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The Minnesota Vikings posted a 14-3 record during the 2024 NFL season, yet they endured a disappointing end to their campaign.
In Week 18, the Vikings had a chance to earn the No. 1 seed in the NFC. They couldn't get the job done, losing 31-9 to the Detroit Lions in a game where Sam Darnold struggled badly. Those issues continued in Minnesota's 27-9 playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, during which Darnold was sacked nine times.
NFL DRAFT: We might look back at Abdul Carter as biggest star of this draft
The Vikings are hoping to mount a deeper playoff run in 2025, and they will turn to a different quarterback to get them there. Second-year signal-caller J.J. McCarthy is set to take over the starting job, and Minnesota will hope the Michigan product can provide it a bit more late-season stability than Darnold.
Of course, Minnesota needs to continue building around McCarthy to give him a good chance to succeed. The Vikings spent free agency adding depth and talent in the trenches on both sides of the ball, but they still have some notable holes to fill in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Here's everything to know about the Vikings' draft outlook ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft:
The Vikings have a league-low four picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Here's the complete list:
NFL MOCK DRAFT 2025: Meta AI predicts the entire first round
The Vikings re-signed Byron Murphy Jr. in free agency, but no other cornerback currently on Minnesota's roster played more than 19 defensive snaps for the team last season. They signed Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah in free agency but could stand to add a top outside starter in the draft. Minnesota could consider speedster Max Hairston or the productive Shavon Revel with their first-round selection.
Cam Bynum left the Vikings during the offseason, signing a four-year deal worth up to $60 million with the Indianapolis Colts. Minnesota has a couple of good options at safety in Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus, but they could use more depth at the position since Metellus plays nickel cornerback and Smith is entering his age-36 season. Malaki Starks and Nick Emmanwori are two potential first-round options Minnesota could target.
The Vikings signed Ryan Kelly and Will Fries in free agency as they remade their interior offensive line. They could still stand to seek an upgrade at left guard after Blake Brandel allowed seven sacks and committed 11 penalties last year. Grey Zabel could be a sleeper to watch with the 24th selection, as he could also be a long-term successor for Kelly at center.
Here's what the Vikings could do come draft night, according to USA TODAY Sports' Ayrton Ostly:
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minnesota Vikings NFL draft picks 2025: Round-by-round selections
Continue reading...
In Week 18, the Vikings had a chance to earn the No. 1 seed in the NFC. They couldn't get the job done, losing 31-9 to the Detroit Lions in a game where Sam Darnold struggled badly. Those issues continued in Minnesota's 27-9 playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, during which Darnold was sacked nine times.
NFL DRAFT: We might look back at Abdul Carter as biggest star of this draft
The Vikings are hoping to mount a deeper playoff run in 2025, and they will turn to a different quarterback to get them there. Second-year signal-caller J.J. McCarthy is set to take over the starting job, and Minnesota will hope the Michigan product can provide it a bit more late-season stability than Darnold.
Of course, Minnesota needs to continue building around McCarthy to give him a good chance to succeed. The Vikings spent free agency adding depth and talent in the trenches on both sides of the ball, but they still have some notable holes to fill in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Here's everything to know about the Vikings' draft outlook ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft:
Vikings 2025 NFL Draft picks
The Vikings have a league-low four picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Here's the complete list:
- Round 1, Pick 24
- Round 3, Pick 97
- Round 5, Pick 139 (from Browns)
- Round 6, Pick 187 (from 49ers)
NFL MOCK DRAFT 2025: Meta AI predicts the entire first round
Vikings 2025 NFL Draft needs
Cornerback
The Vikings re-signed Byron Murphy Jr. in free agency, but no other cornerback currently on Minnesota's roster played more than 19 defensive snaps for the team last season. They signed Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah in free agency but could stand to add a top outside starter in the draft. Minnesota could consider speedster Max Hairston or the productive Shavon Revel with their first-round selection.
Safety
Cam Bynum left the Vikings during the offseason, signing a four-year deal worth up to $60 million with the Indianapolis Colts. Minnesota has a couple of good options at safety in Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus, but they could use more depth at the position since Metellus plays nickel cornerback and Smith is entering his age-36 season. Malaki Starks and Nick Emmanwori are two potential first-round options Minnesota could target.
Guard
The Vikings signed Ryan Kelly and Will Fries in free agency as they remade their interior offensive line. They could still stand to seek an upgrade at left guard after Blake Brandel allowed seven sacks and committed 11 penalties last year. Grey Zabel could be a sleeper to watch with the 24th selection, as he could also be a long-term successor for Kelly at center.
Vikings 2025 NFL mock draft
Here's what the Vikings could do come draft night, according to USA TODAY Sports' Ayrton Ostly:
- Round 1, Pick 24: S Malaki Starks, Georgia
- Minnesota filled needs elsewhere on the roster via free agency and look to shore up the back end with Starks here. The Georgia product was a dynamic presence for the Bulldogs and started all three years in Athens. With Camryn Bynum out in free agency, Starks offers a long-term replacement with versatility Brian Flores can use creatively.
- Round 3, Pick 97: Edge Ashton Gillotte, Louisville
- Round 5, Pick 139: CB Jermari Harris, Iowa
- Round 6, Pick 187: OT Jack Nelson, Wisconsin
2025 NFL Draft: Every team's picks
- AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots
- AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers
- AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans
- AFC West: Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders
- NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants
- NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings
- NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints
- NFC West: 49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minnesota Vikings NFL draft picks 2025: Round-by-round selections
Continue reading...
