Adam New’s Vikings Mock Draft 2.0 | 2025
Since my first Vikings mock draft of the year, it has been confirmed that the Minnesota Vikings will get a third-round compensatory selection, which will be the 97th overall pick. Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah also fired off a trade with the San Francisco 49ers for running back Jordan Mason.
The Vikings sent the 49ers a 2026 sixth-rounder, while there was also a swap of 2025 fifth-round picks. Minnesota’s 160th overall pick has now become the 187th overall pick.
Adam New’s Vikings Mock Draft 2.0 | 2025
The Vikings are setting themselves up so as not to be concerned about their position in the draft. With only four draft picks as things stand, it would be a surprise if Adofo Mensah were his usual wheeling-dealing self throughout the draft. However, I am refraining from dreaming up any trade scenarios
Round 1: Pick 24 – Grey Zabel (G/C) North Dakota State
Possibly the final piece of the jigsaw for the Vikings offensive line and/or the long-term replacement for Ryan Kelly, Grey Zabel has light feet and can mirror pass rushers while having the strength to latch on and make blocks. His lack of length has him projected to kick him inside from the tackle position he played at the collegiate level, but Zabel could do a job anywhere across the OL.
The potential to start at left guard and maybe eventually kick inside to center in a zone scheme that should suit his strengths should put him on Minnesota’s radar. His draft stock is on the rise after impressing at the Senior Bowl at guard and center. If the Vikings could trade back from 24 and get Zabel while acquiring more draft capital, then this pick becomes even better.
Round 3: Pick 97 – Dorian Strong (CB) Virginia Tech
Adofo-Mensah has drafted a CB in the third or fourth round in every draft since he became the Vikings GM. He rolls the dice again with Dorian Strong, a consistent starter over the past four years when he was healthy for Virginia Tech. He has good height and length at just under 6-foot-1 with just over 31-inch arms.
Strong’s best suited to playing off coverage, where he can stay with receivers and use his own experience as a WR to show a knack for making plays on the ball — including seven career interceptions. Improvement needs to come in run defense, but his tackling has improved the longer he’s played at that position.
Round 5: Pick 139 Kalel Mullings (RB) Michigan
After re-signing Aaron Jones and trading for Jordan Mason, there is no desperate need at running back for the Vikings. However, taking a stab at a loaded RB class still makes sense, and I have Minnesota doing just that with a project with upside in Kalel Mullings. Starting life in Michigan as a linebacker, Mullings transitioned to running back during his third season, changing full-time in 2023 and earning a starting role in 2024.
His inexperience at the position shows up in moments of indecisiveness and a lack of patience, but there is a raw talent to work with. Mullings will have time to develop behind Jones and Mason, where he can hone his ability to make tacklers miss. He welcomes contact and is a tough runner but has minimal experience as a receiver. His defensive background and willingness to engage show promise as a pass blocker.
Round 6: Pick 187 Tim Smith (DT) Alabama
For my final Vikings mock draft selection, at just over 6-foot-4 and 311 pounds, Tim Smith brings ideal size for the NFL and would add depth to the Vikings at nose tackle behind Harrison Phillips. Smith worked his way up in Alabama and started 13 games in 2024.
He lacks the explosiveness to be consistently successful as a pass rusher, but he’d be a big body for the Vikings’ DL depth, as he is a reliable run defender.
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