Best draft picks in Minnesota Vikings history
Stacker compiled a list of the best draft picks in Minnesota Vikings history using career Weighted Approximate Value (wAV), a metric developed by Pro-Football-Reference.com to estimate career impact. The ranking also lists individual accolades such as Pro Bowl selections, First-Team All-Pro honors, and total years as a starter. Players were assigned to their originally drafted teams, excluding any draft-day trades. Data is as of April 2026.
#10. Adrian Peterson (2007, Round 1, Pick 7)
- Position: RB
- Career wAV: 101
- Pro Bowls: 7
- First-Team All-Pro: 4
- Games Played: 184
- Seasons as Starter: 12
#9. Kevin Williams (2003, Round 1, Pick 9)
- Position: DT
- Career wAV: 102
- Pro Bowls: 6
- First-Team All-Pro: 5
- Games Played: 203
- Seasons as Starter: 12
#7. Ron Yary (1968, Round 1, Pick 1) (tie)
- Position: T
- Career wAV: 104
- Pro Bowls: 7
- First-Team All-Pro: 6
- Games Played: 207
- Seasons as Starter: 12
#7. Bobby Bell (1963, Round 2, Pick 16) (tie)
- Position: LB
- Career wAV: 104
- Pro Bowls: 9
- First-Team All-Pro: 6
- Games Played: 168
- Seasons as Starter: 12
#6. Chris Doleman (1985, Round 1, Pick 4)
- Position: DE
- Career wAV: 114
- Pro Bowls: 8
- First-Team All-Pro: 2
- Games Played: 232
- Seasons as Starter: 13
#5. Randy Moss (1998, Round 1, Pick 21)
- Position: WR
- Career wAV: 124
- Pro Bowls: 6
- First-Team All-Pro: 4
- Games Played: 218
- Seasons as Starter: 12
#4. Randall McDaniel (1988, Round 1, Pick 19)
- Position: G
- Career wAV: 129
- Pro Bowls: 12
- First-Team All-Pro: 7
- Games Played: 222
- Seasons as Starter: 14
#3. Carl Eller (1964, Round 1, Pick 6)
- Position: DE
- Career wAV: 132
- Pro Bowls: 6
- First-Team All-Pro: 5
- Games Played: 225
- Seasons as Starter: 15
#2. Alan Page (1967, Round 1, Pick 15)
- Position: DT
- Career wAV: 144
- Pro Bowls: 9
- First-Team All-Pro: 5
- Games Played: 218
- Seasons as Starter: 15
#1. Fran Tarkenton (1961, Round 3, Pick 29)
- Position: QB
- Career wAV: 148
- Pro Bowls: 9
- First-Team All-Pro: 1
- Games Played: 246
- Seasons as Starter: 18
