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Vikings Hold Nine Picks, Target Safety Dillon Thieneman at No. 18

4/23/2026

47 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Vikings will pick at No. 18 overall in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Vikings hold nine selections after multiple trades.
Analysts and DraftKings odds favor safety Dillon Thieneman of Oregon at +200 odds, though a mock draft projects tight end Kenyon Sadiq.
Interim GM Rob Brzezinski will decide, with head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores shaping strategy.

History

Historical Context

The inaugural NFL Draft in 1936 marked a pivotal shift in professional football, allowing teams to select players systematically. The Philadelphia Eagles chose Jay Berwanger, the first Heisman Trophy winner, as the first overall pick. This structured approach transformed team-building strategies, fostering competition and fan engagement, and laid the groundwork for the modern NFL draft system that continues to shape player recruitment today.

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Story summary

The Vikings will pick at No. 18 overall in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Vikings hold nine selections after multiple trades.
Analysts and DraftKings odds favor safety Dillon Thieneman of Oregon at +200 odds, though a mock draft projects tight end Kenyon Sadiq.
Interim GM Rob Brzezinski will decide, with head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores shaping strategy.

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