7 Predictions for the Vikings Draft Choice | After FA

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

NFL free agency is now about one week old, and the Minnesota Vikings were not shy about breaking the bank on new players.

7 Predictions for the Vikings Draft Choice | After FA

The NFL Draft is less than six weeks away, and the Vikings are scheduled to pick four times — Rounds 1, 3, and 5 (twice).

So, we asked all VikingsTerritory writers to name one player apiece, after seeing the haul from free agency, whom they predict the Vikings will draft. We’ll do this exercise one more time before draft night, but here’s where our writers stand after free agency’s first wave.

These are their responses.

1. Derrick Harmon (DT)
Oregon

vikings draft
Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images.

Prediction Maker: Henrique Gucciardi

The Vikings addressed defensive tackle in free agency with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. But as we’ve seen with the Eagles, you can always use another great player in the trenches.

2. Kenneth Grant (DT)
Michigan

Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant (78) celebrates a tackle against USC during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

Prediction Maker: Adam New

The Vikings have answered their interior pass rush problem with several big-name veteran additions. Going to the well again for the defensive line in the draft and getting a monster like Kenneth Grant, who can dominate the middle of the defensive line for years to come, just makes sense to me.

3. Tyler Booker (iOL)
Alabama

Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports.

Prediction Maker: Cole Smith

I believe the Vikings will ultimately trade down in the draft. After that, they will select Alabama guard Tyler Booker, a high-school teammate of J.J. McCarthy, to continue bolstering the offensive line.

4. The Best Player Available

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Prediction Maker: Ted Schwerzler

The Vikings shouldn’t have a name set in their minds. Let the board fall where it may, and then take the best player available. The roster is flush with starters, so force the talent to work wherever it comes from.

t5. Omarion Hampton (RB)
North Carolina

Bob Donnan-Imagn Images.

Prediction Maker: Ali Siddiqui

The Vikings will trade down and take the UNC running back. Aaron Jones is back but also 30 years old. A running back for the future is needed.

t5. Omarion Hampton (RB)
North Carolina

Bob Donnan-Imagn Images.

Prediction Maker: Brevan Bane

Minnesota could finesse him in a trade-down, but either way, the Vikings get their RBOTF, which could very well be better than the draft’s consensus top back in Ashton Jeanty.

t6. Trey Amos (CB)
Ole Miss

Catholic High QB #3 Trey Amos. Tuesday, July30, 2019 Catholichighfeatures20190729. © Docq and Cheryl Gaspard, with cdg images, Docq Gaspard/Special to the Advertiser via Imagn Content Services, LLC.

Prediction Maker: Wes Johnson

**TRADE**
Minnesota trades picks 24 and 97 to the NY Giants for picks 34, 65, and 154.

With the 34th pick, the Vikings select DB Trey Amos from Ole Miss. Amos possesses ideal size at 6’1″ and excels as a press man defender. The Vikings met with Amos at the combine, and his skill set fit seamlessly into DC Brian Flores’ scheme.

t6. Trey Amos (CB)
Ole Miss

Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports.

Prediction Maker: Kyle Joudry

Minnesota needs help at the position, and he offers good height. Thinking the pick occurs after a trade down.

t7. Shavon Revel Jr. (CB)
East Carolina

Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images.

Prediction Maker: Dustin Baker

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will trade back, and the only real roster need that can be reasonably argued on March 15th is more cornerback help.

So, because other teams will be scared by Revel Jr.’s ACL recovery, he’ll fall to the Vikings, and they’ll finally — finally — connect on a CB draft pick.

It’s only taken a decade.

t7. Shavon Revel Jr. (CB)
East Carolina

James Guillory-Imagn Images

Prediction Maker: Josh Frey

The Vikings filled their needs in the trenches and then some through free agency. Now, the big question remains at CB. Revel is a talented player, and Brian Flores will love his tenacious, physical style of play at the position.

t7. Shavon Revel Jr. (CB)
East Carolina

Michigan wide receiver Cornelius Johnson makes a catch against East Carolina defensive back S. Revel during the second half of U-M’s 30-3 win on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Michigan Stadium. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK.

Prediction Maker: Janik Eckardt

The Vikings could still use another corner despite re-signing Byron Murphy Jr. and acquiring Isaiah Rodgers. Revel Jr. has the ball skills, the length, and the athleticism to make a difference, and coming off a torn ACL, he might actually be gettable.


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.