Latest ESPN Mock Draft for Vikings = Defense
The Minnesota Vikings have approximately one week to re-sign cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., or he’ll hit the open market with hundreds of other NFLers.
Latest ESPN Mock Draft for Vikings = Defense
If Minnesota cannot finagle a deal with Murphy Jr., cornerback will approach a panic-button, emergency need and force the Vikings to sign two startable corners in free agency.
Or general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could use Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft, says ESPN’s Jordan Reid, who published a post-Combine mock on Tuesday. Reid connected the Vikings to University of Texas corner Jahdae Barron, a popular pick among NFL pundits.
“The Vikings are expected to be active in free agency, especially at defensive tackle. With a league-low three draft picks, circle Minnesota as a team that could trade back to recoup more draft capital. If the Vikings add an interior defender in free agency, guard and cornerback immediately become their biggest needs,” Reid explained.
Free-agent CBs Paulson Adebo (New Orleans Saints), Carlton Davis (Detroit Lions), Rasul Douglas (Buffalo Bills), Nate Hobbs (Las Vegas Raiders), D.J. Reed (New York Jets), Asante Samuel Jr. (Los Angeles Chargers), and Charvarius Ward (San Francisco 49ers) could be on Minnesota’s menu whether Murphy Jr. re-signs or not.
Reid added, “With all three of their starting corners (Byron Murphy Jr., Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin) pending free agents, Barron would project as an immediate starter.”
“There isn’t a secondary position that Barron hasn’t played, too. He had a career-high five interceptions this past season, showing excellent ball skills and coverage instincts. Barron could have an instant impact in the slot or on the outside.”
These are the Vikings’ cornerbacks under contract for 2025 at the moment:
- Mekhi Blackmon
- Dwight McGlothern
- NaJee Thompson
- Reddy Steward
- Kahlef Hailassie
- Nahshon Wright
- Ambry Thomas
Barron, 23, is 5’11 and known for his versatility, a possible perk for defensive coordinator Brian Flores. The Draft Network noted on Barron’s scouting report: “With his versatility, Barron can play safety, nickel, and linebacker, and he has the mental capacity to know his responsibilities in any situation. He sees the field beautifully from his ‘STAR’ role and shows off his anticipatory skills on a down-to-down basis. Unafraid to trigger downhill against the run or boundary screens, Barron’s click-and-close is incredibly sudden.”
With the Barron pick, the Vikings’ 2025 CB room could resemble this if Murphy Jr. returns:
- Byron Murphy Jr.*
- Jahdae Barron
- Mekhi Blackmon
- Shaquill Griffin*
- Dwight McGlothern
*if he re-signs via free agency
Minnesota’s defense ranked second in the NFL this season per EPA/Play, improving markedly from the 2022 and 2023 campaigns.
Barron ranks 23rd on the Consensus Big Board as of March 4th.
The NFL Draft is 51 days away. The Vikings also have a couple of other roster needs at interior offensive line and interior defensive line.
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 Vikings 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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.