In the first NFL Mock Draft, Daniel Jeremiah provides the Vikings a dynamic safety.
The NFL Draft is an event that captivates the attention of football fans around the country, as teams look to add promising young talent to their rosters. As teams look toward the 2025 season, many are already focused on improving their rosters with the right picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. One team that stands out in terms of its draft strategy is the Minnesota Vikings, who have already demonstrated a commitment to building a well-rounded, competitive team under head coach Kevin O’Connell.
In Daniel Jeremiah’s first official 2025 NFL Mock Draft, the Vikings are projected to make an intriguing selection: a dynamic safety that could address an area of need while adding a game-changing presence to their defense. Safety has long been a position that is critical for any NFL defense, as it is responsible for controlling the back end of the field, supporting the cornerbacks, and often being the last line of defense against explosive plays.
With the Vikings continuing to build their team and improve in the NFC North, this safety prospect, who is widely regarded as one of the most exciting defensive players in the draft, could provide Minnesota with the depth and athleticism it needs to elevate its defense to the next level. Let’s break down this potential selection, the player involved, and why it makes sense for the Vikings.
The Vikings’ Defense Needs an Upgrade
In recent years, the Minnesota Vikings’ defense has shown flashes of brilliance but also been inconsistent at times. While they have had standout players like linebacker Eric Kendricks and defensive linemen like Danielle Hunter, the secondary has struggled with maintaining consistency, particularly at the safety position. Though Harrison Smith has been a stalwart for the Vikings’ defense, he is now on the back end of his career, and questions have arisen about the Vikings’ long-term plans at safety.
With Smith’s age and the need for youthful talent to pair with cornerbacks like Cameron Dantzler and Andrew Booth Jr., the safety position has become one of the most critical for the Vikings in terms of future success. Minnesota has shown that it’s willing to make investments in building a defense that can complement their high-powered offense led by Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson. To do so, they’ll need to bolster their secondary and give their defense more playmakers who can make an impact in both the passing game and run support.
The Dynamic Safety: Who Is the Top Prospect?
According to Daniel Jeremiah’s 2025 mock draft, Jared Diggs, a dynamic safety from University of Alabama, is the player projected to land in Minnesota. Diggs, a 6’1”, 210-pound safety, has been one of the standout defensive players in college football. His blend of size, athleticism, and football IQ has made him one of the top-ranked players at his position and one of the most coveted draft prospects in the entire 2025 class.
Skill Set:
Diggs possesses all the qualities teams look for in a modern NFL safety. Whether it’s in coverage or run support, he has the versatility to impact the game in a multitude of ways. Let’s break down his skill set:
- Versatility: Diggs has proven to be extremely versatile in college, having played both deep safety and closer to the line of scrimmage. His ability to move around the defense, disguise coverages, and adjust to different schemes has made him a matchup nightmare for offensive coordinators.
- Coverage Ability: Diggs excels in pass coverage, which is increasingly important in today’s NFL. He has the range to cover ground in the deep secondary, where his ability to read the quarterback and track the ball makes him a reliable option in deep zones. He’s been known to shut down opposing tight ends and wide receivers in one-on-one situations, proving that he has the agility and football IQ to cover some of the league’s most dynamic players.
- Tackling: Diggs is an excellent tackler who is physical and aggressive when coming up to support the run. Whether it’s closing in on the ball carrier in the open field or making a play in the box, he has a knack for wrapping up and getting defenders on the ground.
- Football IQ and Leadership: One of Diggs’ greatest assets is his football IQ. He has a keen understanding of offensive schemes and an ability to read and react quickly to plays. Additionally, he’s shown leadership qualities both on and off the field, helping to direct his teammates and communicate effectively in critical situations.
- Playmaking: Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of Diggs’ game is his ability to create turnovers. Whether it’s intercepting passes, forcing fumbles, or blocking kicks, Diggs has proven to be a playmaker with a nose for the football.
Why Diggs Fits the Vikings’ Needs:
For the Vikings, the selection of Diggs would fill a critical need and provide an immediate impact in the secondary. The safety position has been a position of flux for Minnesota, and adding Diggs would allow the team to address that uncertainty. Let’s take a closer look at why this move makes sense.
- Replacing Harrison Smith in the Long Term
Harrison Smith has been a fixture of the Vikings’ defense for many years, and while he remains a valuable player, he is nearing the end of his career. A dynamic young safety like Diggs would provide Minnesota with a long-term solution at the position. Smith has been a leader for the Vikings’ defense, and bringing in a player like Diggs could allow Minnesota to maintain a strong presence in the secondary for years to come. - Improved Secondary Depth and Versatility
As we’ve seen in recent years, teams need to have depth in the secondary to contend with the league’s offensive explosion. Diggs’ versatility would allow the Vikings to deploy him in multiple roles, both in the deep secondary and as a box safety. This would help complement cornerbacks like Dantzler, who have shown promise but could benefit from a strong safety behind them who can cover and make plays. - Playmaking Potential
One area the Vikings have struggled with at times is creating turnovers. They’ve had their share of interceptions and forced fumbles, but having a player like Diggs who can create those turnovers consistently could elevate the defense. Diggs has the potential to be a game-changer, and with his ability to disrupt passing lanes and force fumbles, he could provide the Vikings with a much-needed spark on defense. - Adapting to the Modern NFL
The NFL continues to evolve, with offenses becoming more pass-heavy and reliant on spread formations. To counter this, defenses must have safeties who are versatile and capable of defending in both the run and pass games. Diggs is a perfect fit for the modern NFL, where safeties are required to cover ground quickly, be effective in both man-to-man and zone coverages, and be a force in run support. His dynamic skill set would give the Vikings an edge in adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the NFL. - Building a Championship-Caliber Defense
With the Vikings looking to build a team that can compete for championships, having a playmaker like Diggs on the back end of the defense would be essential. In today’s NFL, having a ball-hawking safety is key to controlling games and ensuring that opposing offenses don’t get easy big plays. Diggs could be a foundational piece that helps Minnesota compete at the highest level.
The Vikings’ Future With Diggs
If the Vikings select Jared Diggs in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, they would be adding a dynamic, versatile player who could immediately contribute to the defense. His skills as both a pass defender and run stopper, combined with his ability to create turnovers, would give Minnesota a significant boost.
While the selection of Diggs would be a big commitment, it would also be an investment in the long-term success of the team. By adding a top-tier safety to their roster, the Vikings would be positioning themselves to be competitive in the NFC North and beyond for years to come.
In conclusion, Daniel Jeremiah’s mock draft selection of Jared Diggs to the Minnesota Vikings makes a lot of sense. Diggs is one of the most dynamic safety prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, and his ability to impact both the passing and running game would provide immediate value to Minnesota’s defense. The Vikings’ need for a long-term solution at safety, combined with Diggs’ versatile skill set and playmaking ability, makes this selection a win-win for the team as they look to build a Super Bowl-caliber roster for the future.
