The 2026 NFL Draft concluded this weekend, and just because guys don't get drafted doesn't mean their dreams of playing in the league have to end.
In the days following the draft, multiple prospects began signing deals with NFL teams. One of those was former South Carolina defensive lineman Monkell Goodwine.
Bolstering the trenches up north, congrats @MonkellGoodwine! pic.twitter.com/dp0KlmcC9c
— South Carolina Football (@GamecockFB) April 27, 2026
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Over the weekend, the Minnesota Vikings announced they agreed to terms with the former Gamecock.
Goodwine spent the first three seasons of his career with the Alabama Crimson Tide from 2021-2023, but did not see much playing time. He transferred to South Carolina ahead of the 2024 season and over the last two years with the Gamecocks accounted for 46 total tackles, including five for loss, making 11 starts in Columbia last season.
Coming out of high school, Goodwine was a four-star defensive lineman prospect, ranking as the No. 13 overall DL prospect in the class of 2021. He was the No. 4 prospect out of his home state of Maryland, as well.
Goodwine is expected to report to rookie minicamp in Minnesota sometime next month.
In Minnesota, he will join a rookie draft class featuring defensive lineman Caleb Banks, whom the Vikings drafted in the first round. Currently, Goodwin is listed as the fourth-team nose tackle, behind Banks, Domonique Orange and Taki Taimani.
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