5 Options at iDL for the Vikings First Draft Pick
In less than four weeks, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will be on the clock for the Vikings’ first draft pick of 2025. Having previously looked at running back, I’m looking at the interior defensive line this time.
5 Options at iDL for the Vikings First Draft Pick
Whether the Vikings pick from their current spot at 24 or Adofo-Mensah makes a trade — most likely backward with the Vikings only holding four draft picks — here are five defensive linemen that would be good options with the Vikings’ first draft pick.
Kenneth Grant
Kenneth Grant is my 2025 draft crush for the Vikings. There isn’t a player whose name I would rather see called on April 24. Grant — a former teammate of Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy at Michigan — has ideal size for the nose tackle position, standing 6’3 and weighing around 340 lbs. He also possesses rare quickness for his size that shows itself in pass-rush situations and when shooting gaps.
When he plays with aggression, that is a combo that gives Grant the possibility of being a standout at his position. He has the potential to be a force in the NFL, and as he doesn’t turn 22 until October, he can dominate the middle of Minnesota’s defensive line for a long time.
Walter Nolen
Walter Nolen doesn’t have the same size as Grant, so he would be an option as the three-technique at 6’3 and 295 lbs. What Nolen lacks in weight, the Ole Miss defensive lineman makes up for with natural power. His upper body is incredibly strong, helping him throw off blockers or crash through double teams. That power makes him a more impactful run defender than you might expect.
With 13 sacks in the last two seasons in college, he knows his way to the quarterback. Nolen’s game still needs development. With the Vikings signing a couple of big names — Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave — in free agency, he would be afforded that time in Minnesota.
Derrick Harmon
Unlike the first two options, Derrick Harmon wins with quickness. Speed off the line of scrimmage, quick hands into the body, and an ability to dictate contact. He pairs his long arms with upper-tier hand speed to make initial contact or execute a pass-rush move.
Harmon only showcased top-tier production after transferring to Oregon for his final season in college. That one good season has put him on the fringes of the first round. Harmon constantly communicates pre-snap and has a good motor and a competitive attitude through the whistle — all traits you want on your defense.
Darius Alexander
We are very much into trade-back territory with the final two options, starting with Toledo’s Darius Alexander. He brings ideal size at just under 6’4 and 305 lbs. That build gives him the potential to play at 3-technique or 3-4 defensive end for the Vikings. Alexander has the strength to be effective both in run defense and as a pass-rusher.
If Adofo-Mensah wants to recoup some draft picks with a trade, the defensive interior is strong in the late first/early second-round area, where Alexander might be the best option. He could clean up some technical things, such as snap anticipation and maintaining leverage longer out of his stance, but he was one of the Senior Bowl’s standout performers, showing a nice twitch as a pass-rusher.
T.J. Sanders
Finally, we have South Carolina’s TJ Sanders. The 6’3, 290 lbs interior defender wins with a quick first step, violent hands, and a knack for shooting gaps, however his lack of strength holds him back from truly winning reps and getting the sacks he could otherwise get.
Sanders has plenty of juice to be a designated pass-rusher early in his career, but development, particularly in run defense, is needed to become more than that. There would be time for that development and the opportunity to add strength, with Minnesota not needing an immediate starter on the defensive line now.
You must be logged in to post a comment.