One Speedy Rookie to Watch in the Middle of Vikings Draft
The Minnesota Vikings’ safety room is in decent shape entering the 2025 NFL Draft.
One Speedy Rookie to Watch in the Middle of Vikings Draft
But the draft is about the future, and with Minnesota’s 97th pick — the 3rd-Rounder obtained via the compensatory draft pick process after Kirk Cousins left in 2024 — general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could pluck a safety from the rookie ranks.
One name to remember is Texas defensive back Andrew Mukuba.
Andrew Mukuba in Round 3
Mukuba lives on the Consensus Big Board at No. 76, prime territory for a safety if Minnesota is in the mood to use a 3rd-Rounder at the position.
Various mock drafts have connected the purple team to Georgia’s Malaki Starks and South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori, both safeties, but after Adofo-Mensah swung and missed on Lewis Cine three years ago, he may not make the same mistake twice.
Therefore, perhaps needing a safety for the long haul, Mukuba in Round 3 might check some boxes.
Mukuba’s Scouting Report
Mukuba turned 22 in December, which is a pretty standard age for an NFL rookie. He’s neither ultra-young nor oddly old for a draft prospect. The Texas defender is 5’11” and 185 pounds and ran a 4.45 forty. His frame is a bit small for a safety, causing his draft stock to fall out of Round 1 and 2. This brand of Vikings has shown little hesitation to give “smaller” rookies auditions in the pros. Ivan Pace Jr. may write a book about it someday.
The rookie makes up for his small stature with athleticism. NFL Draft Buzz‘s Eli Cooper explains Mukuba’s skill set: “Mukuba has the tools to become a dynamic playmaker in an NFL secondary, particularly in coverage-focused schemes that emphasize versatility and range. His elite athleticism and proven track record against top competition in both the ACC and SEC suggest he can step in immediately as a sub-package defender while developing into a full-time starter. Teams running split-safety looks will especially value his ability to match up in space and make plays on the ball.”
“While his frame needs development before he can be trusted as an every-down player in the box, his exceptional instincts and route recognition skills will make him an immediate asset in passing situations.”
Mukuba may not start right away in Minnesota’s 2025 defense, but that wouldn’t be required. His development timeline would target 2026.
Cooper added, “Modern NFL defenses that prioritize pre-snap disguise and multiple coverage looks will find creative ways to deploy his versatile skill set. His development as a run defender will determine his ultimate ceiling, but his coverage ability alone makes him a valuable piece in today’s pass-heavy league.”
“Most evaluators see Mukuba coming off the board in the early third round, with some teams potentially viewing him as a late second-round target. His elite athletic traits and proven production against top competition outweigh concerns about his frame.”
Mock Draft Evidence for Mukuba
Pro Football Focus recently named Mukuba as the Vikings’ top Day No. 2 fit in an article detailing such a pick for each NFL team.
PFF’s Mason Cameron wrote, “As it stands, Minnesota’s only pick on Day 2 falls in the compensatory range of the third round, limiting the team’s options. However, the Vikings can nab a safety with excellent coverage instincts like Mukuba to replenish a secondary hit hard in free agency. At Texas in his final season, the senior snagged six interceptions, contributing to his 89.7 PFF coverage grade — second highest in this year’s safety class.”
So, at least from a national perspective, the wheels are already turning for a Mukuba-Minnesota draft relationship.
Safety Could Be a Need in 2026
Safety Camryn Bynum, a starter for the last three seasons in Minnesota, vamoosed last month via free agency to the Indianapolis Colts. He’s isn’t coming back. Minnesota will turn to Theo Jackson, a reservist player to date valued by the Vikings’ coaching staff to the utmost.
Meanwhile, Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus will be back for starters’ duty in 2025, meaning one might perceive safety as a crowded house for Brian Flores’ defense.
Smith, however, is 36 — ancient by safety standards — and before too long, Minnesota will need a replacement after his remarkable career.
On paper, Mukuba makes sense for life after Smith.
Mukuba Alternatives
Suppose the Vikings indeed want a safety from the draft’s middle rounds, but Mukuba is not their man. Other options would be on the table.
In addition to Mukuba, between Rounds 3 and 5, these safeties might activate Minnesota’s draft radar:
- Billy Bowman (Oklahoma)
- Sebastian Castro (Iowa)
- Luther Ransom (Ohio State)
- Jaylen Reed (Penn State)
- Jonas Sanker (Virginia)
- Kevin Winston Jr. (Penn State)
The draft is two weeks away.
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