The Vikings have already made five trades involving 2026 draft picks, so don’t let anyone tell you it’s too early for draft talk. One of those trades — the first time the Vikings acquired running back Cam Akers in September 2023 for a conditional late-round pick swap with the L.

Several years ago, Leisz told his friends about wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who became a first-round pick for the Miami Dolphins. He also raved about Walker Little, now the starting left tackle for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He coached both of those players. Personal experience fueled his intel. He spoke about Jackson with similar reverence.