As it stands, the Minnesota Vikings own four picks heading into the 2025 NFL Draft because Kwesi Adofo-Mensah spent a lot of this year’s capital on acquiring outside linebacker Dallas Turner nine months ago. The Vikings general manager will likely make deals between now and the end of the draft process, but I won’t be making any for this first mock draft.
Adam New’s Vikings Mock Draft 1.0 | 2025
It’s difficult to predict the draft this far out before any of the other major offseason moves have been made, but there are key positions Minnesota needs to address. These are cornerback, interior offensive linemen, interior defensive linemen, and perhaps a running back. My opinion is that this draft should be all about the trenches for the Vikings, and this mock draft indicates this.
Round 1: Pick 24 – Darius Alexander (IDL) Toledo
The dream pick in the first round would be Michigan’s Kenneth Grant, but I fear he may be out of the Vikings range at 24. The good news is that Adofo-Mensah can trade back and get one of the next talented defensive linemen. Here, I take Darius Alexander at 24, but a trade back later in the first or early if Day 2 would bring more value.
Alexander gives Brian Flores’ defense an excellent run defense with untapped potential as a pass rusher. Standing at 6’4″ and 310 lbs, Alexander possesses both power and speed and will instantly impact Minnesota’s defense. Flores can unlock a star in the purple and gold by improving his technique, tenacity, and consistency.
Round 3: Pick 97 – Tate Ratledge (G) Georgia
Tate Ratledge is a three-year starter at right guard, and he has the build (6’6 and 320lbs), play, strength, processing skills, and demeanor to be a starter at guard in his rookie year. Ratledge would bring improved run-blocking Vikings’ interior while also being solid in pass protection.
There’s a long list of failed attempts at drafting guards on Day 2 in recent times in Minnesota, but that’s no reason to stop trying. Rutledge can be the guy who changes that trend.
Round 5: Pick 140 Seth McLaughlin (C) Ohio State
The options at center in 2025 are to stick it out with the underwhelming Garrett Bradbury for one more year, try to sign Drew Dalman in free agency, or look for someone younger. Michael Jurgens was drafted in the seventh round last year as a versatile interior lineman, but adding a center with more pedigree makes sense.
Seth McLaughlin has been a three-year starter at Ohio State and has the athleticism, football IQ, strength, and technical savvy to make a good understudy for Bradbury with the potential to take over down the line.
Round 5: Pick 161 Raheim Sanders (RB) South Carolina
At one time Raheim Sanders looked to be on his way to being a top-50 draft pick, however, injuries slowed the hype train. A bit of the explosiveness seemed to disappear after the injuries for the man who had garnered the nickname “Rocket” early in his college career. He still showed the ability to make chunk plays, and coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense needs to have a much improved year from a running back as a pass catcher.
Sanders caught 30 passes for over 300 receiving yards. This is a player worth a gamble on but with major question marks over his durability as a lead back.
