Rating each position on Vikings’ roster heading into 2026 NFL training camp

The Minnesota Vikings have one of the most offensive-minded head coaches in the NFL in Kevin O’Connell. He is considered one of the top quarterback whisperers in the sport, and the heat is on the fifth-year head coach to make the right decision between former Cardinal Kyler Murray and holdover J.J. McCarthy as the Vikings starter.

If O’Connell makes the right decision, the Vikings have a strong chance to compete for the NFC North title and make a run at representing the NFC in the Super Bowl. If he does not select the right quarterback, the Vikings will fight to stay out of the NFC North cellar as the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers engage in a battle for division superiority.

If the Vikings don’t get the results at the QB position from either Murray or McCarthy, the 2026 season will likely be O’Connell’s last on the Vikings sidelines. The team parted company with former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah at the conclusion of last season and new GM Nolan Teasley will almost certainly want to name his own head coach going forward.

Here’s a look at position grades for the Vikings heading into the 2026 season:

Quarterback

Kyler Murray established himself as one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the league during his seven-year run with the Arizona Cardinals. He combines arm strength with a quick release along and the ability to make key plays on the run. Injuries have limited his production in two of the past three seasons, but he is healthy as he enters the 2026 season. The 28-year-old Murray is the favorite to emerge with the QB1 position over McCarthy.

Injuries have hurt the former national championship signal caller from Michigan in his first two years with the Vikings. While he has some intangible characteristics, he completed just 57.6 percent of his passes and threw 12 interceptions last season. He is not likely to overcome Murray this summer

Rating: 6.5

Running back

Aaron Jones has had a brilliant career with the Packers and Vikings, but there are legitimate questions about his ability to give Minnesota a consistent ground attack at the age of 31. Running backs regularly go through a downturn after five years in the NFL and Jones is about to compete in his 10th NFL season. He is coming off a 12-game, 532-yard season that indicates he is well off his best form. Jordan Mason is one of the best No. 2 running backs in the league after rushing for 758 yards and 4.8 yards per carry.

While neither Jones nor Mason are All-Pro candidates, the Vikings have an adequate running attack.

Rating: 7

Receivers

This is the Vikings’ greatest strength on the offensive side of the ball. Justin Jefferson was arguably the top-ranked receiver in the NFL prior to the 2025 season, but his production suffered quite a bit last season as the Vikings struggled at the QB position. Jefferson still found a way to catch 84 passes for 1,048 yards with 2 TD passes a year ago, but he wants to demonstrate he can approach 2,000 receiving yards. Explosive Jordan Addison provides an excellent 1-2 punch at the WR position, but he has been diminished by the team’s QB issues and his own off-the-field problems.

The Vikings are hoping that tight end T.J. Hockenson can bounce back from a subpar 2025 season, while former 49er Jauan Jennings could be an outstanding No. 3 receiver in O’Connell’s offense.

Rating: 9

Offensive line

The Vikings have a pair of outstanding tackles in Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, but the key is keeping them healthy for a full season. Darrisaw missed seven games at left tackle a year ago while O’Neill failed to play in three games. Second-year left guard Donovan Jackson is expected to assert himself this season and right guard Will Fries hopes to improve in his second year. Center Blake Brandel is likely to win the starting center job after filling in last year and serving as a backup guard and tackle.

Rating: 6

Defensive line

This is one of the most unproven areas of the team. The Vikings have one of the most respected defensive coordinators in Brian Flores, but he needs rookie DT Caleb Banks to stay healthy and remain on the field for 17 games this season. Fellow rookie Domonique Orange — The Big Citrus — must clog the middle at the NT position and shut down the opponents’ interior running game. Jalen Redmond has been a great find after recording 62 tackles and 6.0 sacks a year ago.

Rating: 5.5

Linebackers

Blake Cashman and Andrew Van Ginkel have been the mainstays of Flores’ defensive scheme, and both players appear to be poised for excellent seasons once again. As long as the defensive line does not get caved in, the linebacker position will be the strength of the defense. Dallas Turner has a chance to become the group’s star as he prepares for his third season. Eric Wilson has shown that he is one of the most dependable inside backers in the NFL.

Rating: 8.5

Secondary

Cornerback has been a weakness for the Vikings dating back to previous head coach Mike Zimmer, but Byron Murphy has a chance win All-Pro honors and Isaiah Rodgers has flashed his talent. However, the safety position appears to be the issue as the retirement of Harrison Smith looms and the Vikings need Jay Ward to step up. Josh Metellus is one of the key players in the Flores scheme and he can be a game changer.

Rating: 7

Special teams

Will Reichard is coming off a brilliant season in which he made 33 of 35 FG attempts, including 11 of 13 from 50 yards and beyond. Johnny Hekker is a four-time Pro Bowl punter who should provide an upgrade for the Vikings. Myles Price has some breakaway ability as a return specialist, but ball security could be an issue.

Rating: 9

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