The Best Steals for the Vikings on Day 3 of Draft
The Minnesota Vikings have selected two new players through three rounds of the 2025 NFL draft, adding Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson and Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton.
The Best Steals for the Vikings on Day 3 of Draft
Most fans have applauded the choices, bolstering the offense in a draft when many thought Minnesota would proceed defensively.
And when general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah calls in picks tomorrow, he’ll do so at the top of Round 5 — barring any trades — with two selections within three spots of each other.
In other words, from the moment the draft resumes Saturday morning, folks will have to wait 33 picks.
And these might be some steals available at pick Nos. 139 and 142. They’re listed alphabetically.
1. Damien Martinez (RB)
Miami
Most Vikings enthusiasts believe or hope the purple team exits the draft with a running back. Why? Well this class is so damn deep, even if head coach Kevin O’Connell has Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, and Ty Chandler on his current roster.
Martinez is 6’0″ and 200 pounds, ideal size for a bruiser-style tailback. His speed is average at 4.51, but he’s not easy to tackle.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein on Martinez: “Productive three-year starter with an impressive blend of power, dexterity and decisiveness. First and foremost, Martinez is truly a “big back” who proves he can find yards after contact on most carries. He lacks speed to win outside but does a nice job creating alternate routes using vision and agility when it’s congested inside.”
“Despite a lack of breakaway speed, Martinez averaged 6.2 yards per carry on 514 career totes. He can catch passes here and there but could be best dialed in as a complementary banger capable of taking on the lion’s share of the carries if needed.”
Martinez could help with the Vikings’ dirty little rushing touchdown problem.
2. Lathan Ransom (S)
Ohio State
Ohio State players have flown off the draftboard through three rounds. Hell, Adofo-Mensah got one with Jackson in Round 1.
Ransom could be the next, a possible succession plan for Harrison Smith, who will again contemplate retirement next January. The Buckeye is a somewhat large defensive back at 6’0″ and 210.
NFL Draft Buzz‘s K.C. Martinez on Ransom: “His draft positioning likely lands in the mid-Day 3 range, but Ransom could quickly outplay that valuation for teams that deploy heavy sub-package looks requiring interchangeable secondary pieces. Several defensive schemes stand out as natural fits: Baltimore’s creative pressure packages, Pittsburgh’s physical division of labor in the secondary, or New Orleans’ multi-safety personnel groupings.”
“Within the right system, Ransom has the tools to earn a specialized role immediately while competing for a more significant position by his second season. His championship DNA and special teams impact provide additional value that should secure his roster spot while the coaching staff develops his coverage abilities to match his elite run defense skills.”
Brian Flores could probably curate the “right system” for Ransom.
3. Byhayshul Tuten (RB)
Virginia Tech
Tuten is the undercover running back in this class with all the sexy measurables. He’s 5’9″ and 210 with 4.32 speed, which is electrifying. The knock on him is his rather lousy ball security and a lack of on-the-field discipline at times.
Bleacher Report‘s Dame Parson on Tuten: “Bhayshul Tuten is an electrifying runner with elite top-end speed to turn short runs into house calls at any time. Virginia Tech’s offense had glimpses over the years of being schematically balanced, running both gap and zone concepts. Tuten is an explosive, one-cut outside zone runner. When plays are blocked up, he unleashes the big-play speed that he is known for.”
“Tuten’s speed forces defenses to remain disciplined in their run fits. The wrong read or freelancing from second-level defenders can result in an explosive run for a score.”
He can be deadly in an offense if a coaching staff rectifies his fumble bug.
4. Deone Walker (DT)
Kentucky
Walker is a mountain. An actual mountain. He stands 6’7″ and is nearly 350 pounds. The man notably suffered a broken back last season, which sank his draft stock to later rounds if he doesn’t hit undrafted free agency.
If his medicals check out, though, he could serve as a nose tackle option that the Vikings don’t really have.
The 33rd Team‘s Kyle Crabbs on Walker: “Walker projects best as an athletic A-gap defender for a multiple-front scheme at the NFL level. He’s not explosive enough as currently constructed to warrant authentic 3-technique opportunities, and most teams are likely to have a better long & late down option on the roster to play.”
“If he can improve his pad level and anchor, he can keep himself in a position to play early downs and short-yardage opportunities. He’s a developmental talent who can be a part of a defensive rotation early on.”
After the draft, keep an eye on undrafted free agency Saturday night, an utter playground for Adofo-Mensah.
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