Vikings 7 round Mock Draft ahead of free agency takes shocking approach to address minor need
Free agency is about to begin in just a few day and the Minnesota Vikings are prepared to make a huge splash with $63 million in cap space. Now, that number is pending the two-year contract extension given to safety Theo Jackson. Right now, there isn't a clear path to how the Vikings will handle […]
Free agency is about to begin in just a few day and the Minnesota Vikings are prepared to make a huge splash with $63 million in cap space. Now, that number is pending the two-year contract extension given to safety Theo Jackson.
Right now, there isn't a clear path to how the Vikings will handle free agency. Why is that? There are a lot of really intriguing paths for the VIkings because of the depth at multiple positions. If they miss a couple top targets, they can pivot to plan B or C.
That leaves the NFL Draft. With so many draft target questions about to be answered, it's a good time to explore a unique, potentially crazy scenario. If the Vikings choose to go best player available and it's a wide receiver, what does a draft look like if they take that player? Let's explore that possibility.
24. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Let's break this down. Wide receiver isn't a big need for the Vikings. You could argue it's a minor one at best. However, they do need to upgrade the position. Jalen Nailor is on the final year of his deal as the WR3 and his play was inconsistent in 2024. Plus, they need to address the depth at the position with both Brandon Powell and Trent Sherfield being free agents.
The NFL Draft is about acquiring talent and there is a real chance Burden is the best player on the board. He is an explosive player who has garnered many comparisons to Deebo Samuel with his elite ability to create explosive plays with the ball in his hands. That element is important, as the Vikings don't really have a YAC guy on the roster. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison can do it, but their forte is getting open with route running.
Speaking of Addison, the Vikings are going to be bracing for a potential suspension for Addison. A projected three-game suspension isn't why you take a guy in the first round, but it does help the position on a short and long-term level.
97. C.J. West, DT, Indiana
The defensive tackle position should get upgraded in some way by the Vikings, including in the NFL Draft. How they choose to do that is currently up in the air. The preferred path (before free agency) is getting one with pass rush juice and they accomplish that in a unique way.
West played at Kent State before Indiana and was mainly used as a nose tackle. However, he tested extremely well at 316 lbs and should have a little bit of juice available to unlock at the next level.
140. Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
I don't think I can say enough good things about Riley. While many have him ranked as a day-three player, I believe he has the talent to be considered a fringe first-round player. That's a significant disconnect, but I am very confident that Riley will be really good in the pros.
Riley thrives in both man and zone coverage, but he takes things up a notch when it comes to attacking the ball. Riley has 13 interceptions and 34 passes defended in his career and will attack it relentlessly. Last year, I had a second round pick on his teammate Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and he was taken at 146th overall. It would be insane value at this spot.
161. LeQuint Allen, RB, Syracuse
The running back class right now is absolutely insane and loaded with talent. Players that would normally be day two picks are going to be available on day three. We saw this happen in 2017 when Aaron Jones fell to the end of the fifth round.
Allen was incredibly productive at Syracuse and thrived in all facets of the game, especially as a receiver. He doesn't have elite speed to hit home runs, but his versatility is excellent and the three down ability is a huge benefit for a player at this spot. The other intriguing element is his age, as Allen won't turn 21 until a few weeks into training camp.
