9 Bold Predictions for Vikings Draft | VT Writers
Dustin Baker
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VikingsTerritory writers were asked to provide one bold draft prediction apiece for the Minnesota Vikings.
9 Bold Predictions for Vikings Draft | VT Writers
They were instructed to consider a trade-up, a trade-back, or the team remaining at the Nos. 11 and 23 spots. Each writer somehow came up with a different selection — a totally random outcome.
The NFL draft occurs on April 25th in Detroit, so 10 days away. The predictions are listed in random order.
1. Vikings Trade at Least 3 1st-Round Picks for Maye or Daniels
Prediction Maker = Cole Smith
The Vikings will trade away at least three 1st-Round draft picks to get into the Top 3 and will wind up with either Drake Maye or … Jayden Daniels.
2. Vikings Trade into Round 3
Prediction Maker = Josh Frey
Minnesota has plenty of Day 3 picks that they can package together, along with a quality future draft selection to snatch a mid-3rd-Rounder. With all their needs (CB, DT, WR), they should do their best to snatch another quality player with a Top 100 pick.
3. Vikings Trade into Round 2 for a DT
Prediction Maker = Ali Siddiqui
They’ll find a way to trade into the second round and grab a DT.
4. Vikings Trade Up — but Keep Pick No. 23
Prediction Maker = Adam New
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah works his magic and trades up for a QB but manages to keep pick 23. Instead, sending next year’s 1st-Round pick along with pick No. 11 to the Los Angeles Chargers for pick No. 5. The Vikings add to the defense at 23 and sacrifice next year’s 1st-Rounder, knowing they will have a chuck of cap space available to attack free agency.
5. Vikings Give up 2025 1st-Rounder — but Don’t Get into Top 3
Prediction Maker = Ted Schwerzler
The Vikings give up their 2025 1st-Round pick and don’t get into the top three. There’s plenty of argument to suggest that 11 and 23 should be enough to get McCarthy at 4 or 5, but I don’t think it will be.
6. Vikings Trade Four 1st-Rounders
Prediction Maker = Wes Johnson
While most will grumble about sending out an unprecedented number of 1st-Rounders to move up 7-8 spots, the reasoning behind Kwesi doing so is quite simple. The obvious is to secure the QBOTF, but also cooked into this deal is a return to the draft’s second day. Accompanying the 3rd or 4th overall will be a 3rd-Rounder this year, as well as the 2026 draft. This allows the team flexibility to still add an impact player or two and not completely empty the future cupboards.
7. Vikings Trade Isn’t as Expensive as Folks Think
Prediction Maker = Dustin Baker
Vikings fans have spent the last month watching as the would-be trade price for a quarterback soars to wacky levels. Some Patriots fans and Patriots-themed media have suggested the trade will cost three first-round picks, and oh, by the way, Justin Jefferson Christian Darrisaw, too.
That won’t happen.
When the dust settles, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will send a quasi-normal package to a trade suitor, not much more than two or three 1st-Rounders.
8. Draft Will Be Totally Offense-Themed
Prediction Maker = Janik Eckardt
While the majority of the additions in free agency were reinforcements for Brian Flores’ defense, it will be an offensive draft. Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will select a QB in the 1st Round and at least one player at each offensive position (RB, WR, TE, OL) on day three. The most notable additions on draft Saturday will be the receiver in a deep class at the position, and the lineman will immediately compete for the vacant left guard slot.
9. Bo Nix at No. 23 Is the Guy
Bo Nix at No. 23 for the Vikings. Some impressive production at Oregon and won’t be as expensive as the more praised passers.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream,”The Sopranos” Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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