Senior Bowl Highlights The Vikings of Minnesota May Target

As the NFL calendar turns to the offseason, all eyes shift to the annual Senior Bowl, one of the most important events on the road to the NFL Draft. For the Minnesota Vikings, a team that has consistently made playoff appearances but has fallen short of securing a Super Bowl championship in recent years, the 2025 NFL Draft presents an opportunity to improve their roster and address some critical needs. The Senior Bowl offers a glimpse into the talent pool, where the Vikings’ decision-makers can get a firsthand look at some of the top draft prospects who could help elevate the team.

The Senior Bowl is a showcase for the nation’s top seniors eligible for the NFL Draft, bringing together players from all over the country to compete in a high-stakes, high-intensity setting. With scouts, coaches, and executives from all 32 NFL teams in attendance, it’s a critical event that allows teams to evaluate talent, especially those players who may not have had the chance to face top-tier competition during the regular season.

For the Vikings, a team with a mixture of established stars and emerging talent, their approach to the Senior Bowl could help address several key positions, such as quarterback, defensive line, and cornerback. Let’s take a deeper dive into some of the potential Senior Bowl standouts that the Vikings may target in the 2025 NFL Draft and how these prospects could fit into Minnesota’s future plans.

1. Quarterback: Could the Vikings Find Their Next Franchise Signal-Caller?

While Kirk Cousins remains the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, his future with the team is uncertain. The 2025 season may mark a turning point for Cousins as he enters the latter stages of his career. The Vikings will need to begin thinking about their future at the quarterback position, and this year’s Senior Bowl could offer them an opportunity to evaluate some potential franchise quarterbacks.

Potential Target: J.J. McCarthy (Michigan)

One quarterback who may have caught the attention of the Vikings during the Senior Bowl is J.J. McCarthy, the standout quarterback from Michigan. McCarthy has been a star in the Big Ten, leading Michigan to multiple conference championships and a playoff berth in 2024. He has the physical tools that NFL scouts look for, including a strong arm, mobility, and the ability to make all the throws required at the next level.

At the Senior Bowl, McCarthy showcased his leadership skills and his ability to process information quickly under pressure. His poise in the pocket and ability to throw with accuracy under duress impressed many. McCarthy is still developing his game, but he has the upside to be a dynamic playmaker in the NFL. For the Vikings, who may be looking for a potential quarterback of the future, McCarthy represents a tantalizing option who could sit behind Cousins for a year or two before taking the reins.

Potential Target: Will Levis (Kentucky)

Another quarterback who stood out at the Senior Bowl was Will Levis from Kentucky. Levis has been a polarizing prospect throughout his college career, but his raw physical ability has been undeniable. With a powerful arm and impressive athleticism, Levis has the potential to develop into a top-tier quarterback at the next level. He may not be as polished as some of the other quarterbacks in the draft, but his upside could be too appealing for the Vikings to pass up.

Levis showed his ability to make deep throws and stretch the field in the Senior Bowl, showcasing an ability to push the ball downfield. His mechanics and decision-making have been areas of concern, but with the right coaching and development, he could develop into a legitimate starting quarterback. For a team like the Vikings, who have the luxury of a veteran signal-caller in Cousins, Levis could be a high-upside prospect to develop as their future franchise quarterback.

2. Defensive Line: A Need for Impact Pass-Rushers

While the Vikings’ offense has often been the focal point of their success in recent seasons, their defense has left much to be desired, especially when it comes to generating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Minnesota boasts some talented players on the defensive line, such as Danielle Hunter, but they could use more depth and youth at the position. The Senior Bowl presents a prime opportunity for the Vikings to scout potential pass-rushers who can help improve their defensive line.

Potential Target: Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama)

Though Will Anderson Jr., the dominant edge rusher from Alabama, may not play in the Senior Bowl due to his projected high draft status, the Vikings’ front office is still likely paying close attention to his tape and any interviews he may have had with team scouts. Anderson is a game-changing pass-rusher who could elevate any defense he joins. He possesses elite explosiveness, hand usage, and football IQ, all of which make him one of the most feared edge rushers in the 2025 draft class.

The Vikings have had success with pass-rushers like Hunter in the past, and adding a player like Anderson would give them one of the most dangerous defensive fronts in the NFL. If Minnesota were to fall in the draft order and have the chance to select Anderson, he would immediately become one of the top pieces in their defensive scheme.

