The Best Players for Vikings to Draft on Friday Night

Dustin Baker |

Apr 25, 2025

Aug 31, 2024; Berkeley, California, USA; The Atlantic Coast Conference logo appears on the helmet of California Golden Bears defensive back Nohl Williams (3) before the game against the UC Davis Aggies at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images.

If the Minnesota Vikings make no trades on Friday, the No. 97 pick is next on the menu.

The Best Players for Vikings to Draft on Friday Night

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah plucked Ohio State offensive guard Donovan Jackson from Round 1 on Thursday night, solidifying Minnesota’s offensive line for the long haul — once and for all.

Folks have now turned their attention to Friday night, as the roster-building will continue.

And if Adofo-Mensah conducts no trade business, these are 10 players to consider with the 97th overall pick — near the bottom of Round 3. The Vikings gained the pick because Kirk Cousins left via free agency in 2024.

Players are listed alphabetically.

1. Billy Bowman (S)

Age: 22
College: Oklahoma
Height & Weight: 5’10 | 195
Consensus Big Board Ranking: 101

vikings — Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. (2) celebrates an interception in the first half of the Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorn at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Saturday, Oct., 12, 2024. © SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

Why Bowman?

Harrison Smith will probably retire in nine months, and fans will ask about a plan for the safety spot. Bowman would become another name in the hopper, along with Theo Jackson, Josh Metellus, and Jay Ward.

2. Harold Fannin Jr. (TE)

Age: 20
College: Bowling Green
Height & Weight: 6’4″ | 230
Consensus Big Board Ranking: 81

Sep 7, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Bowling Green Falcons tight end Harold Fannin Jr (0) runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

Why Fannin Jr.?

Fannin Jr. is basically a big wide receiver and would fit marvelously as a redzone threat in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Too, the Vikings have just two tight ends on the current roster — which is really weird.

3. Terrance Ferguson (TE)

Age: 22
College: Oregon
Height & Weight: 6’5″ | 250
Consensus Big Board Ranking: 86

Jan 1, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Terrance Ferguson (3) against the Liberty Flames during the 2024 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Why Ferguson?

Also a potential redzone demon, Ferguson is bigger than Fannin Jr. and a couple of years older. In tight end-speak, he’s a sweet route-runner.

4. Damien Martinez (RB)

Age: 21
College: Miami
Height & Weight: 6’0″ | 230
Consensus Big Board Ranking: 98

Jan 28, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; National team defensive back Sebastian Castro of Iowa (29) stops National team running back Damien Martinez of Miami (32) during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images.

Why Martinez?

Martinez pass-blocks reasonably well, a prerequisite for O’Connell’s offense. The Vikings absolutely cannot miss out on a running back from this year’s draft — it is otherworldly deep — and Martinez has the size Minnesota needs.

5. Jacob Parrish (CB)

Age: 21
College: Kansas State
Height & Weight: 5’10” | 200
Consensus Big Board Ranking: 87

Jan 28, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; American team defensive back Jacob Parrish of Kansas State (10) lines up during Senior Bowl practice for the American team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images.

Why Parrish?

Unless the Vikings sign Asante Samuel Jr. on Monday, they might need one more youthful cornerback in the cabinet. Parrish can be that.

6. Ty Robinson (DT)

Age: 23
College: Nebraska
Height & Weight: 6’6″ | 310
Consensus Big Board Ranking: 97

Oct 5, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive lineman Ty Robinson (9) celebrates after a sack against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images.

Why Robinson?

This website believed that the Vikings would draft a defensive tackle in Round 1, and this website was wrong. Robinson would represent a decent consolation in Round 3.

7. Cam Skattebo (RB)

Age: 23
College: Arizona State
Height & Weight: 5’11” | 215
Consensus Big Board Ranking: 90

Jan 1, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo (4) runs with the ball against the Texas Longhorns during the first half of the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images.

Why Skattebo?

A fan favorite and draft darling, the Vikings’ goal-line rushing woes would perish with the selection of Skattebo. The guy doesn’t go down easily.

NFL Draft Buzz on Skattebo: “While Skattebo may never be the fastest or most explosive back on an NFL roster, he’s exactly the type of player who outworks his way into a significant role. His receiving ability (506 yards in 2024) adds another layer to his game that many “try-hard” backs lack.”

“Expect him to begin his career as a complementary piece before earning a larger role through the same tenacity that’s defined his college career. He’s built in the mold of former NFL backs like Alfred Morris and James Robinson – runners who repeatedly proved the draft analysts wrong through production over flash.”

8. Deone Walker (DT)

Age: 21
College: Kentucky
Height & Weight: 6’7″ | 345
Consensus Big Board Ranking: 104

Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker greets fans at the team’s Catwalk before the Vanderbilt game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Lexington, Ky. © Matt Stone/Courier Journal/USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

Why Walker?

Need a nose tackle? Let us introduce you to our finest Deone Walkers. That man is massive, and his draft stock fell due to injury concerns.

9. Nohl Williams (CB)

Age: 22
College: California
Height & Weight: 6’0″ | 200
Consensus Big Board Ranking: 96

Aug 31, 2024; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears defensive back Nohl Williams (3) reacts after intercepting a pass against the UC Davis Aggies during the fourth quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports.

Why Williams?

Williams could be a sneaky right-away starter for some teams, and draft heads have pounded the table for him since January.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein on Williams: “Long cornerback with eye-popping interception totals that could skew his evaluation. Williams operated out of press man, quarters and Cover 3 looks. He lacks disruption from press, but he does a nice job of trailing routes and finding the football. He can be a little slow to open his hips and phase route breaks, but he possesses enough burst to close the distance when beaten.”

“He’s eager from zone with instincts and ball skills to make plays on the throw. Williams’ inconsistency in run support could be a concern, but his size and ball production are hard to ignore.”

10. Savion Williams (WR)

Age: 23
College: TCU
Height & Weight: 6’5″ | 225
Consensus Big Board Ranking: 92

Nov 9, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Savion Williams (3) catches a touchdown against Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images.

Why Williams?

Williams made the 2023 “Freaks List,” published annually by Bruce Feldman, and impressively, he can really move for a ginormous wide receiver. He doesn’t have Randy Moss’ speed, but he has the size.

Also Read:
ESPN Trashes Vikings’ Draft Pick