Mock Draft Monday: Vikings add big pieces to their defense

The 2027 NFL Draft will take place in Washington, D.C. next year. In that draft, the Vikings still have their first-round pick, but a lot could happen in the next 9 months. Before then, though, there will be plenty of speculation and buildup for the team and who they may add to the roster through the draft in a class that many are saying could be one of generational wealth.

While we will always look at mock drafts from analysts around the space, we will also keep up with our Mock Draft Mondays here on Vikings Wire.

While this used to be just an exercise used for the Fall to introduce players, the 2027 NFL Draft class is too good to be contained to those select months. Instead, we are going to do them in the summer. As we progress through Summer Scouting, we'll look at the roster more closely in camp and share our opinions on players fans can watch this upcoming college season.

So with that in mind, let's dive into a 3-Round 2027 NFL Mock Draft for the Vikings.

Rhodes has the size (listed at 6-6, 275 lbs.) to handle NFL offensive linemen in one-on-one situations. He has a good blend of pass rush ability mixed with his run-stopping ability to make him one of the rare complete edge rushers in college football. For the Vikings, they will need Dallas Turner to have a complementary piece to rush the passer, especially as a tough decision looms regarding Andrew Van Ginkel as he enters a contract year.

Chris Peal is one of my favorite cornerbacks in the 2027 NFL Draft class, if he declares. He often provides enough coverage to be a tough target for offenses. His length creates problems and forces passes into tough spots for receivers to make a play on. He could be a riser through the process, like the Senior Bowl or the scouting combine. For the Vikings, they need more help in their secondary, and getting a young piece for Brian Flores to coach up makes sense.

The Vikings drafted Jake Golday, but he projects as more of a hybrid pass-rushing linebacker than someone who could man the middle at this point. Chris Cole could work alongside Blake Cashman, develop a bit, and showcase his athletic profile and ability.

Anto Saka could easily work his way into the first round discussion, but for now he enters 2026 with a lot of questions. He is a power rusher who can win those one-on-one reps, he shows football IQ, and an affinity to track the ball well. At Texas A&M, he will have a chance to really take a leap with stronger coaching and development, given what they have done for other players who have come through in recent years.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Mock Draft Monday: Vikings add big pieces to their defense