Kayden McDonald goes to Vikings at pick No. 18 in SB Nation’s community mock draft Kayden McDonald, DL, THE. . .dramatic pause. . .Ohio State University
Yes, pretty much every mock draft in America has the Vikings linked to a safety in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft, but the defensive line, in my opinion, is a much greater need with the release of Jon Allen and Javon Hargrave earlier in the offseason.
Right now, the Vikings’ defensive line is relying on a lot of young players. Jalen Redmond took a big step forward last season and will continue to be relied upon, but players like Levi Drake Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins will be expected to make the leap from being rotational-type players to the starting lineup, and none of those three players have the sort of skill set that McDonald brings to the table.
The Vikings’ defense, as good as it’s been, doesn’t really have a true run-stuffing defensive tackle who can anchor things in the middle. McDonald is the best in this class when it comes to stopping the run, and plugging him into the middle of the defensive line should help Redmond and the other defensive linemen immensely, as well as helping to keep blockers off of the linebackers at the second level. His presence should help Brian Flores’ defense to put opposing offenses into second and third-and-long situations more consistently, which is what this defense lives for.
McDonald still has some developing to do as an interior pass rusher, but for now he’s going to be asked to stop the run. His pass rush skills will catch up eventually. The Vikings can address the safety position on Day 2 of the draft, but McDonald appears to be the best pick for them at this spot in Round 1.
#Kayden #McDonald #Vikings #pick #Nations #community #mock #draft
Kayden McDonald, DL, THE. . .dramatic pause. . .Ohio State University
Yes, pretty much every mock draft in America has the Vikings linked to a safety in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft, but the defensive line, in my opinion, is a much greater need with the release of Jon Allen and Javon Hargrave earlier in the offseason.
Right now, the Vikings’ defensive line is relying on a lot of young players. Jalen Redmond took a big step forward last season and will continue to be relied upon, but players like Levi Drake Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins will be expected to make the leap from being rotational-type players to the starting lineup, and none of those three players have the sort of skill set that McDonald brings to the table.
The Vikings’ defense, as good as it’s been, doesn’t really have a true run-stuffing defensive tackle who can anchor things in the middle. McDonald is the best in this class when it comes to stopping the run, and plugging him into the middle of the defensive line should help Redmond and the other defensive linemen immensely, as well as helping to keep blockers off of the linebackers at the second level. His presence should help Brian Flores’ defense to put opposing offenses into second and third-and-long situations more consistently, which is what this defense lives for.
McDonald still has some developing to do as an interior pass rusher, but for now he’s going to be asked to stop the run. His pass rush skills will catch up eventually. The Vikings can address the safety position on Day 2 of the draft, but McDonald appears to be the best pick for them at this spot in Round 1.
![Deadspin | Report: Tiger Woods ‘responding well to treatment’ in rehab Dec 22, 2024; Orlando, Florida, [USA]; Tiger Woods tees off not the 15th hole during the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Tiger Woods is making progress as he follows an intensive rehab program after his arrest on a driving under the influence charge, the Daily Mail reported. ‘He’s got a pain management doctor who is helping him deal with his body pain without addictive opioids,” a source told the British publication. “He calls or Zooms a small number of people.” Those people reportedly include girlfriend Vanessa Trump; daughter Sam and son Charlie; and Mark Steinberg, his agent since 1998. Per the Daily Mail, Woods, 50, is believed to be in Switzerland in an inpatient residential treatment program that is scheduled to run for 90 days. Woods entered rehab following a car crash on March 27 near his home at Jupiter Island, Fla. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and refusing to take a urine test near his home in Florida after his Land Rover clipped the back of a truck and rolled over onto its side. He was not injured and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Authorities have said he was impaired by medication and not alcohol. At the time of his arrest, he had two hydrocone pills in his pocket, authorities confirmed. “He’s responding well to treatment, and Vanessa is very happy with what she’s hearing,” a friend of Trump told the outlet. On the morning of the day of the crash, speculation was rampant if Woods would play at the Masters Tournament. He hasn’t played on the PGA Tour since The Open Championship in 2024, where he missed the cut, because of injury. He ruptured his left Achilles tendon in the spring of 2025 and underwent lumbar disk replacement surgery in October. This was not his first accident. On Feb. 23, 2021, authorities said Woods was traveling at a high rate of speed when he crashed near Los Angeles. He suffered significant injuries to his right leg and ankle that required multiple surgeries. In a statement issued March 31, Woods said he was prioritizing his health over golf. “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods’ statement read. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery. “I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Tiger #Woods #responding #treatment #rehab](https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/25050214.jpg "Deadspin | Report: Tiger Woods ‘responding well to treatment’ in rehab Dec 22, 2024; Orlando, Florida, [USA]; Tiger Woods tees off not the 15th hole during the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Tiger Woods is making progress as he follows an intensive rehab program after his arrest on a driving under the influence charge, the Daily Mail reported. ‘He’s got a pain management doctor who is helping him deal with his body pain without addictive opioids,” a source told the British publication. “He calls or Zooms a small number of people.” Those people reportedly include girlfriend Vanessa Trump; daughter Sam and son Charlie; and Mark Steinberg, his agent since 1998. Per the Daily Mail, Woods, 50, is believed to be in Switzerland in an inpatient residential treatment program that is scheduled to run for 90 days. Woods entered rehab following a car crash on March 27 near his home at Jupiter Island, Fla. