Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay are still two of the biggest names in NFL Draft analysis, and they've gone in completely opposite directions with their Minnesota Vikings first-round predictions.
The illustrious Kiper did the prudent thing and went with Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman in his final mock before the draft. Thieneman is a pro-ready player at a position of need and has "Viking" written all over him. Most of the league has seemingly already penciled him in for Minnesota at this point.
But McShay went rogue with a more surprising pick for Minnesota in the first round. He has the Vikings going with a wide receiver, grabbing Washington's Denzel Boston at No. 18. On the surface, it seems a bit out of left field. However, looking at the bigger picture, it might make just as much sense as Thieneman.
The Vikings will almost certainly address six positions in this year's draft: safety, cornerback, defensive tackle, running back, center, and wide receiver. In the first round, safety makes tons of sense. Thieneman, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, or pretty, pretty please with a cherry on top, Caleb Downs, could all theoretically be available. But if two, or even all three, are gone by pick No. 18, the Vikings have a bit of a conundrum on their hands.
Many folks have highlighted that the Vikings haven't drafted a cornerback higher than the third round in the Brian Flores era, and don't expect that to change anytime soon. So, a cornerback in the first feels unlikely. Defensive tackle is another big need on defense, but most of the top prospects like Caleb Banks, Kayden McDonald, or Domonique Orange are projected as Day 2 selections. The same can be said for center and running back. Ultimately, if not safety at No. 18, the options look to be a trade down or a receiver.
Boston would be an intriguing option thanks to his size and ability to high-point the ball, something that Minnesota has been missing, as McShay points out in his report.
It really comes down to stylistic preference, and for Minnesota, the need is clear: a big, physical outside receiver to complement Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
Boston fits that mold perfectly. His ball skills -- including a 77% contested catch rate -- stand out, and he brings the size and physicality this offense is missing. He also pairs well with a mobile quarterback thanks to his natural feel for uncovering downfield in scramble situations. As the new era begins with Kyler Murray under center, this would be a strong, clean fit.
At 6'4" and 210 lbs., Boston adds an element to the Vikings offense that Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison don't offer. Minnesota has reportedly been looking to add some size at WR3, and Boston fits the bill. His 11 touchdowns in 2025 were no accident, and he could be the red-zone threat that the Vikings were missing all season.
With Addison's future with the team very much in doubt, taking Boston in the first round would be a clear sign the team is prepared, and even willing, to move on. Assuming Addison has another strong season, an extension won't come cheap, and Minnesota may have some reservations about tying up a third of their salary cap in two wide receivers.
Boston would bring a new dimension to the Vikings. Still, there might be a secret option behind door No. 2 if they want to bring in a pass-catcher for 2026.
If he's still available, Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq may be a better choice for the Vikings. Despite being 6'3", 245 lbs., he ran a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash and could easily slide outside in three-receiver sets. It would solve the T.J. Hockenson dilemma in 2027 rather than the Addison one and still allows Minnesota to save its Day 2 picks for defensive tackle or safety.
Meanwhile, with Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon likely long gone, Minnesota would have to dip into the second tier of receivers to take Boston. Going under the assumption that Rob Brzezinski will roll with a best-player-available approach, it's hard to imagine that Boston would be that player at No. 18.
He's a good player and potentially a great fit, but it feels a bit rich at this spot. A trade down feels more likely than selecting Boston at this stage for Minnesota. Still, with the only option on the roster for WR3 being Tai Felton and his three career catches, you'd be hard-pressed to find many fans who would hate the pick.
Ultimately, if Sadiq and the trio of safeties are off the board, there isn't really another position that makes a ton of sense for Minnesota in the first, barring a sudden break from their cornerback trend. Boston would be a solid addition to an offense that needs a security blanket in case Jefferson or Addison misses time.