The start of the NFL season isn’t too far away now but there is still time to get some rankings in ahead of the 2026 season. The good folk over at Pro Football Focus have been doing just that.
PFF has been ranking the top 32 players at each position, and, starting with the players on the offensive side of the ball, I thought it would be interesting to see which Vikings players made the rankings.
On offense, Minnesota has eight players that rank inside the top 32 at their position and two honorable mentions. To stop this article getting to long I am splitting into two, starting with the six Vikings offensive playmakers that made the list and following up with the four Vikings offensive linemen.
The Vikings only have one player that gets inside the top 10 at their position – no prizes for guessing who that is. The rankings for Vikings offensive playmakers tell a story or concern at quarterback, running back, and tight end that has validation. Below, I will lay out the rankings for each Viking who made them, PFF’s write-up on the player, and then my own thoughts on the player and their ranking.
As has been the case throughout his career, Murray flashed his immense talent in 2025 before injuries once again cut his season short. He was limited to just five starts last year, and he has played a full season only once since 2021. He fell out of favor in Arizona and is now competing with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job in Minnesota.
Murray’s talent is still tantalizing when he is healthy and in rhythm. As recently as the 2024 regular season, he ranked seventh among qualifying quarterbacks in big-time throws (27) and second in yards per carry (7.3). In five starts last season, he earned a respectable 72.2 PFF passing grade. Murray has shown he can play at a top-eight level, and Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has had plenty of success with less talented quarterbacks. Perhaps the pairing will help lead Minnesota back to the postseason.
PFF ranks Kyler Murray in 21st place which is respectable after a season where he only played five games. Murray’s is a story of talent and flaws and trying to find the right blend. The big question is can Kevin O’Connell, a man who has managed to get results with some bad QBs, find the recipe to get the best out of Murray?
He had good seasons in Arizona including a couple of Pro Bowl years early in his career but the time had come for a fresh start with injuries stalling his progress in recent years. The hope would be that Murray has the kind of season that could push him up into the top 16 region next year. If he does the Vikings have a good chance of a competitive season.
Between injuries and ineffective play, McCarthy’s first two NFL seasons have been nothing short of disastrous. He now finds himself in a competition with Kyler Murray for the starting job in Minnesota. There have been positive moments, including generating the second-highest big-time throw rate among qualifying quarterbacks last season, but inconsistent mechanics and poor accuracy have marred his play. If he doesn’t improve significantly before the start of the 2026 season, his days in Minnesota could be numbered.
JJ McCarthy probably gets an honourable mention because in theory, he could win the QB competition in Minnesota. I’ve never bought that there actually is a QB competition going on, and the early signs are that Murray looks like he is on course to be the Vikings QB1 for the 2026 season.
Jones is in the twilight of his career, but he still racked up 747 yards from scrimmage across just 12 games last season. When healthy, he can still be a productive committee piece, which he currently is alongside Jordan Mason. A healthier offensive line could also contribute to increased production on the ground, while potentially superior quarterback play could offer more chances for Jones in the passing game.
There was a time that Aaron Jones would have been in the top 10 of these rankings. Those days are long gone and to be honest, I expected Jones to be gone for this season. Instead, he has the chance for what will probably be one last rodeo in Minnesota. He can still be effective sharing the workload with Jordan Mason while also bringing valuable leadership to the team.
Mason actually finished 2025 as Minnesota’s leading rusher as Aaron Jones dealt with injuries, and his continued production could warrant top-32 consideration by the end of 2026. His 4.8 yards per carry and 83.8 PFF rushing grade were both top-10 marks among qualified running backs last season. If the 31-year-old Jones appears to be on his last legs early in the season, Mason would be the biggest beneficiary.
Personally, I think Jordan Mason should be the Vikings’ RB1, and the guy who should be leaned on in the ground game. The workload should be shared fairly evenly, especially to start the season but this is a big season for Mason who has the opportunity to put himself forward as a long-term solution at the position for Minnesota. Inconsistent quarterback play led to Jefferson posting career lows in PFF grade (80.5), receiving yards (1,048), and receiving touchdowns (2). Still, Jefferson deserves a high placement on this list based on what he has accomplished throughout his career.
Jefferson’s 8,480 career receiving yards are the most by any player through his first six NFL seasons. His 93.4 career PFF grade ranks second among wide receivers since 2020. With Kyler Murray now throwing him the football, expect Jefferson to return to his elite form in 2026.
Of course, Justin Jefferson is the highest-ranked Viking among the Vikings offensive playmakers. Minnesota’s problems at QB last season are well documented and outside of the poor touchdown catch return. Jefferson’s stats remain impressive for a normal wide receiver. Jefferson isn’t normal though, he has been at a record-breaking pace throughout his career and you can bet he will want to keep that going with a big season in 2026. Jefferson believes he is the best WR in the game and he will want to be at the top of these lists in 2027.
In 2025, Hockenson had his worst season since his rookie year. His 61.2 PFF grade and 438 receiving yards were each his lowest since getting drafted in 2019. Still, the 29-year-old deserves a spot on this list for what he’s done in the previous five seasons. Since 2020, Hockenson’s 4,073 receiving yards are the fourth-most in the NFL, as are his 215 receiving first downs or touchdowns.
Since his 2024 knee injury, TJ Hockenson has found himself slipping down TE rankings as he strives to return to the form he had when he first arrived in Minnesota. Notice, however, that PFF was quick to make allowances for Jefferson’s lower number last season due to the Vikings’ QB problems, but there is no mention of it here.
Hockenson is still a good TE and should be out to restore his reputation in 2026. He is young enough to be able to get back to his best and move up these rankings significantly next year.
Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.
Where Vikings Offensive Playmakers Land in PFF Rankings Ahead of the 2026 Season
Kyler Murray – QB Rank – 21st
JJ McCarthy – QB Rank – Honourable Mention
Aaron Jones – RB Rank – 29th
Jordan Mason – RB Rank – Honourable Mention
Justin Jefferson – WR Rank – 3rd
TJ Hockenson – TE Rank – 21st