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and refusing to take a urine test near his home in Florida after his Land Rover clipped the back of a truck and rolled over onto its side. He was not injured and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Authorities have said he was impaired by medication and not alcohol. At the time of his arrest, he had two hydrocone pills in his pocket, authorities confirmed. “He’s responding well to treatment, and Vanessa is very happy with what she’s hearing,” a friend of Trump told the outlet. On the morning of the day of the crash, speculation was rampant if Woods would play at the Masters Tournament. He hasn’t played on the PGA Tour since The Open Championship in 2024, where he missed the cut, because of injury. He ruptured his left Achilles tendon in the spring of 2025 and underwent lumbar disk replacement surgery in October. This was not his first accident. On Feb. 23, 2021, authorities said Woods was traveling at a high rate of speed when he crashed near Los Angeles. He suffered significant injuries to his right leg and ankle that required multiple surgeries. In a statement issued March 31, Woods said he was prioritizing his health over golf. “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods’ statement read. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery. “I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Tiger #Woods #responding #treatment #rehab")
![Deadspin | Report: Tiger Woods ‘responding well to treatment’ in rehab Dec 22, 2024; Orlando, Florida, [USA]; Tiger Woods tees off not the 15th hole during the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Tiger Woods is making progress as he follows an intensive rehab program after his arrest on a driving under the influence charge, the Daily Mail reported. ‘He’s got a pain management doctor who is helping him deal with his body pain without addictive opioids,” a source told the British publication. “He calls or Zooms a small number of people.” Those people reportedly include girlfriend Vanessa Trump; daughter Sam and son Charlie; and Mark Steinberg, his agent since 1998. Per the Daily Mail, Woods, 50, is believed to be in Switzerland in an inpatient residential treatment program that is scheduled to run for 90 days. Woods entered rehab following a car crash on March 27 near his home at Jupiter Island, Fla. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and refusing to take a urine test near his home in Florida after his Land Rover clipped the back of a truck and rolled over onto its side. He was not injured and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Authorities have said he was impaired by medication and not alcohol. At the time of his arrest, he had two hydrocone pills in his pocket, authorities confirmed. “He’s responding well to treatment, and Vanessa is very happy with what she’s hearing,” a friend of Trump told the outlet. On the morning of the day of the crash, speculation was rampant if Woods would play at the Masters Tournament. He hasn’t played on the PGA Tour since The Open Championship in 2024, where he missed the cut, because of injury. He ruptured his left Achilles tendon in the spring of 2025 and underwent lumbar disk replacement surgery in October. This was not his first accident. On Feb. 23, 2021, authorities said Woods was traveling at a high rate of speed when he crashed near Los Angeles. He suffered significant injuries to his right leg and ankle that required multiple surgeries. In a statement issued March 31, Woods said he was prioritizing his health over golf. “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods’ statement read. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery. “I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Tiger #Woods #responding #treatment #rehab](https://i0.wp.com/images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/25050214.jpg?ssl=1 "Deadspin | Report: Tiger Woods ‘responding well to treatment’ in rehab Dec 22, 2024; Orlando, Florida, [USA]; Tiger Woods tees off not the 15th hole during the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Tiger Woods is making progress as he follows an intensive rehab program after his arrest on a driving under the influence charge, the Daily Mail reported. ‘He’s got a pain management doctor who is helping him deal with his body pain without addictive opioids,” a source told the British publication. “He calls or Zooms a small number of people.” Those people reportedly include girlfriend Vanessa Trump; daughter Sam and son Charlie; and Mark Steinberg, his agent since 1998. Per the Daily Mail, Woods, 50, is believed to be in Switzerland in an inpatient residential treatment program that is scheduled to run for 90 days. Woods entered rehab following a car crash on March 27 near his home at Jupiter Island, Fla. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and refusing to take a urine test near his home in Florida after his Land Rover clipped the back of a truck and rolled over onto its side. He was not injured and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Authorities have said he was impaired by medication and not alcohol. At the time of his arrest, he had two hydrocone pills in his pocket, authorities confirmed. “He’s responding well to treatment, and Vanessa is very happy with what she’s hearing,” a friend of Trump told the outlet. On the morning of the day of the crash, speculation was rampant if Woods would play at the Masters Tournament. He hasn’t played on the PGA Tour since The Open Championship in 2024, where he missed the cut, because of injury. He ruptured his left Achilles tendon in the spring of 2025 and underwent lumbar disk replacement surgery in October. This was not his first accident. On Feb. 23, 2021, authorities said Woods was traveling at a high rate of speed when he crashed near Los Angeles. He suffered significant injuries to his right leg and ankle that required multiple surgeries. In a statement issued March 31, Woods said he was prioritizing his health over golf. “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods’ statement read. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery. “I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Tiger #Woods #responding #treatment #rehab")
Post Comment