Since January, the Minnesota Vikings have lacked a clear chief within the constructing. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was fired after 4 years and no substitute has been employed. Rob Brzezinski was named interim GM, set to information the franchise by the draft, however hasn’t gotten the full-time promotion.
While Brzezinski has had closing say, it’s truthful to invest about who has actually made the calls within the draft room. The teaching workers was extra concerned than in most franchises, some suspect.
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ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote an article concerning the draft and what executives and coaches stated concerning the friends’ courses.
About the Vikings, Fowler wrote, “The Vikings carried out this draft whereas in a transitional state, with longtime workforce government Rob Brzezinski holding the interim GM tag by the draft. While Minnesota improved its protection, some across the league had questions concerning the general haul. ‘How much influence did Brian Flores have [on the selections]?’ one AFC exec requested. ‘It felt like a lot. Felt like a coach-heavy draft.’”
The draft board tilted towards the defensive side of the ball early in the event. The first three picks and four of the five selections in rounds 1-3 were reinforcements for Flores’ group.
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Flores has definitely earned the good thing about the doubt, as he retains delivering elite models able to carrying the operation. Throughout his three-year tenure, the Vikings have had the second-best protection in EPA/Play, solely trailing the Cleveland Browns. That consists of a 2023 season with a roster that was clearly not constructed for his scheme.
Conversely, the offense led by head coach Kevin O’Connell ranks twenty fourth in the identical span and metric. Quarterback play in 2023 and 2025 absolutely harm his rankings.
The defensive coordinator was a coveted man this offseason, including to his interview tally. He as soon as once more did not land a head teaching job and subsequently prolonged his contract within the Twin Cities. Perhaps having extra say in roster selections was one of many perks he obtained within the course of.
Either means, the defensive-coded draft may assist him stay at or close to the highest of the league in defensive output.
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Fowler added, “The first-round selection of Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks felt risky to some, due to multiple foot surgeries. But his upside is high. Third-round safety Jakobe Thomas (Miami) was considered more of a mid-to-late Day 3 pick to multiple scouts. Scouts lauded the second-round selection of Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday, one of the top off-ball backers in the draft who should be able to contribute right away.”
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks is chosen by the Minnesota Vikings because the quantity 18 choose through the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Banks is extensively thought-about the highest inside lineman who misplaced some attraction as a result of his second main foot damage. If his foot checks out, he may find yourself turning into a franchise cornerstone alongside the line of defense.
Safety Thomas was a huge attain in accordance with varied draft analysts, but it surely’s noteworthy that his ability set resembles that of a participant constructed for a Flores protection. He thrives within the field and in a versatile position close to the road of scrimmage. The identical could be stated about linebacker Golday, who can play on the sting and as an off-ball linebacker. Cincinnati incessantly used him within the slot.
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We may by no means understand how a lot affect Flores had within the draft room, however he has earned that luxurious. Notably, he began in New England as a scout.
In the meantime, the Vikings have kicked off their seek for a new basic supervisor. Ownership has emphasised that they need to maintain the previous construction of getting a GM on the high of the decision-making pyramid, who studies to them. A brand new sturdy man within the group will arrive sooner fairly than later, except Brzezinski will get the promotion in any case.
Until then, Flores may proceed to have a sturdy voice.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this text.