NFL.com Posts “What They Should Do” Mock Draft for Vikings
One week separates the Minnesota Vikings from the 2025 NFL Draft, an event where general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has just four picks on the docket.
NFL.com Posts “What They Should Do” Mock Draft for Vikings
Adofo-Mensah, with his trading background, could wheel and deal for picks, but as of April 17th, he owns the fewest in the NFL this go-round.
And according to NFL.com, Minnesota should draft North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel.
“What They Should Do” Mock Says Grey Zabel for Vikings
NFL.com’s Adam Rank posted a mock draft this week with a “twist,” in his estimation.
Here’s his criteria: “Instead of trying to forecast the future, I present my Mock Draft … with a Twist, in which I advise the teams on what they should do when the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off (April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin). It’s sort of like the way I suggest what my kids should do on the pitch, and allow them to surprise me when they actually listen. Like the Raiders last season!”
“They surely weren’t going to take Brock Bowers until my mock telling them to do so came out last year. Will teams follow suit this year? Let’s take a look!”
With the twist in play, Rank recommended Grey Zabel for the Vikings, a 23-year-old guard from North Dakota State. Rank wrote, “This could not work out any better for you, having a hometown kid fall to you at No. 24. He’s a stud, no doubt, and he will be a Day 1 starter. Corner is also a big need, but you must protect J.J. McCarthy.”
Most Vikings fans, particularly because of Zabel’s close geographic proximity, would not be disappointed by Rank’s endorsement.
A Commitment to the Trenches
The Los Angeles Rams spanked the Vikings’ offensive line during January’s Wildcard playoff game, creating a one-and-done outcome for the Sam Darnold-led purple team. The club finished 14-3 last year, but it felt all for naught after the Rams’ quick work of Minnesota.
And because the Vikings surrendered a playoff record nine sacks that night, Adofo-Mensah used free agency to build the trenches on offense and defense, music to the ears of fans who chanted the slogan for years.
On offense, Minnesota signed two members of the Indianapolis Colts — center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries.
Drafting Grey Zabel would turn the Vikings’ offensive line into beast mode, at least on paper.
Grey Zabel’s Scouting Report
Zabel has turned into a draft climber over the last six weeks. He started the draft cycle as a Round 2 commodity, but the NFL Combine was kind to him.
NFL Draft Buzz profiles Zabel in this way: “Zabel’s calling card jumps off the screen — he’s a technician who brings controlled violence to every snap. The footwork, hip drive, and natural leverage he displays in North Dakota State’s diverse run scheme will translate immediately to the NFL’s interior. When I watch him combo block and climb to the second level, I see shades of Zack Martin’s early Notre Dame tape – not as explosive, but the same understanding of angles and timing.”
“While he shows the skill set to play tackle, he may be better served moving inside where his natural leverage and mauling mentality could really shine. What excites me most is how he processes everything in real-time.”
Minnesota would almost certainly plug Zabel in at left guard, the spot currently held by Blake Brandel.
“Watch the Northern Iowa game – they threw every stunt and blitz package imaginable at him, and he didn’t just survive, he dominated. That mental acuity combined with his natural power and leverage makes him a plug-and-play guard who could also backup center with some development. The fit is crystal clear – put him in a zone-heavy system where he can combo block and get on the move,” NBD added.
“The Vikings would be an ideal landing spot in round two – their inside zone scheme perfectly matches his skill set, and they desperately need interior help. His technique is already refined enough to compete for a starting guard spot as a rookie, but his ceiling as a potential Pro Bowl-caliber interior lineman will emerge by year three once he adds another 10-15 pounds of functional mass to his frame.”
That scouting website even mentioned the Vikings by name. Impressive.
The Hypothetical Offensive Line in 2025
If the NFL.com theory came true, head coach Kevin O’Connell would showcase this offensive line in 2025:
LT: Christian Darrisaw
LG: Grey Zabel
C: Ryan Kelly
RG: Will Fries
RT: Brian O’Neill
The unit would project as Minnesota’s best offensive line in decades.
If Not Zabel, then Who?
Other pundits believe Adofo-Mensah will draft a defensive back or defensive tackle.
Players like Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas), Malaki Starks (S, Georgia), Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina), Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan), and Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon), among others, are frequently connected to Minnesota in mock drafts.
The Vikings haven’t drafted a guard in Round 1 since Randall McDaniel — 37 years ago. That pick worked rather emphatically, and fans would hope Zabel followed suit.
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