Minnesota Vikings draft strategy revealed: Should they trade down from pick 18 in the 2026 NFL Draft? Tyler Forness breaks down the Rich Hill trade chart, realistic options, and his personal top 5 first-round targets on The Real Forno Show. In this latest episode of the popular Minnesota Vikings podcast from Vikings 1st & SKOL, host Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano deliver unfiltered analysis on why trading back could be a game-changer for Brian Flores’ defense in a deep but not superstar-heavy class.
After opening with a heartfelt tribute to late NHL reporter Jessi Pierce, who tragically passed away in a house fire along with her three young children and family dog, Forness transitions into Vikings draft strategy. He strongly advocates for trading down from 18 to gain Day 2 and Day 3 capital, explaining, “I think it would be advantageous for the Vikings to trade down in this draft. Why? Because they need multiple pieces of depth. They need multiple cost control type players.” Using the Rich Hill trade chart (built on historical data), he outlines baseline packages with teams like the Chargers (to 22 + third-rounder), Steelers, Eagles, and Chiefs, noting surplus value opportunities without sacrificing quality. Forness stresses the class depth: “There are not a lot of players who are likely to be superstars. What there are is a lot of potential starters that 25 to 75 range is going to produce starters.”
Key points include:
Why trading down beats reaching at 18 for roster-building needs, his honest player evaluations, and these top 5 realistic first-round options:
• Tied for 5th: KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M) and Keldric Faulk (Edge, Auburn)
• 4th: Makai Lemon (WR, USC)
• 3rd: Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
• 2nd: Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson)
• 1st: CJ Allen (LB, Georgia)
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Forness raved about his top pick, noting Terrell “plays bigger than his size” with inside-out versatility perfect for Flores, while praising Allen’s elite football IQ as a long-term linebacker solution. Vikings fans craving sharp film study, analytics, and bold takes won’t want to miss this must-listen episode of The Real Forno Show. Subscribe to Vikings 1st & SKOL on YouTube for weekly Minnesota Vikings podcast content from Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano.
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Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow. Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN.
What do you think:
Should the Vikings trade down from 18, or stand pat for a player like Avieon Terrell or CJ Allen? Drop your pick in the comments below!
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