Latest Mock Draft Says Defense for Vikings

Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (23) celebrates with Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) during the Senior Night celebration ahead the Longhorns' game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. © Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK.

Because the Los Angeles Rams booted the Minnesota Vikings out of the playoffs one week ago, the purple team will choose 24th in April’s draft.

Vikings Mock Draft: Latest Edition Says Defense in R1

The team’s primary long-term roster needs, at least on paper, include cornerback, interior defensive line, interior offensive line, and running back.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron (7) celebrates a turnover against Clemson Tigers in the first half of an NCAA College Football Playoffs first round game at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. © Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

And according to The Draft Network‘s latest mock draft, Minnesota will spend its 24th overall pick on defense: cornerback Jahdae Barron from the University of Texas.

TDN’s Mason Johnstone mocked Barron to the Vikings this week and explained, “Brian Flores’ defense receives a gift at pick No. 24 with Jahdae Barron. The versatile Barron was a Swiss army knife for a Texas defense that dominated all year. Flores’ creative use of coverage rotations and pressures will allow Barron to play a similar do-it-all role.

“His elite instincts make him an immediate impact player, whether he’s lining up at nickel, safety, or cornerback. Barron’s ability to contribute in both phases of the game will significantly improve the Vikings’ defense for years to come.”

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.

Weaknesses? Barron can stand to become a better tackler.

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

So, yes, Minnesota will obviously need cornerback help. It’s worth noting that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could somewhat easily re-sign Pro Bowler Byron Murphy, who is scheduled to hit free agency in March, and that would ease the pain quite a bit.

Barron, 23, is 5’11 and known for his versatility, a perk for Minnesota if defensive coordinator Brian Flores returns for Year No. 3 in Minnesota. TDN 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.”

Vikings Mock Draft:
Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores addressed the media from the TCO Performance Center on October 16th, 2024. Flores was hired in February 2023 to take over for Ed Donatell after Minnesota finished 30th in points allowed.

Drafting Barron or his draft counterpart, Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison, could enable the Vikings to showcase a 2025 CB room that looks like something like this:

  • Byron Murphy*
  • 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.

Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Whether it’s Barron, Morrison, or a different rookie cornerback, remember that Minnesota absolutely needs corners this offseason and is probably the team’s keynote need.

The NFL Draft is 94 days away. Johnstone’s mock also featured Miami quarterback Cam Ward to the Tennessee Titans with the first overall pick.


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.