The “Beast” Mock Draft Nails It for Vikings
NFL mock drafts will only increase in intensity within the next eight days, a countdown to the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The “Beast” Mock Draft Nails It for Vikings
One of the more popular documents during the draft’s lead-up is The Beast from The Athletic, a comprehensive tell-all guide regarding every rookie, written by NFL analyst Dane Brugler.
And after Brugler published The Beast this week, his subsequent mock draft connected the Vikings to Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron in Round 1, an absolutely fantastic choice.
CB Jahdae Barron per “The Beast”
Most forecast a trade down for Minnesota on draft night, but Brugler maintained all draft spots, as forecasting every single trade is too daunting.
On Barron to the Twin Cities, he wrote, “Interior offensive or defensive line very easily could be the pick here, but the Vikings might address the secondary if the right player is on the board. It’s fun imagining the ways Brian Flores could use a versatile and athletic weapon like Barron.”
Brugler also notably forecasted a draft tumble for Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders all the way to the Steelers at pick No. 21.
Why Barron Is Perfect for Minnesota
Full disclosure, many draft heads don’t believe Barron will fall to Minnesota. He could fly off the board in the Top 15. What’s more, the two teams ahead of Minnesota in the draft, the Los Angeles Chargers and Green Bay Packers, also need cornerbacks.
But if Brugler is correct, Barron would add instant starting legitimacy and versatility to Brian Flores’ defense. Veterans like Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin were not re-signed in free agency, and the Vikings are down one rookie cornerback in Khyree Jackson, who tragically died in a car accident last summer.
Barron projects as a starting-caliber corner for the long term, which Minnesota might need.
Jahdae Barron’s Scouting Report
Brugler provided the following scouting report on Barron in The Beast: “A three-year starter at Texas, Barron played the STAR hybrid position in defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski’s zone-heavy scheme, seeing time at corner, safety, nickel and dime. After playing primarily inside as an underclassman, he moved outside in 2024 (69.9 percent of his snaps at corner, 30.1 percent in slot/box/post) and led the SEC in both interceptions (five) and passes defended (16).”
“He became the third Longhorn to win the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back. Barron holds a master’s degree in coverage schemes and has done a great job developing the mental part of his game, giving himself a headstart keying and diagnosing the quarterback and blocking scheme.”
Minnesota could use a youthful corner in the pipeline next to Mekhi Blackmon, an alumnus of the 2023 NFL Draft, and Barron might be perfect.
Brugler added: “Though he doesn’t have the movement burst for easy recoveries, he plays with supreme confidence and physicality without crossing the line, especially in zone coverage (two pass interference penalties over his last 35 games in college).”
“Overall, Barron doesn’t have the top-tier size that most teams prioritize at the position, but he trusts his instincts and competes with the toughness and ball skills to hold up versus pass or run. Some teams view him as a nickel-only prospect, while others see his value to play multiple positions across the secondary.”
The Would-Be CB Room
Suppose Brugler nailed this prophecy. Minnesota would presumably showcase this CB room in 2025:
- Byron Murphy Jr.
- Jahdae Barron
- Isaiah Rodgers
- Mekhi Blackmon
- Jeff Okudah
- Dwight McGlothern
It’s worth noting that McGlothern might live on the practice squad if the Vikings draft a playable corner.
Other Selections from Brugler
One aspect of Brugler’s mock draft that stands out is the comprehensive projection. He forecasted every draft pick. Minnesota ended up with this haul:
- Pick No. 24: Jahdae Barron (CB)
- Pick No. 97: Dyaln Fairchild (iOL)
- Pick No. 139: Warren Brinson (DT)
- Pick No. 187: Jaydon Blue (RB)
Minnesota notably left Brugler’s mock without a safety, an otherwise popular Round 1 prediction for the purple team, with players like Malaki Starks (Georgia) and Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina) in the mix.
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