When the Minnesota Vikings went on the clock with the No. 18 overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, few mock drafts had them targeting a defensive tackle from Florida named Caleb Banks. But that's exactly what general manager Rob Brzezinski and head coach Kevin O'Connell did, sending a shockwave through the league and leaving the fanbase both excited and curious about the plan.
Now, with Day 1 in the books, the Vikings have a full Day 2 slate ahead of them, and the front office has plenty of ammo to work with. The team currently holds picks in the second and third rounds -- selections that will be critical to rounding out a roster that looks much different than it did just a few months ago. So, who are the top targets still on the board? What positions are the biggest priorities? And how does the Banks pick reshape the rest of the draft strategy? Let's take a live look at Minnesota's Day 2 big board.
The State of the Vikings After Round 1
Before we dive into the prospects, it's important to understand the context. The Vikings entered this draft with a clear need for disruptive talent along the defensive line. By selecting Banks, they addressed that need with a 6-foot-5, 310-pound mauler who has the length and power to anchor against the run while also providing an interior pass rush. Per Sports Illustrated, it was a pick that stunned many, but the front office clearly sees Banks as a foundational piece for Brian Flores' defense.
However, one pick does not a full draft make. The Vikings still have holes in the secondary, along the offensive line, and potentially at wide receiver. Day 2 is where championships are often built. Here's a position-by-position look at the most logical targets.
Secondary: Cornerback and Safety Are Still Needs
The Vikings made a splash in free agency by signing veteran cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., but the room still lacks elite depth and a true long-term answer on the outside behind him. The safety position also remains a question mark. With only a few established starters on the roster, the team could look to add multiple defensive backs on Day 2.
One name generating buzz is a cornerback from a Power Five program who was projected by some to go late in the first round. His combination of ball skills and willingness to play press-man coverage fits what the defensive coordinator wants to do. If he's still available when the Vikings pick in the second round, he could be the steal of the draft.
Another intriguing option is a versatile safety/cornerback hybrid, the kind of player Flores loves to deploy in multiple roles. This player can line up in the slot, play deep safety, or even roll down into the box. Given the scheme's emphasis on disguise and versatility, finding a chess piece for the secondary has to be near the top of the priority list.
Offensive Line: Protecting the Franchise
Regardless of who is under center in 2026 -- whether it's a rookie, a veteran bridge option, or a surprising holdover -- the offensive line must be better. The Vikings have invested heavily in the line in recent years, but injuries and inconsistent play have plagued the unit.
In the second round, the Vikings could target a tackle with the versatility to play either side or slide inside to guard. This kind of flexibility is incredibly valuable in the NFL, where depth charts are tested by Week 6. A player who can step in at right tackle immediately or serve as a swing tackle with the potential to develop into a starter is a classic Day 2 target.
There are also interior linemen who could be available on Day 2 -- guards and centers who are maulers in the run game but need polish in pass protection. With a scheme that wants to establish the run to open up play-action, a powerful guard who can move people in the run game would be a welcome addition.
Wide Receiver: Depth and Future Planning
The Vikings' wide receiver room has undergone a significant makeover. Justin Jefferson remains the alpha, but behind him, the depth chart is filled with question marks. The team could look to add a dynamic pass-catcher on Day 2, someone who can take the top off a defense or work the intermediate routes that Kevin O'Connell's offense thrives on.
A tall, physical receiver who can win contested catches would be a perfect complement to Jefferson. Alternatively, a speedster who can stretch the field vertically and open up space underneath for everyone else would also make sense. The beauty of Day 2 is that the value at wide receiver tends to be excellent, and teams often find Pro Bowl-caliber players in the second and third rounds.
Day 2 Big Board: Top 10 Targets (No Particular Order)
Here's a curated list of prospects who make logical sense for the Vikings on Day 2, considering scheme fit, value, and team needs:
Cornerback - Power Five Prospect: A first-round talent who slipped on Day 1. If he's here, the Vikings should run to the podium. Press-man coverage skills and natural ball production make him a plug-and-play starter.
Offensive Tackle - Versatile Lineman: Can play both tackle spots and potentially kick inside to guard. Smart, technically sound, and a perfect fit for a zone-blocking scheme.
Safety/Cornerback Hybrid - Versatile Defender: The ideal Flores chess piece. Can play nickel corner, deep safety, or even linebacker in sub-packages. Special teams value adds to the appeal.
Wide Receiver - Physical Contested-Catch Specialist: A big-bodied target who excels in the red zone and on third downs. Would immediately step into a rotational role and learn from Jefferson.
Interior Defensive Lineman - Three-Technique: Even after drafting Banks, the defensive line rotation needs depth. A quick, penetrating three-technique who can rush the passer from the interior would be a luxury pick that pays dividends.
Running Back - Do-It-All Back: The running back room is solid but unspectacular. A dynamic playmaker out of the backfield who can catch passes and be a home-run threat could take the offense to another level.
Linebacker - Coverage Linebacker: Brian Flores needs linebackers who can run and cover. A Day 2 linebacker with excellent range and coverage instincts would be a long-term upgrade at the second level.
Edge Rusher - Raw Pass Rusher: You can never have enough pass rushers. A developmental edge with a high ceiling who can learn behind the veterans would be a smart investment for the future.
Guard/Center - Interior Mauler: A pure interior lineman who mauls in the run game. The Vikings want to run the ball more effectively, and a nasty guard who finishes blocks would set the tone.
Cornerback - Ball-Hawking Zone Corner: A corner who thrives in off-coverage and zone schemes. With excellent instincts and ball skills, he would be a great fit for a defense that uses a lot of zone concepts.
The Strategy: Best Player Available vs. Need
Day 2 is often where the draft board gets messy. Teams have to balance drafting the best player available with filling glaring roster holes. For the Vikings, the first-round pick of Banks suggests they are willing to trust their board and take their guy, even if it surprises the pundits. That philosophy should continue on Day 2.
If a top-tier cornerback falls into their lap, you take him. If the best player on the board is a receiver, you don't reach for an offensive lineman just because you need one. The key is to trade value. The Vikings have a good enough core that they don't need to force picks. They can afford to take the best prospect and figure out the depth chart later.
Final Thoughts
The selection of Caleb Banks in the first round was a bold statement of intent: the Vikings are prioritizing toughness and disruption up front. But the work is far from over. Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft could yield a trio of players who become the backbone of this roster for years to come.
With picks in the second and third rounds, Rob Brzezinski has the opportunity to add immediate contributors and high-upside developmental players. The secondary needs a boost. The offensive line needs reinforcements. The skill positions could use another weapon. Whatever direction the front office goes, you can bet they'll be aggressive, unconventional, and confident in their evaluations. That's been the hallmark of this regime, and Day 2 should be no different.
Stay tuned, Vikings fans. The next few hours could shape the next decade of football in Minnesota.