NFL Mock Draft: After dealing away the majority of their picks, the Vikings’ whole 2025 forecast
The Minnesota Vikings find themselves in a challenging situation as they approach the 2025 NFL Draft. Over the past several seasons, the team has traded away multiple high draft picks in pursuit of short-term success, leaving them with a depleted selection pool. While these trades were made with the hope of enhancing their roster immediately, the Vikings now face the consequences of those decisions—entering a crucial draft cycle with limited assets. Nevertheless, the Vikings’ front office must navigate this scenario thoughtfully, as the draft is an opportunity to secure long-term success and build a sustainable, competitive team.
In this analysis, we’ll examine the team’s current situation and their projected outlook for the 2025 NFL Draft, identifying potential strategies and moves they could make given their limited picks. Despite lacking a stockpile of early-round selections, the Vikings’ roster still boasts impressive talent, including dynamic wide receiver Justin Jefferson, defensive stalwart Danielle Hunter, and a veteran quarterback in Kirk Cousins. The team has talent, but it remains in need of replenishing depth and finding future stars to maintain its competitiveness.
Current State of the Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings’ roster has undergone several changes in recent years. The team’s reliance on veteran players, like Cousins, has both bolstered their chances in the short term while limiting their flexibility in the long run. With players like wide receiver Jefferson and running back Dalvin Cook representing the future of the offense, the Vikings are positioned well offensively. However, as the NFL continues to evolve, their defense needs bolstering, and their quarterback situation may need to be addressed post-Cousins.
In terms of the Vikings’ future, it is critical that they find a balance between remaining competitive and replenishing their roster for the long-term. While they have dealt away a significant portion of their draft picks in previous years, they are left with no choice but to make smart, calculated moves in the 2025 draft. There is still considerable hope for the team, as the NFC North is wide open, and with some strategic selections, they could put themselves in a position to remain relevant for years to come.
Vikings’ Current Draft Capital and Needs
As of now, the Vikings have traded away the majority of their higher-round draft picks, leaving them with limited selections in the upcoming draft. They will need to be strategic in their approach, prioritizing the areas of greatest need while also seeking players who can contribute right away.
Based on the current state of the roster and the team’s history of trades, here are some of the major areas the Vikings should target in the 2025 NFL Draft:
- Quarterback: While Kirk Cousins has provided consistent play at the quarterback position for several years, he is not a long-term solution. The Vikings will likely need to begin looking for their next franchise quarterback. If the team remains in the middle of the draft order and cannot move up, the Vikings might consider selecting a quarterback later in the first round or in the second round, depending on how the board shakes out. While Cousins can still contribute for the short term, the team must begin grooming a successor.
- Defensive Line: The Vikings’ defensive line has been the foundation of their defense, but there’s a need for further youth and depth. With veteran pass rushers like Danielle Hunter still at the forefront of the defensive line, the Vikings need to focus on future additions that can help fill the gap when Hunter and others age out or leave the team.
- Cornerback: Another area in need of reinforcement is the cornerback position. The Vikings have struggled at times with consistency in their secondary, particularly at cornerback. A top cornerback would help the team counter high-powered offenses in the NFC North and across the league. This position would be a major focus of the team’s draft strategy.
- Offensive Line: Although the Vikings have a strong offensive line, depth remains a concern. As teams continue to invest heavily in their front seven to counter the growing prominence of defensive fronts, bolstering the offensive line with potential starters or depth pieces will be key. Adding more young talent up front can help protect their aging quarterback and further bolster the team’s running game.
- Wide Receiver Depth: While Justin Jefferson is a superstar, the Vikings need to focus on adding depth at wide receiver. With the current group behind Jefferson being a mixture of veterans and unproven players, the Vikings should look for an emerging star to develop alongside Jefferson.
Mock Draft Scenario for the Vikings
With the current draft capital, the Vikings would likely be selecting later in the first round or potentially early in the second, depending on where their draft picks fall. Let’s assume they have the 20th overall pick in the first round. Based on their needs, here’s a potential mock draft scenario for the Minnesota Vikings in 2025:
Round 1 – Pick 20: QB Caleb Williams (USC)
With the uncertainty surrounding Kirk Cousins’ long-term future with the Vikings, this pick could be used to secure a future franchise quarterback. Caleb Williams from USC is one of the most highly anticipated quarterback prospects to enter the draft in recent years. Williams has the tools to be a game-changer at the NFL level, with great arm strength, mobility, and the ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket.
Taking Williams would allow the Vikings to begin grooming their quarterback of the future while giving Cousins the opportunity to mentor him for a year or two. This would also create flexibility for the team in the coming seasons, as Williams could eventually take over as the starter once Cousins’ contract runs out. While the Vikings have other needs, securing a quarterback of Williams’ caliber would be a move the team couldn’t pass up.
Round 2 – Pick 40: DT Jalen Carter (Georgia)
The Vikings’ defense has been an area of concern, and adding a dominant interior presence would significantly improve their defensive front. Jalen Carter from Georgia is an explosive defensive tackle with the ability to disrupt plays in both the run and pass game. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism would make him a great addition to the Vikings’ defensive line.
Carter would not only bolster the Vikings’ ability to pressure the quarterback, but his versatility would allow the team to use him in multiple ways. With Danielle Hunter and other veterans aging, Carter would represent a much-needed youth infusion into the defense.
Round 3 – Pick 70: CB Kelee Ringo (Georgia)
With the cornerback position being another area of focus for the Vikings, Kelee Ringo is a high-upside pick with the potential to develop into a starter. Ringo has good size and speed to match up with NFL wide receivers, and his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes makes him a ballhawk in the secondary. The Vikings could use Ringo as a cornerback to pair with their current starters, giving them someone who can develop into a lockdown corner.
In a division that features dynamic pass catchers, securing a cornerback with the potential to cover top wide receivers would be crucial for the Vikings’ long-term defense. Ringo’s talent would allow him to contribute early, while he continues to develop under the mentorship of Minnesota’s veteran cornerbacks.
Round 4 – Pick 110: WR Xavier Worthy (Texas)
Although the Vikings have Justin Jefferson as their clear No. 1 wide receiver, they could use some depth at the position. Xavier Worthy from Texas is a speedy and dynamic receiver who could develop into a high-impact second or third option for the team. Worthy has great route-running skills, the ability to make defenders miss, and is dangerous after the catch. Pairing Worthy with Jefferson would give the Vikings a formidable 1-2 punch at wide receiver for years to come.
Round 5 – Pick 140: OT Joe Alt (Notre Dame)
The Vikings’ offensive line has been solid, but they could use a developmental tackle who can provide depth and possibly challenge for a starting job in the near future. Joe Alt from Notre Dame is a massive tackle who excels at both run blocking and pass protection. His size and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect who could eventually fill in as a starter if needed.
Alt would provide valuable depth along the offensive line, especially considering the potential for injuries throughout the season. If he shows promise in his first few seasons, he could eventually push for a starting role.
Round 6 – Pick 175: LB DeMarvion Overshown (Texas)
The Vikings need to continue investing in their defense, and DeMarvion Overshown from Texas could provide a boost at linebacker. Overshown is a versatile player who excels in coverage and has the ability to drop into pass coverage as well as defend the run. He would add depth to the linebacker corps and could develop into a key contributor in passing situations.
