Top 5 defensive tackle targets for Vikings early in 2025 NFL draft

As the Minnesota Vikings continue to develop their roster and prepare for the 2025 NFL season, the defensive tackle position remains a significant area of need. In recent years, the Vikings have struggled with inconsistency on the defensive line, and improving the interior defensive front is essential to strengthen their defense overall. The 2025 NFL Draft will be critical in addressing this need, and while there are many talented players available, five stand out as potential game-changers for the Vikings.

This list takes into account not only talent and upside but also scheme fit and how these players could contribute immediately for the Vikings. Whether it’s an immediate plug-and-play starter or a developmental prospect with sky-high potential, these defensive tackles could make an impact for Minnesota in the years to come.

1. Jalen Carter (Georgia)

Jalen Carter is one of the most highly anticipated defensive prospects in recent memory. Standing at 6’3” and 310 pounds, Carter is a physical powerhouse with an incredible combination of size, athleticism, and quickness. Throughout his career at Georgia, he has consistently dominated the interior of the defensive line, proving to be a nightmare for opposing offensive lines.

Strengths:

• Elite Strength and Power: Carter’s ability to use his raw power to push offensive linemen back and collapse the pocket is unmatched. He can generate a substantial amount of force at the point of attack and consistently disrupt plays in the backfield.
• Versatility: Carter is not just a power rusher. His quickness off the snap, combined with his ability to change direction, makes him a threat against both the run and the pass. He has the flexibility to line up as a 3-technique or a 1-technique, offering the Vikings defense great versatility.
• Explosive Off-the-line Burst: He is incredibly explosive off the ball, using his first-step quickness to get into the backfield before blockers can react. This allows him to collapse pockets quickly and make tackles for loss.

Fit with the Vikings:

Carter would be an immediate upgrade to the Vikings’ defensive front. His skill set is perfectly suited for their 3-4 base defense, where he could either play as a nose tackle in the 3-4 or line up as a 3-technique defensive tackle. Carter’s ability to clog up running lanes while generating pressure on the quarterback would complement the Vikings’ edge rushers and make their defensive line a formidable force.

Draft Projection:

Carter is likely to be one of the first players off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft, with a projected top-10 pick. If the Vikings want to land him, they would likely need to trade up, as he is expected to be selected by a team in need of a game-changing defensive presence.

2. Mekhi Wingo (LSU)

Mekhi Wingo is a rising star in college football, and his performance for LSU in the 2023 season solidified him as one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the 2025 draft class. Wingo stands at 6’2” and weighs in at 310 pounds, with a strong frame and powerful hands that allow him to control blockers.

Strengths:

• Quickness and Burst: Wingo has an impressive burst off the line of scrimmage and excels in disrupting plays early. He is quick to find the ball carrier and doesn’t take long to get into the backfield.
• Pass Rush Ability: While not as naturally gifted as some of the other players on this list in terms of raw power, Wingo is an excellent pass rusher due to his ability to get quick penetration. His hand placement and technique allow him to fight through blockers and wreak havoc in the pocket.
• Run Defense: Wingo’s ability to control the line of scrimmage is notable. He can hold his ground in the run game and clog up running lanes, making him a two-way player capable of impacting the game on all three downs.

Fit with the Vikings:

Wingo’s explosiveness and high motor would pair well with the Vikings’ defense. He has the versatility to line up as a 3-technique or defensive tackle, and his ability to rush the passer would make him an asset in third-down situations. His presence on the interior would allow the Vikings’ edge rushers to get more favorable matchups and contribute to a stronger overall defensive front.

Draft Projection:

Wingo is expected to be a high-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, possibly falling into the first or second round. The Vikings may need to use a second-round pick to land him, depending on how the draft board shakes out.

3. Bryan Bresee (Clemson)

Bryan Bresee is one of the more technically gifted defensive tackles in the draft, with a blend of size, power, and quickness that is rare to see at his position. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 300 pounds, Bresee is a disruptive force on the defensive line and can be a cornerstone player in a defensive scheme.

Strengths:

• Size and Power: Bresee has the ideal frame for a defensive tackle, with long arms and impressive upper body strength. He can overpower blockers and generate pressure on quarterbacks.
• Versatile Skill Set: Bresee has proven to be effective against both the run and the pass. He has the ability to push offensive linemen back with power while also using his speed to chase down ball carriers or disrupt passing lanes.
• High Football IQ: Bresee’s understanding of the game, combined with his motor and ability to read plays, sets him apart. He’s able to anticipate the movements of offensive linemen and adjust his tactics to get to the ball.

Fit with the Vikings:

Bresee’s ability to play multiple positions along the defensive line makes him a perfect fit for the Vikings, who will value his flexibility. He could be utilized as a 3-technique or 1-technique defensive tackle in their 3-4 scheme, where his power and technique would help improve their ability to stop the run and rush the passer.

Draft Projection:

Bresee is expected to be a top-15 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and while it may be a stretch for the Vikings to land him, his skill set could make him an attractive option if he falls into the middle of the first round. If he’s available, the Vikings may strongly consider selecting him as a cornerstone piece on the interior of their defensive line.

4. Keshaun Williams (Alabama)

Keshaun Williams, a rising star from Alabama, is another defensive tackle prospect that is expected to make a major impact in the NFL. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 315 pounds, Williams is a dominant physical presence who excels at controlling the line of scrimmage.

Strengths:

• Run Defense: Williams is a force in the run game, able to shed blockers and clog up running lanes. His size and strength allow him to dominate at the point of attack, making him a key asset for any team looking to improve their run defense.
• Pass Rush Potential: While Williams is more known for his ability to stop the run, he has the potential to develop into a solid pass rusher. His raw power allows him to collapse the pocket, and with some refinement to his pass-rush moves, he could be an effective interior rusher.
• Leadership and Work Ethic: Williams is a highly motivated player with a strong work ethic and leadership qualities that make him a positive addition to any locker room.

Fit with the Vikings:

Williams’ ability to play the 1-technique in the Vikings’ 3-4 scheme could help shore up their interior defensive line. His power and ability to disrupt the run would provide immediate improvement to a defense that has struggled to contain running backs. While his pass-rush ability needs work, Williams could still be a solid contributor in his first year.

Draft Projection:

Williams is expected to be selected in the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. His value as a run-stopper and his overall physicality make him an attractive option for a team like the Vikings, who need to improve their ability to stop the run and generate pressure up the middle.

5. Tyler Davis (Clemson)

Tyler Davis is a versatile defensive tackle who has consistently been a key contributor for the Clemson Tigers. While not as physically imposing as some of the other players on this list, Davis makes up for it with his high football IQ, technique, and ability to consistently be in the right place at the right time.

Strengths:

• Technique and Hand Usage: Davis has developed a strong array of pass-rush moves, which allows him to succeed even against more powerful blockers. His hand placement and quickness off the ball make him a dangerous interior rusher.
• Disruptive Force: Davis is constantly in the backfield, causing chaos for quarterbacks and running backs alike. His quickness and ability to get penetration allow him to be a disruptive force.
• Stamina and Work Ethic: Davis plays with great stamina and a relentless motor, making him a consistent presence on the defensive line.

Fit with the Vikings:

Davis’s ability to penetrate the backfield and use technique to beat blockers makes him a good fit for the Vikings’ defensive scheme. His high football IQ would allow him to read offensive linemen well and adjust his technique accordingly.

Draft Projection:

Davis is expected to go in the second or third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and he could be a great value pick for the Vikings if they want a technically sound, disruptive defensive tackle to complement their other pieces.