The Vikings’ 2025 NFL Draft selection is confirmed: Complete list of Minnesota’s choices

The NFL Draft is always a major event in the league, as teams look to build their future with new talent. For fans of the Minnesota Vikings, the 2025 NFL Draft offers a unique opportunity to see how the team will continue to build on its core players and fill any gaps that might have arisen in the previous seasons. With the Vikings looking to evolve as a competitive team, this draft will be critical in shaping the future of the franchise.

The 2025 draft marks a significant moment for the Vikings as they look to improve both their immediate performance and their long-term prospects. The team has several areas of need, including quarterback, offensive line, cornerback, and defensive front. The choices made in the 2025 NFL Draft will impact the direction the Vikings go in terms of roster construction, and the team’s overall strategy will reflect its vision of competing for a Super Bowl in the near future.

Setting the Stage for the 2025 NFL Draft

Before diving into the specifics of the Minnesota Vikings’ draft picks, it’s important to understand the context. The Vikings are in an interesting position following the 2024 NFL season. With coach Kevin O’Connell continuing to lead the franchise, the team has shown flashes of brilliance but also faced struggles in consistency. The 2024 season has been one where O’Connell had to address several key issues on both offense and defense, notably at quarterback, the offensive line, and secondary. These positions could very well be addressed with high-profile selections in the draft.

In particular, the Vikings have been looking for solutions at quarterback since the end of the Kirk Cousins era, with Cousins’ contract expiring after the 2024 season. The Vikings’ 2025 draft selections will therefore be key in determining whether they look to the future with a young quarterback, or if they focus on bolstering other areas of the roster while continuing to develop their quarterback situation.

Given the dynamic nature of the NFL, team performance in the regular season, trades, and other factors, the Vikings’ draft selections for 2025 are confirmed, and here’s a breakdown of each of their picks, where they will be selecting, and what it means for the future of the franchise.

Minnesota Vikings’ 2025 NFL Draft Selections: A Complete List

As of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings hold several key draft picks, giving them the flexibility to address multiple areas of need. Here is the confirmed list of selections for the Vikings as they head into the draft:

1. First Round – 14th Overall
2. Second Round – 47th Overall
3. Third Round – 80th Overall
4. Fourth Round – 111th Overall
5. Fifth Round – 145th Overall
6. Sixth Round – 179th Overall
7. Seventh Round – 213th Overall

Analysis of Each Pick

First Round – 14th Overall: A Potential Franchise Player

The 14th overall pick in the first round is a prime position for the Minnesota Vikings. This is a key selection that will set the tone for the entire draft. The Vikings could be looking at filling several key needs, and with the depth of talent in this draft class, they have a real opportunity to get an immediate contributor to the roster. The most notable positions the Vikings could target include quarterback, cornerback, and offensive line.

• Quarterback: As mentioned, the Vikings are currently facing uncertainty at the quarterback position, and a potential transition could be underway. With quarterbacks such as Caleb Williams (USC) and Drake Maye (North Carolina) projected to be top picks in 2025, the Vikings could opt to trade up to get a young signal caller. If available, they might also look at a quarterback in the first round, possibly taking a developmental player who could be groomed to eventually take the reins from Cousins or whoever leads the Vikings in the short term.
• Cornerback: Another critical need for Minnesota is cornerback, as the defense has been inconsistent, and opposing wide receivers often exploited their vulnerabilities in the secondary. The Vikings could look to address this early by selecting a shutdown corner to help bolster their defense. Players like Kelee Ringo from Georgia or Joey Porter Jr. from Penn State could fit well into their defensive scheme.
• Offensive Line: The offensive line has been an area of concern for the Vikings, and strengthening it is paramount to allowing their quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers to perform at a higher level. A top-tier offensive lineman, especially one who can play guard or tackle, would provide an immediate upgrade and could open up more opportunities for the offense.

In the 2025 draft, the Vikings will likely select the best player available to address these needs, whether it’s a top-tier quarterback prospect or a key defensive player who can make an impact right away.

Second Round – 47th Overall: Best Available Player or Depth Pieces

At 47th overall, the Vikings have another opportunity to find a significant contributor. In this round, teams typically look to address positions that may not have been prioritized in the first round or add depth at key areas of need.

• Running Back: With Dalvin Cook possibly being on the way out or entering the later stages of his career, a dynamic running back to pair with Alexander Mattison could be an option. Running backs like Brock Purdy or Jahmyr Gibbs could be of interest here, given the Vikings’ continued focus on a strong ground game.
• Wide Receiver: Although the Vikings have a top talent in Justin Jefferson, adding another explosive receiver to complement him could elevate their passing game even further. A high-impact wide receiver in the second round could provide the Vikings with much-needed firepower, especially as their offense looks to evolve.
• Edge Rusher: With defensive playmakers like Za’Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter, adding another pass rusher opposite them would help solidify a defense that has struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. A high-energy edge rusher could provide the Vikings with an improved defensive line.

Third Round – 80th Overall: Strengthening the Depth

By the time the Vikings reach the third round, they will be looking for high-potential players who may not have been highly touted earlier in the draft but could develop into strong contributors with time. The Vikings have a few potential needs that they could address in this round, including:

• Tight End: After trading away Irv Smith Jr., the Vikings have a void at tight end. A third-round selection could be the perfect opportunity to select a dynamic receiving tight end who can contribute both as a blocker and pass catcher.
• Defensive Line: Adding depth to the defensive line could be crucial in maintaining a strong front seven. The Vikings could find rotational pieces or future starters here who can help support their run defense and pass rush.
• Linebacker: Another position that could use improvement is linebacker, especially as the Vikings look to better match up against versatile, athletic offensive units. A linebacker with coverage ability or a solid tackler could provide much-needed support for the defensive unit.

Fourth Round – 111th Overall: Value Picks and Developmental Talent

In the fourth round, the Vikings will be focused on finding value picks or developing players who can fill roles in the future. The Vikings’ staff will likely look for high-character players who can contribute on special teams or provide solid depth. Whether on the offensive or defensive side of the ball, the Vikings will look for players who can eventually grow into starters.

Fifth Round – 145th Overall and Beyond: Filling Out the Roster

Rounds five through seven often provide opportunities for teams to look for diamonds in the rough. The Vikings might use these later selections to fill out their roster with depth pieces or developmental prospects who could grow into valuable contributors in a few seasons.

• Quarterback Depth: With the uncertainty surrounding the future of the quarterback position, the Vikings could draft a developmental quarterback who could act as a backup and eventually compete for the starting job.
• Offensive Line and Defensive Back: The Vikings’ offensive line and secondary have been inconsistent in recent years, and they may look to add affordable depth pieces who can compete for roster spots.

The Vikings’ 2025 Draft Strategy: What Will It Look Like?

Given the Vikings’ needs and the depth of talent in the 2025 NFL Draft, their strategy will likely be to find immediate contributors, while also ensuring that they build for the long term. Their high draft picks should address critical areas such as quarterback, cornerback, or offensive line, while their mid- and late-round picks should focus on adding depth and finding developmental players who can eventually step into key roles.

With O’Connell continuing to develop the offensive system and defensive strategies for the Vikings, the players selected in the 2025 draft will play a significant role in the team’s future. The decisions made in this draft will help the Vikings move closer to their ultimate goal of being a perennial contender in the NFC and winning a Super Bowl.