag than Minnesota is willing to stomach in extension talks.
Enter Clemson WR Antonio Williams as a potential first or second round option next spring. Williams, a redshirt junior in 2025, turned in a fantastic season for the Tigers in 2024 totaling 75 receptions for 904 yards and an ACC-high 11 touchdowns.
Williams’ physical tools look similar to that of Addison when he entered the draft: versatility to play all over the field, savvy route running ability, and untouchable breakaway speed. If the Vikings feel forced to trade away their 2022 first-round pick, they wouldn’t skip a beat with Williams in their WR room.
Alabama CB Domani Jackson
Oct 12, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Domani Jackson (1) intercepts the ball, securing their lead over the South Carolina Gamecocks during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images
Unless we see some massive years out of the CBs on the Vikings’ roster (Jeff Okudah, Dwight McGlothern, Isaiah Rodgers), Minnesota likely will be looking to use a high-end draft pick on a corner next spring.
Minnesota brought back Byron Murphy on a new three-year deal worth $54 million this spring after a stellar season, but the depth behind him remains questionable at this point.
Domani Jackson would be a great fit in the first round out of Alabama. He would fit beautifully into Brian Flores’ system with a physical style of play that absolutely thrives in man coverage. After transferring from USC, Jackson had a great first season with the Crimson Tide, picking off a pair of passes and allowing just eight receptions on 21 targets.
Should he build on that this year, Jackson looks like a lock for the first round and very well could end up in purple.
Iowa DT Aaron Graves
Nov 8, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back T.J. Harden (25) is stopped by Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Aaron Graves (95) after a first down in the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Of course, Vikings fans are hoping that Minnesota fixed its defensive tackle woes with high octane signings of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.
It’s far from a sure-thing, though.
Allen has seen a steady decrease in production over the past two years and missed a good chunk of 2024 with a torn pec. Meanwhile, Hargrave experienced similar injury woes last year, missing 14 games because of a torn tricep.
Both players are among the best in the league when they are 100%, but if they don’t get back to that level, Minnesota could look to the Hawkeye State for their future.
Aaron Graves was a key part of a stout Iowa defense last season, totaling eight tackles for loss, six sacks, and three forced fumbles, which led the entire Big Ten.
Graves possesses NFL size at 6’4″ and 300 pounds, and his explosive burst as a pass rusher is exactly what the Vikings have been looking for at the DT position over the past couple years.
Oregon S Dillon Thieneman
Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) celebrates with Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Smiley Bradford (6) and Purdue Boilermakers defensive lineman Jamarrion Harkless (97) after tackling Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren (44) Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, during the NCAA football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Minnesota’s safety situation is in flux following the 2025 season. Harrison Smith is pushing into his age-36 season, but will he want to continue to 37? Josh Metellus also has yet to put pen-to-paper on a new contract extension.
This leaves the Vikings with just Theo Jackson, Jay Ward, and UDFA Mishael Powell under contract at safety in 2026. At best, Minnesota needs depth. A Metellus extension in the coming weeks could fix a few of their problems, but the Vikings probably need another high-end player at the position.
If this is Smith’s final season, the Vikings could find another hard-hitting option out of Oregon in Dillon Thieneman. The junior spent two years at Purdue where he instantly outperformed expectations, ranking second in the Big Ten with six interceptions during his freshman season in 2023.
Following another strong campaign in 2024, Thieneman transferred to Oregon and is on a path to garner a big spotlight for a national championship contender and high-end draft status.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Focus, Sports Reference CFB, and Over the Cap helped with this article.
Josh Frey is a senior writer at both PurplePTSD.com and VikingsTerritory.com, with a fascination for the NFL Draft. To … More about Josh Frey
