PFF Has a Big Zilch for Vikings
When the 2025 offseason kicked off, right after the Minnesota Vikings embarrassingly lost in the postseason to the Los Angeles Rams, the franchise needed help at defensive tackle, interior offensive line, cornerback, and running back.
PFF Has a Big Zilch for Vikings
One by one, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah crossed off all roster needs from his checklist, completing a fruitful and prosperous free agency process.
And with just a week and a half before the 2025 NFL Draft, the Vikings are in such wonderful shape that an outfit like Pro Football Focus claimed Minnesota has no roster needs — zilch.
Roster Needs? PFF Says None Whatsoever.
PFF recently outlined the state of all NFL franchises right before the draft, and Minnesota represented one of the only teams without remaining starter needs.
Bradley Locker of PFF explained: “Remaining Starter Needs: None According to Over the Cap, the Vikings were the second-biggest spender in free agency. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah rebuilt the trenches on both sides of the ball with Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, plus Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. That leaves the Vikings in strong shape heading into a draft where they currently hold only four picks.”
“Minnesota re-signed Byron Murphy Jr. and added Isaiah Rodgers at cornerback, but considering the Vikings ranked eighth in nickel or dime snaps in 2024, the team probably needs another viable option with Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin unsigned.”
While the club had no current starter needs, Locker claimed the Vikings could examine cornerback, safety, and defensive tackle for the long term.
Locker added, “Sticking in the secondary, no more Cam Bynum, coupled with Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus being on expiring deals, means that Minnesota very well might explore another safety for its three-safety looks. The Vikings likely have their starting interior defensive line set with Hargrave, Allen and Harrison Phillips, but none posted even a 61.0 PFF overall grade. And all are 29 or older — rendering the defensive line still a group to target.”
Only the Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers showcased no starting needs, according to PFF.
What about the Round 1 Draft Pick?
Minnesota owns the 24th pick in the draft, and they’ll have to choose someone. Keeping in line with the PFF long-term declaration, the most likely positions to target include cornerback, defensive tackle, safety, interior offensive line, and perhaps running back.
The Vikings could also trade back to stockpile more draft picks in Rounds 2, 3, and 4.
If they stay put, players like Kenneth Grant (DT), Walter Nolen (DT), Derrick Harmon (DT), Grey Zabel (iOL), Nick Emmanwori (S), or Malaki Starks (S) may pique their interest.
Free Agency Newcomers
The Vikings added these players from 2025 free agency:
- Jonathan Allen (DT, Commanders)
- Bubba Bolden (S)
- Will Fries (G, Colts)
- Javon Hargrave (DT, 49ers)
- Ryan Kelly (C, Colts)
- Jordan Mason (RB, Trade, 49ers)
- Rondale Moore (WR, Falcons)
- Jeff Okudah (CB, Texans)
- Isaiah Rodgers (CB, Eagles)
- Justin Skule (OT, Buccaneers)
- Tavierre Thomas (CB, Buccaneers)
- Eric Wilson (LB, Packers)
That’s why the PFF zero-needs verdict is in play. Adofo-Mensah filled his holes in free agency.
Long-Term Roster Needs
The most pressing roster need for the long-term is debatable — like most sports items — but cornerback probably has the wisest case.
Minnesota hasn’t fully hit on a high-round cornerback draft pick in 10 years, last connecting on Trae Waynes in 2015. And even Waynes wasn’t elite. Because the purple team has missed on players like Mike Hughes, Jeff Gladney, and Andrew Booth, no youthful, organically-drafted cornerbacks live on the Vikings’ roster outside of Mekhi Blackmon.
Cornerback might be the primary long-term need.
This Is What Fans Have Waited For
It’s almost unbelievable for Vikings fans to read their favorite team included in “no apparent roster need” lists. Nearly every offseason, during every build-up to a draft, the most vivid roster need is wildly evident — often cornerback.
However, that’s just not the case this time, thanks to Adofo-Mensah, and he can draft a prospect in 10 days as pure gravy.
The J.J. McCarthy era should begin in style — with a depth chart sans glaring holes.
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