The Minnesota Vikings have a lot of possibilities in the 2025 NFL Draft, as demonstrated by Reese’s Senior Bowl.

The NFL Draft is one of the most critical events of the NFL offseason, shaping teams’ futures and determining the next wave of stars in the league. For the Minnesota Vikings, the 2025 draft presents an intriguing opportunity to build on their solid core while also addressing key areas of need. The Reese’s Senior Bowl, held annually in Mobile, Alabama, serves as one of the primary showcases for the upcoming draft class. Featuring some of the nation’s top college seniors, the Senior Bowl provides an excellent chance for NFL teams, including the Vikings, to evaluate and identify potential draft prospects.

The 2025 NFL Draft has already generated buzz due to the wealth of talent available at various positions, and the Senior Bowl demonstrated just how many possibilities lie ahead for Minnesota. With multiple team needs and a good position in the draft order, the Vikings find themselves in an enviable situation with the potential to take advantage of a deep draft class. This article will break down how the Senior Bowl has influenced the Vikings’ draft possibilities, the areas in which they could look to improve, and some specific players they may target in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Senior Bowl: A Glimpse into the Future

The Reese’s Senior Bowl is a one-of-a-kind event that brings together top college seniors from across the country to showcase their skills in front of NFL coaches, general managers, scouts, and media members. Held annually since 1950, the Senior Bowl has played an integral role in launching the careers of future NFL stars. Players are divided into two teams, the American and National squads, and they participate in a series of practices, drills, and a game at the end of the week.

While the Senior Bowl is not a game that will necessarily make or break a player’s draft prospects, it offers a unique opportunity to see how players perform under the scrutiny of NFL evaluators. It also provides insight into their football IQ, adaptability, and ability to handle pressure. For the Minnesota Vikings, the Senior Bowl provides a glimpse into potential first-round picks, as well as sleepers who could contribute in the middle or later rounds.

The 2025 Senior Bowl stood out due to its depth of talent at several positions, including quarterback, wide receiver, offensive line, defensive back, and edge rusher—areas where the Vikings could benefit from upgrades. The Senior Bowl confirmed what many had suspected: this year’s draft class is filled with exceptional talent at the positions that matter most to Minnesota.

The Vikings’ Current Roster and Needs Heading into the 2025 Draft

Before analyzing the specific players the Vikings might target in the draft, it’s important to take a look at the team’s current roster and the areas that need improvement. The Vikings are coming off a season with a strong offensive unit led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, running back Dalvin Cook, and a star-studded wide receiver corps featuring Justin Jefferson. However, despite their offensive firepower, the Vikings struggled at times on defense, particularly in the secondary and at linebacker.

1. Defensive Back

The Vikings’ defense has been inconsistent, and their secondary remains one of the key areas that need strengthening. While players like safety Harrison Smith and cornerback Patrick Peterson have had solid careers, the team could use younger talent and depth in the defensive backfield. The Senior Bowl offered a strong crop of cornerbacks and safeties who could provide immediate help or offer potential as developmental pieces.

2. Edge Rusher

Although the Vikings have talented edge rushers in Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith, there are concerns about long-term depth and consistency. If Minnesota wants to improve their pass rush and ensure a strong defensive front, adding an edge rusher early in the draft could help. The Senior Bowl showcased some excellent pass-rushers who have the potential to thrive in the NFL.

3. Offensive Line

While the Vikings have an established offensive line, there is always room for improvement, especially if they want to maximize the talents of Dalvin Cook and Kirk Cousins. A key area of concern is the depth at tackle and guard positions, and the Senior Bowl provided a solid group of offensive linemen who could step in immediately or develop over time.

4. Quarterback

While Kirk Cousins has been productive, the Vikings will need to consider their future at quarterback, especially with Cousins entering the later stages of his career. The Senior Bowl boasted a strong quarterback class in 2025, with several players impressing scouts with their arm strength, accuracy, and leadership skills. The Vikings could potentially look at taking a developmental quarterback if they feel the timing is right.

