At least one Viking ranked among top-101 NFL players. How many more are to come?

The Minnesota Vikings have consistently been a competitive team in the NFC North, but their quest for a Super Bowl championship remains elusive. Despite this, the Vikings have still managed to develop several top-tier players capable of making an impact on both sides of the ball. As the 2025 NFL season draws near, it’s clear that the team has a mixture of established stars, up-and-coming talents, and key contributors poised to make noise in the league.

In the annual rankings of the NFL’s top 101 players, one Viking has been featured among the elite. But how many more players will join the ranks of the NFL’s best? To answer this, we’ll break down the current roster and examine which players could crack the coveted top-101 list in the coming seasons, either due to standout performances in 2025 or through long-term development.

The Current State of the Minnesota Vikings’ Roster

The Vikings have a roster that is somewhat built around veterans, but with a strong infusion of young talent. The team has a mix of aging players who still offer immense value and a core of younger players who are becoming increasingly important to the franchise’s long-term future. With the NFC North becoming more competitive, Minnesota will need to rely on both established stars and emerging talents to solidify its position as a Super Bowl contender.

Kirk Cousins: The Quarterback Who Delivers Consistent Production

There’s no question that the Vikings’ most consistent and reliable player over the last several seasons has been quarterback Kirk Cousins. Known for his accurate passing, poise in the pocket, and leadership ability, Cousins has been the steady hand under center for the Vikings. While not widely regarded as an elite quarterback by some, Cousins continues to put up impressive numbers year after year, and his ability to lead Minnesota to playoff contention every season should not be overlooked.

In terms of being ranked among the NFL’s top players, Cousins has had mixed fortunes. However, with a talented wide receiver corps, including Justin Jefferson, and a balanced offense, it’s clear that Cousins has the potential to break into the top 101 players with a more successful postseason run. If he can stay healthy and continue his high level of play, it wouldn’t be surprising if Cousins climbs the rankings further in 2025.

Justin Jefferson: A Superstar in the Making

When discussing Minnesota’s top players, no one stands out more than wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Since entering the NFL, Jefferson has quickly ascended to the elite ranks of wide receivers. With his exceptional route running, deep-ball ability, and highlight-reel catches, Jefferson has already established himself as one of the top five wideouts in the league.

In fact, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where Jefferson doesn’t find himself among the top 10 or top 20 players in the NFL in 2025. Jefferson is a physical marvel, possessing great speed, agility, and the ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces. Moreover, his chemistry with Kirk Cousins has made the Vikings’ passing attack one of the most potent in the league. With Jefferson poised to only improve as he matures, it’s not a matter of if but when he will find himself on the NFL’s top-101 list in the years ahead. If his dominance continues and the Vikings make a deep playoff run, Jefferson could be ranked much higher than he is currently.

Daniell Hunter: A Defensive Superstar

On the defensive side of the ball, the Vikings are led by the dynamic Daniell Hunter. The edge rusher has been the anchor of Minnesota’s pass rush for several seasons and continues to showcase an elite ability to disrupt quarterbacks. Hunter has amassed impressive sack totals throughout his career, and his blend of speed and power allows him to wreak havoc in the backfield on any given play.

As one of the top edge rushers in the NFL, Hunter is an automatic candidate for inclusion on the top-101 list in 2025. While injuries have slowed him in recent years, when healthy, Hunter is a game-changer. His ability to rush the passer and disrupt opposing offenses is critical to Minnesota’s defensive success. If Hunter stays healthy and continues his high level of play, it’s possible that he could rise higher in the rankings, especially as the Vikings’ defense takes another step forward.

Harrison Smith: Veteran Presence with Impact Playmaking Ability

Harrison Smith, the veteran safety for the Vikings, has been one of the most consistent and reliable players for Minnesota over the years. With a reputation for playmaking, including key interceptions and timely tackles, Smith remains one of the best safeties in the NFL, despite his advancing age.

Smith’s ability to impact games, his intelligence, and leadership make him one of the most respected players on the Vikings’ defense. Although his age may limit his ranking in terms of physical ability, Smith’s production has shown no signs of waning. He could remain in the conversation as one of the top safeties in the league through 2025, which means he may not fall off the top-101 radar for several seasons, even as his playing days wind down.

The Offensive Line: A Growing Strength for the Vikings

While the Vikings’ offensive line has long been a point of contention for the franchise, the team has made notable strides in recent years to improve the line’s performance. The addition of solid veterans and developing young talent has created a more stable front for both Kirk Cousins and the running game. Key offensive linemen, such as Christian Darrisaw and Garrett Bradbury, could be on the verge of earning recognition for their growing impact.

Darrisaw, who has shown great promise as a left tackle, and Bradbury, who is steadily improving as a center, are two names to watch in terms of potential future top-101 candidates. If they continue to improve and solidify their status as among the league’s best at their respective positions, it is possible that both could see themselves moving up the ranks in the near future.

The Vikings’ Young Playmakers and Their Growth Potential

In addition to their established stars, the Vikings also have several young players who have the potential to break into the top-101 list in the coming years. Players such as wide receiver K.J. Osborn, tight end T.J. Hockenson, and cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. are beginning to show promise. If these players continue their development, they could make significant contributions in 2025 and beyond, potentially earning recognition as top players in the league.

Osborn has already shown that he can be a reliable secondary weapon in the passing game, and his deep-ball ability could take him to new heights if he continues to grow as a route runner. Hockenson, acquired in a trade, has been a reliable safety valve for Cousins, and his ability to be a dual threat as both a blocker and a receiver could earn him consideration for top-101 honors as he becomes more integrated into the offense.

Andrew Booth Jr., the Vikings’ young cornerback, has impressed with his physicality and playmaking skills. If he develops into one of the top cornerbacks in the league, he could eventually find his way into the ranks of the NFL’s top players, adding another rising star to Minnesota’s roster.

How Many More Vikings Could Be Ranked Among the Top 101 in the Future?

Looking ahead to the 2025 season and beyond, it’s safe to say that several more Vikings could eventually join Justin Jefferson and Daniell Hunter in the rankings of the NFL’s top players. However, much depends on their individual development and the Vikings’ overall success as a team.

In terms of players who are most likely to break into the top-101, the list includes:

• Kirk Cousins: If the Vikings continue to build an offensive juggernaut, Kirk Cousins could eventually be recognized for his consistent production.
• Christian Darrisaw: As the Vikings’ left tackle continues to develop, he could emerge as one of the league’s best at his position.
• K.J. Osborn: If Osborn continues to grow as a complementary weapon alongside Jefferson, he could earn recognition as a top-tier receiver.
• T.J. Hockenson: Hockenson’s versatility and contributions as a tight end could eventually lead to him being ranked among the best in his position.
• Andrew Booth Jr.: The cornerback has shown plenty of promise, and if he continues to develop, he could eventually be considered one of the league’s top defensive backs.