The 5 Most Probable Draft Choices for the Vikings
Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has four lottery tickets to scratch later this month, entering the 2025 NFL Draft will relatively few roster needs.
The 5 Most Probable Draft Choices for the Vikings
The young executive filled most of his roster holes in free agency and can focus on the best player available in the draft.
Meanwhile, this year is especially tricky to predict for Minnesota’s first draft choice, but folks will get a verdict in 19 days.
So, with the draft just around the bend, these are the likeliest rookies to be drafted by Minnesota with their first pick — wherever that may be. They’re ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most likely to join the Vikings).
5. Maxwell Hairston (CB)
Hairston lives at No. 35 on the Consensus Big Board as of April 5th, prime territory for Minnesota to trade down and grab a youthful cornerback — in a CB room that might need a little youth.
NFL Draft Buzz‘s Wyatt Brooks describes Hairston’s tool kit: “I see Hairston as a day two cornerback who could become a valuable starter in the right system. His instincts in zone coverage are special – the way he baits quarterbacks and drives on the football. He’s at his best playing off coverage where he can read flow and attack, particularly in quarters or Cover 3 schemes that let him keep his eyes on the quarterback.”
4. Grey Zabel (iOL)
Zabel provides a neat geographical connection — he went to college at North Dakota State. Sometimes, the Vikings will give those players a whirl because of scouts’ familiarity.
From the moment Kevin O’Connell’s team lost in the playoffs, he called for interior offensive line overhaul. Thereafter, Adofo-Mensah signed center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries from the Indianapolis Colts. If he wants to complete the iOL trifecta, drafting Zabel at No. 24 or a few spots later after a trade back would do the trick.
Zabel is also as versatile as they come for offensive linemen. He can do it all.
3. Nick Emmanwori (S)
Emmanwori is one of those “physical freak” type talents, and he should exit the draftboard somewhere in Round 1.
Former Vikings safety Camryn Bynum departed the franchise 3.5 weeks ago, and if Adofo-Mensah wants an immediate replacement, Emmanwori can be the guy.
The Gamecock is excellent in pass coverage, possessing enough sauce to play nickel corner, too.
Adofo-Mensah can right his Lewis Cine wrongs with Emmanwori if he sees fit.
2. Derrick Harmon (DT)
Harmon perfectly blends a player Minnesota could draft outright at No. 24 — or wait until the end of Round 1 with a trade back and still draft him around No. 30 or so.
NFB scouted Harmon: “After studying every snap of Harmon’s 2024 campaign, the tape reveals a defensive tackle with legitimate NFL starter potential. His transformation from Michigan State to Oregon wasn’t just about better coaching or a scheme change – the natural power and explosiveness were always present, but now they’re weaponized.
“The way he consistently won one-on-one matchups against Ohio State’s interior line in the playoff highlighted both his ceiling and his remaining development needs. When his technique matches his physical tools, he can take over a series.”
Minnesota has also conducted a pre-draft visit with Harmon.
1. Shavon Revel Jr. (CB)
If one assumes that Minnesota doesn’t eventually sign Jaire Alexander or Asante Samuel Jr., trading down the board, perhaps into Round 2, and choosing Revel Jr. really, really makes sense for the purple team.
Think about it: after Byron Murphy Jr. on the roster, it’s Isaiah Rodgers, Mekhi Blackmon, Jeff Okudah, and Dwight McGlothern. A formidable corner is missing unless Rodgers transforms into a stud.
Revel Jr. is recovering from a torn ACL, and Adofo-Mensah has no problem taking gambles on men finishing up injury recoveries.
The East Carolina alumnus is probably the most likely Viking with the draft about two and half weeks away.
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