Potential Target: Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech)

Another pass-rusher who impressed scouts during the Senior Bowl was Tyree Wilson from Texas Tech. Wilson is an athletic and versatile defender who excels at generating pressure on quarterbacks from the edge or from an interior position. He has an ideal frame for an NFL pass-rusher and has the tools to develop into a force at the next level.

During the Senior Bowl, Wilson’s ability to rush from both the inside and outside impressed evaluators. The Vikings could benefit from a versatile pass-rusher who can line up at multiple spots on the defensive line, and Wilson has the potential to be a disruptive force in both run defense and pass-rushing situations.

3. Cornerback: Strengthening the Secondary

The Vikings’ secondary, while solid, could benefit from some added depth and talent, particularly at the cornerback position. Minnesota has relied heavily on Patrick Peterson to anchor their defense, but Peterson is nearing the end of his career. A younger, more dynamic cornerback could help bolster the Vikings’ defense and provide the team with long-term stability at the position.

Potential Target: Kelee Ringo (Georgia)

Kelee Ringo, the standout cornerback from Georgia, is one of the most highly regarded defensive backs in the 2025 draft. Ringo has been a key part of Georgia’s defense, which has been one of the best in the nation. He possesses great size, athleticism, and the ability to match up with top receivers. His coverage skills and physicality make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to improve their secondary.

At the Senior Bowl, Ringo showcased his ability to make plays on the ball and shut down top receivers, impressing scouts with his fluidity and speed. The Vikings could look to add a cornerback like Ringo, who has the potential to become a shutdown corner and help elevate their pass defense. With Ringo in the fold, Minnesota’s defense would immediately benefit from his coverage skills and physical presence on the field.

Potential Target: Cam Smith (South Carolina)

Another cornerback who stood out at the Senior Bowl was Cam Smith from South Carolina. Smith is a ball-hawking corner who excels in man-to-man coverage. His ability to track the ball and create turnovers is a valuable asset in today’s NFL. His playmaking skills and competitive nature would make him a strong addition to the Vikings’ defense.

Minnesota’s defensive scheme has been built around aggressive playmaking and getting after the quarterback, and adding a cornerback like Smith could complement that system by improving the Vikings’ ability to force turnovers in the secondary. Smith’s skills as a cover corner and his playmaking ability would provide the Vikings with a potential starter who could grow into a top-tier corner in the league.

4. Offensive Line: Bolstering the Trenches

While the Vikings’ offensive line has been solid in recent years, they could always use more depth and talent on the interior. A strong offensive line is crucial for protecting Kirk Cousins and opening up running lanes for Dalvin Cook and other playmakers. The Senior Bowl provides an opportunity to scout offensive linemen who could help improve Minnesota’s front.

Potential Target: O’Cyrus Torrence (Florida)

O’Cyrus Torrence, an interior offensive lineman from Florida, has garnered attention for his ability to dominate in the trenches. He’s a powerful player who excels at both run blocking and pass protection. Torrence’s size and strength make him a potential fixture in the NFL, and his performances at the Senior Bowl further solidified his standing as one of the top interior linemen in the draft.

For the Vikings, adding a player like Torrence would help solidify the offensive line and provide them with an elite blocker who can contribute immediately. With the added stability in the interior, Minnesota could enhance their offensive line, giving Cousins more time in the pocket and improving the running game.

 The Minnesota Vikings’ Senior Bowl Strategy

The Senior Bowl offers the Minnesota Vikings a chance to evaluate top prospects across various positions, from quarterback to cornerback. With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, the Vikings must identify the positions where they need to add depth and talent in order to contend for a Super Bowl.

Whether it’s securing a potential future quarterback to groom behind Kirk Cousins, adding a dominant pass-rusher like Will Anderson Jr., bolstering the secondary with a cornerback like Kelee Ringo, or strengthening the offensive line with a player like O’Cyrus Torrence, the Senior Bowl provides an excellent opportunity for the Vikings to scout and target players who can help them make the next step toward a championship.

For the Vikings, the Senior Bowl is not just an event to observe—it’s a chance to find the players who could play pivotal roles in the team’s future and potentially help them reach the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history.