Our 10 Draft Predictions for the Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings will conduct one of their more mysterious drafts in 12 days.
Our 10 Draft Predictions for the Vikings
Why the mystery? Simple — general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah filled all roster holes from free agency in the last two offseasons, and the depth chart is not in dire need of repair.
Normally when a draft is around the bend, fans know which position Minnesota will draft because the roster need feels so emergent. That isn’t the case in 2025.
And with mystery aplenty, we asked VikingsTerritory writers for their one main draft prediction apiece. The question was posed totally open-ended — respondents could reply however they saw fit.
These are their predictions.
1. Vikings Trade Back and Pick Nick Emmanwori (S)
Predicted by: Tony Schultz
Trade back. I want to say Grey Zabel, but I’m starting to think he’ll jump up because the teams ahead of the Vikings (Colts, 49ers, Dolphins) will snatch him. So, I’ll say Nick Emmanwori because teams are going to take corners and the better defensive linemen. I hope I’m wrong, as Zabel is the guy I’m hoping for.
2. One Rookie Eventually Becomes an All-Pro
Predicted by: Henrique Gucciardi
The 2025 Vikings draft class will produce at least one All-Pro player in their rookie contract.
3. A Trade Down + Benjamin Morrison (CB) Draft Pick
Predicted by: Janik Eckardt
The Vikings trade back and grab Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison, who is only excluded from Round 1 because of a hip injury. Morrison is only 21, much younger than a prospect like Shavon Revel Jr., who is 24.
4. Trade Back and a CB in Round 2
Predicted by: Ted Schwerzler
The Vikings trade back and target a cornerback in the second round.
5. Secret Love for Jihaad Campbell (LB)
Predicted by: Kyle Joudry
The Vikings may secretly be in love with linebacker Jihaad Campbell. He’s got great size and youth to partner with an ability to play off-ball linebacker and come off the edge. Won’t be surprised at all if he gets snagged at No. 24 (if he somehow falls that far).
6. Trade Down and Select Shavon Revel Jr. (CB)
Predicted by: Brevan Bane
I forecast a trade down with the Buffalo Bills (who have traded up in the first round multiple times in the Brandon Beane era), putting the Vikings at pick No. 30 and arming them with a few more pieces of later-round draft capital. At 30, the Vikings select CB Shavon Revel Jr. out of ECU. They will then use their remaining selections to add youth at the interior defensive line, interior offensive line, and skill position depth (especially TE).
7. Trade Back in Late Round 1, Get a DT
Predicted by: Cole Smith
I predict a trade back from 24, targeting an interior defensive lineman. I expect that to be Derrick Harmon or Walter Nolen. A trade back into the second round would likely be for a cornerback like Shavon Revel.
8. Trade Down, Still Grab Grey Zabel (G)
Predicted by: Ali Siddiqui
They’ll trade down and go after Grey Zabel. Zabel, at the very least, would push Blake Brandel. Maybe even beats him out and starts at LG.
9. First Two Picks are DT and OG or OG and DT
Predicted by: Dustin Baker
Following the consistent mantra of “building the trenches” this offseason, the Vikings draft a defensive tackle like Derrick Harmon after a trade back or two. After that, they add an interior offensive lineman like Tate Ratledge, Jared Wilson, or Charles Grant.
10. Defense Only on the First 2 Days
Predicted by: Adam New
Vikings concentrate on defense with all their picks over the first two days of the draft — only defense on Thursday and Friday.
ESPN Delivers 2 Vikings Draft Clues
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