Key Senior Bowl Standouts the Vikings Could Target

As the Vikings look to address these key needs, several players from the 2025 Senior Bowl stood out and could be potential targets for the team in the upcoming draft. These players not only showcased their abilities but also displayed the traits that Minnesota would value in their pursuit of upgrading their roster. Here are a few names to keep in mind:

1. Kenny McIntosh (RB – Georgia)

While the Vikings have one of the top running backs in Dalvin Cook, McIntosh’s performance at the Senior Bowl could pique the Vikings’ interest. McIntosh displayed excellent vision, patience, and explosiveness, running with great power and cutting ability. He’s a versatile back who can catch passes out of the backfield and contribute in multiple areas of the game. If the Vikings are looking for a complementary back or a future successor to Cook, McIntosh could be a perfect fit.

2. Tyler Van Dyke (QB – Miami)

While Cousins is under contract for the near future, the Vikings might want to consider investing in the future with a quarterback like Tyler Van Dyke. Van Dyke showed his strong arm, accuracy, and poise during the Senior Bowl practices, drawing attention from NFL scouts. He has the tools to become a starter at the next level, and taking a shot at him in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft could prove to be a smart long-term investment.

3. Jalen Carter (DT – Georgia)

If the Vikings are looking to bolster their defensive line and improve their pass rush, Jalen Carter is a player who could make an immediate impact. Carter was dominant in the Senior Bowl, displaying exceptional strength, quickness, and awareness against both the run and pass. His versatility on the defensive line makes him an attractive option for the Vikings, especially as they look to add another interior defensive lineman to support the edge rushers.

4. Deonte Banks (CB – Maryland)

The Vikings’ secondary needs help, and Deonte Banks could provide just that. Banks had an excellent Senior Bowl week, showcasing his speed, coverage skills, and ability to react quickly to the ball. He impressed scouts with his ability to stay tight on receivers while maintaining solid positioning, and he would immediately bolster the Vikings’ cornerback depth. If Minnesota is looking to improve their pass defense, Banks could be a great option in the early rounds.

5. Isaiah Foskey (EDGE – Notre Dame)

One of the standout edge rushers at the Senior Bowl, Foskey had a solid week of practices, demonstrating his explosiveness and ability to pressure the quarterback. The Vikings need to add depth at edge rusher, and Foskey could provide that boost. He has a refined pass-rush technique and is quick off the edge, making him a strong candidate to help the Vikings’ defensive line. Foskey could be a great pick if the Vikings want to improve their defense and add long-term pass-rushing talent.

6. Brodric Martin (DT – Western Kentucky)

Brodric Martin has the size, strength, and athleticism that could help the Vikings shore up their defensive line. He impressed at the Senior Bowl with his ability to control blockers and make plays in both the running and passing game. Martin’s physicality could give the Vikings a powerful interior presence on defense, allowing them to better stop the run while also adding pass-rush potential.

7. Paris Johnson Jr. (OT – Ohio State)

The Vikings’ offensive line is solid, but depth is always an issue, and adding a top offensive tackle prospect like Paris Johnson Jr. could provide a future cornerstone. Johnson has the size and athleticism to make an immediate impact in the NFL, and he demonstrated strong technique and movement during the Senior Bowl. If the Vikings want to improve their offensive line depth or plan for the future at tackle, Johnson could be a prime target.

The Vikings’ Strategy in the 2025 NFL Draft

Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings have the opportunity to strengthen their roster across several areas. The Senior Bowl provided a glimpse of what is available, and with key positions such as cornerback, edge rusher, and offensive line up for grabs, Minnesota has a range of possibilities to choose from. With a good mix of veteran talent and young players on the roster, the Vikings can afford to take some calculated risks and target players with high potential who can contribute immediately or develop into key starters.

Whether the Vikings focus on bolstering their defense, adding depth to their offensive line, or considering a long-term solution at quarterback, the 2025 NFL Draft promises to be a pivotal moment for the franchise. The talent showcased at the Senior Bowl only underscores the wealth of options available, and the Vikings will need to make smart decisions to ensure they capitalize on this opportunity.

In the coming months, Minnesota’s front office will have the difficult but exciting task of sorting through this talented draft class, and based on the performances seen at the Senior Bowl, there is no shortage of players who could help the Vikings continue their path toward contention in the NFC. With the right selections, the Vikings have the chance to strengthen their roster and build a team capable of making a deep playoff run in the coming years.