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PFF Pinpoints Major Vikings Concern
 intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/USATSI_19375238.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/USATSI_19375238.jpg”><figcaption><span>Nov 6, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Minnesota Vikings players gather to celebrate after safety Harrison Smith (22) intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports.</span></figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Pro Football Focus</em> is already peeking ahead at the 2026 NFL Draft, when the Minnesota Vikings will possess a mostly full draft cabinet — unlike 2025 — plus two or three compensatory draft picks.</p>
<p><strong><em>Pro Football Focus</em> found the Vikings’ top concern for the long haul. Here’s what that site said and why it’s a fair point.</strong></p>
<p>Outwardly, the Vikings don’t have oodles of long-term roster needs, but per PFF, one spot will need some love next April.</p>
<p>And that’s at safety.</p>
<h2>What the Vikings Should Target in the 2026 Draft per PFF</h2>
<p><strong>With little mystery, the folks at <em>Pro Football Focus</em> believe the Vikings need a safety after this season. </strong></p>
<h3>Safety Is the Long-Term Need per PFF</h3>
<p>PFF’s Trevor Sikkema sized one area from each NFL team that will need attention in 2026, and for Minnesota, safety got the nod.</p>
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Sikkema explained.
“The Vikings have 2023 draft pick Jay Ward, who showed promise with an 89th-ranked 63.0 PFF overall grade in 2024, but they could look to make a major splash through a very good 2026 safety class.”
For the most part, Sikkema’s observation is a fair concern.
Harrison Smith’s Last Hurrah
Camryn Bynum left the Vikings three months ago, and he’s not coming back, signing a $60 million contract over four years with the Indianapolis Colts.
 looks on before the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_24542536.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_24542536.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_24542536.jpg” alt=”Harrison Smith looks on pregame against Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium.” ><figcaption>Oct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota safety Harrison Smith (22) surveys the field before kickoff against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>Harrison Smith, meanwhile, opted to return for another season, easing the short-term pain at safety. He’s back in the saddle for Year No. 14.</p>
<p>But this campaign is probably Smith’s last, and indeed, Minnesota will need a replacement place — probably why PFF is on the case.</p>
<h3>Theo Jackson Is the Hinge</h3>
<p>Of course, Vikings life will be easier if <a href=)
Theo Jackson, who will take over for Bynum, plays like a legitimate starter in 2025. Minnesota is betting big on Jackson, while paying low, affording the unsung veteran safety a chance to break out this season.
 against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Theo-Jackson.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=727,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Theo-Jackson.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Theo-Jackson.jpg” alt=”Vikings safety Theo Jackson on the field during NFC wild card vs. Rams.”><figcaption>Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota safety Theo Jackson (26) lines up on defense against the Los Angeles Rams during the NFC wild card playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>Jackson has flashed in limited playing time through three seasons. Participating in over 1,000 defensive snaps over 17 games in a brand new ball of wax.</p>
<p>If Jackson is productive, the safety roster need slows to a whimper. </p>
<h3>Good News? Safeties Are Easy to Find</h3>
<p>Thankfully, and generally speaking, good safeties aren’t quite like left tackles, for example. Right now, Minnesota could sign Justin Simmons, Marcus Williams, or Julian Blackmon from free agency, and any safety fears would be dead.</p>
<p>It’s also more plausible to find starting safeties <em>later </em>in the draft, meaning a Round 1 pick in 2026 won’t be mandatory.</p>
<p>Safeties are important, but the position is not premium. </p>
<h3>PFF on NFC North Rivals’ Concerns</h3>
<p>For the Green Bay Packers’ long-term concern, Sikkema opined, “Long-term outlook at wide receiver. Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden are the Packers’ only two starting receivers who should confidently be part of the team’s plans in 2026. Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are both unrestricted free agents next offseason, while Dontayvion Wicks is a restricted free agent (although his 18.0% drop rate last season gives Green Bay little reason to retain him if he doesn’t improve in 2025).”</p>
<p>“Even after spending a first-round pick on a receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Packers could be on the hunt for one again in 2026.”</p>
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win the NFC North, according to oddsmakers, followed by the Packers, the Vikings, and the Bears in last place.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily … More about Dustin Baker
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