The 20’s Have Been Good for the Vikings in Recent Drafts
We are fast closing in on the 2025 NFL draft, where, after all the speculation, we will find out what Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has in store for us. Minnesota currently holds the 24th overall pick, and for those of a superstitious persuasion, that spells good news for the Vikings.
The 20’s Have Been Good for the Vikings in Recent Drafts
In the last five drafts between 2020 and 2025, making a selection in the 20’s has proved successful for the Vikings. Picking outside of that range has not come with the same success. The success stories start with Justin Jefferson, who Minnesota selected with the 22nd overall pick in 2020. Christian Darrisaw was selected as the 23rd overall pick in 2021, and Jordan Addison was selected as the 23rd overall pick in 2023.
Jefferson has become one of the most recognizable names in the NFL, breaking a host of records and becoming the highest-paid non-QB of all time when signing his contract extension last year. Darrisaw has proved himself to be one of the best tackles in the game, with injuries the only thing holding him back. Addison has proved an excellent foil for Jefferson with a nose for the end zone.
Outside of the 20s, it’s not been so good with Jeff Gladney at 31 in 2020 and Lewis Cine at 32 in 2022 — certified draft busts. Last year, the Vikings selected J.J. McCarthy at 10 and Dallas Turner at 17. The jury is still out on Turner, who had an underwhelming rookie campaign but will hope to prove himself with a year in Brian Flores’ system under his belt. McCarthy lost his rookie year to injury, but Kevin O’Connell is all set to move forward with him as QB1 in 2025. We should be better placed to speak on those two this time next year.
Will the Vikings Stick at 24?
The general opinion is that the Vikings will likely look at trading down from 24 to recoup some draft picks. As it stands, Adofo-Mensah only had four picks to work with — the least of any team in this year’s draft. Any potential move from 24 also requires the Vikings finding another team that wants to come up, and how far down from 24 Adofo-Mensah is willing to move.
A small trade back and staying in the first round is the optimum move, but we will have to wait and see the options for the Vikings on draft day. They may stay in the 20s range, which has been so good for them in recent years. It’s also been favorable when you look even further back with Xavier Rhodes (25), Harrison Smith (29), Percy Harvin (22), Randy Moss (21), and Robert Smith (21) also selected in that range.
Minnesota has only twice selected at number 24 in the first round of the draft in their history — both occasions led to unfortunate circumstances.
Running back Leo Hayden was selected in 1971, but the national champion was out of Minnesota after one season and out of the league altogether after three seasons, making just 8 rushing attempts across his career. Drug addiction was Hayden’s downfall. He eventually turned his life around and embarked on a path to help others.
The second time occurred in 1995 when the Vikings drafted offensive tackle Korey Stringer. Tragically, after being voted to the Pro Bowl in 2000. Stringer died due to complications after suffering heat stroke at training camp in 2001.
Whether it’s at 24 or another point, we will find out who the newest members of the Vikings roster are when the draft kicks off on April 24 from Lambeau Field.
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