Vikings Land Surprise Playmaker in New Mock Draft
In 23 days, the Minnesota Vikings will begin to onboard a 2025 draft class, scheduled to pick 24th in Round 1 after a 14-3 finish in 2024.
Vikings Land Surprise Playmaker in New Mock Draft
The team’s draft is totally unpredictable after general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah filled all major roster holes in free agency.
And according to The 33rd Team, Minnesota will draft North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton with the 24th overall pick — a bit of a stunner, all things considered.
Omarion Hampton, an RB, to Vikings in R1
The 33rd Team‘s Ian Valentino mock-drafted Hampton at No. 24 for Minnesota and explained, “The 2025 running back class is exceptionally talented, making it significant that Omarion Hampton has distinguished himself as the RB2 behind Ashton Jeanty.”
“No other running back can compare to Hampton’s unique combination of size (5-foot-11, 221 pounds), speed, explosiveness, and impressive performance on the field. He plays with a powerful, freight-train-like style.”
Minnesota notably passed on North Dakota State interior offensive lineman Grey Zabel in Valentino’s mock, in addition to Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant.
Valentino’s first three picks at the top of the draft featured Cam Ward (QB, Miami) to the Tennessee Titans, Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado) to the Cleveland Browns, and Travis Hunter (CB, Colorado) to the New England Patriots.
The Likelihood of a Halback as the First Pick
On March 15th, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted, “Trade: 49ers are trading Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings are signing Mason to a 2-year deal with over $7 million fully guaranteed at signing with a maximum value of $12m. Negotiated by Jason & Michael Katz.”
“Full trade, per sources: Minnesota sends a 2026 6th-round pick and pick No. 160 this year to San Francisco. San Francisco sends RB Jordan Mason and pick No. 187 to Minnesota.”
That trade, while welcomed and praised by purple fans, seemed to rule out drafting a running back early in the draft. Valentino’s prediction directly clashes with that sentiment.
Put plainly, Minnesota would basically get quite rich at running back, featuring a three-headed monster in the offensive backfield.
The Vikings RBs in 2025
Here’s that full monster:
- Aaron Jones
- Jordan Mason
- Omarion Hampton
- Ty Chandler
- Zavier Scott
Omarion Hampton Background
Hampton is 6’0″ and 220 pounds, owning 4.46 speed and a knack for running violently. He’d be the RB1 in most draft classes, but with Ashton Jeanty headlining this year’s crop, Hampton is universally considered the RB2 in 2025.
NFL Draft Buzz‘s Felix Green describes Hampton’s skill set: “Hampton profiles as an immediate impact player who could step into a featured role in a downhill rushing attack. His combination of size, power, and burst makes him particularly well-suited for gap/power schemes where he can build momentum attacking defined holes.”
“While he may start his career primarily as an early-down hammer, his steady improvement in the passing game suggests untapped potential as a complete three-down back.”
Hampton tallied 2,033 yards from scrimmage last year at North Carolina, with 17 total touchdowns.
Green added, “His ideal landing spot would be with a team committed to a physical ground game that can maximize his strengths between the tackles while developing his receiving skills. Hampton’s violent running style and consistent production against high-level competition indicate a high floor as an NFL contributor. Given his age (22), physical maturity, and three years of proven production in the ACC, he should be ready to handle serious carries as a rookie.”
“Look for Hampton to make an immediate impact as a short-yardage and red zone specialist while developing into a complete feature back by year two. His combination of power, vision, and improving receiving skills gives him Pro Bowl potential in the right system.”
Hampton turned 22 last month.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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