The Vikings’ Draft Needs — and Who Can Fill Them.

  |  
Mar 25, 2025
Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant (78) celebrates after Ohio State misses a field goal during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

The 2025 NFL Draft is 30 days away, and the Minnesota Vikings are scheduled to pull four players from the event.

The Vikings’ Draft Needs — and Who Can Fill Them.

Most onlookers expect Minnesota to trade a few times, so the number of players could exceed four by Saturday evening, April 26th.

And with free agency mostly in the rearview, here’s a look at the Vikings’ current draft needs by priority and who might fill them. They’re ranked by position in ascending order (No. 1 = top draft need).

5. Running Back

Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason will execute primary running back roles in 2025, but one cannot argue the depth of this year’s rookie running back class.

Oct 19, 2024; Stanford, California, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs running back Brashard Smith (1) returns a kick against the Stanford Cardinal during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images.

Meanwhile, RB3 Ty Chandler could be released sometime this summer, meaning a new running back might be ideal for the long haul.

This is Minnesota’s rushing efficiency per DVOA from the last three seasons, dating back to the dawn of the O’Connell era:

  • 2022: 27th
  • 2023: 27th
  • 2024: 20th

Drafting a rookie runner seems likely. Those above-listed stats are not ideal.

Draft Candidates from Rounds 1-3:
Omarion Hampton (North Carolina)
TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State)
Kaleb Johnson (Iowa)
Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State)
Cam Skattebo (Arizona State)
Devin Neal (Kansas)

Draft Candidates after Round 3:
Dylan Sampson (Tennessee)
D.J. Giddens (Kansas State)
Bhayshul Tuten (Virginia Tech)
Ollie Gordon II (Oklahoma State)
Damien Martinez (Miami)
Brashard Smith (SMU)
R.J. Harvey Jr. (Central Florida)
Trevor Etienne (Georgia)
Jarquez Hunter (Auburn)

4. Safety

Harrison Smith said “naw” to retirement once again, back for season No. 14. The team also re-signed Theo Jackson at a starter’s price tag, and Josh Metellus isn’t going anywhere.

Oct 19, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Nick Emmanwori (7) reacts after returning an interception for a touchdown during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images,

But if the Vikings want to prepare for the Smith afterlife, 2025 might be a decent time to invest 1st-Round capital in a promising safety.

Draft Candidates:
Malaki Starks (Georgia)
Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina)

3. Defensive Tackle

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah smashed this February roster need by signing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Folks loved those moves, and both should be fantastic in purple next season.

Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant celebrates a sack on Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. during the College Football Playoff national championship game against Washington at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. © Melanie Maxwell / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

However, they’re both over age 30.

The 24th pick, currently owned by Minnesota, could be a prime spot for this long-term roster need.

Draft Candidates:
Derrick Harmon (Oregon)
Kenneth Grant (Michigan)
Walter Nolen (Ole Miss)
Tyleik Williams (Ohio State)
Deone Walker (Kentucky)

2. Offensive Guard

Although Sam Darnold held the football way too long in the pocket against the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams at the end of the season, the offensive line’s interior did not bail him out.

Vikings
Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Dakota State University offensive lineman Grey Zabel (OL50) answers questions at a press conference during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images.

So, Adofo-Mensah signed Will Fries, a guard, and his Indianapolis Colts teammate, Ryan Kelly, a center, two weeks ago. The Vikings’ offensive trenches are mostly solidified.

But what if Minnesota plucks a left guard out of the draft — for Blake Brandel’s spot?

Draft Candidates:
Tyler Booker (Alabama)
Grey Zabel (North Dakota State)
Jonah Savaiinaea (Arizona)
Donovan Jackson (Ohio State)

1. Cornerback

Anxiety diminished when the Vikings re-signed Byron Murphy Jr. and found Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah on the open market.

Texas Longhorns defensive back. Jahdae Barron speaks during a press conference about the win over Alabama 34-24, Monday Morning Sept. 11, 2023. © Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK.

Still, unless the Green Bay Packers release Jaire Alexander and Minnesota pounces, or Minnesota fires off a trade for a player like Denzel Ward of the Cleveland Browns, CB still represents the top long-term roster need.

Draft Candidates:
Jahdae Barron (Texas)
Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina)
Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame)
Maxwell Hairston (CB)
Trey Amos (Ole Miss)
Azareye’h Thomas (Florida State)

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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.