2025 NFL Mock Drafts continue to send Vikings explosive pass rusher who can change everything on defense

The Minnesota Vikings' future when it comes to the NFL Draft is quite an interesting one.  Every team will have some of their needs in free agency and the Vikings are likely to be one of them. They are set to have $58 million in salary cap space with the ability to add more if […]

Tyler Forness NFL & College Football News Writer
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Nov 23, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Walter Nolen (2) and defensive end Princely Umanmielen (1) celebrate a sack against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings' future when it comes to the NFL Draft is quite an interesting one. 

Every team will have some of their needs in free agency and the Vikings are likely to be one of them. They are set to have $58 million in salary cap space with the ability to add more if they so choose.

Even if they fortify all of their needs in free agency, the route they go to acquire talent in the first round will be fascinating to see and mock drafts across the board aren't quite sure what to make of the Vikings.

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Vikings select star DT in latest NFL Mock Draft

The most common positions selected by the Vikings in mock drafts are on the defensive line and at cornerback. A to Z Sports' Adam Holt

has the Vikings going with the former in his mock draft released on Monday with Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen.

Minnesota would be smart to improve their interior on defense, and Nolen has proven to be a game wrecker over the past year. He dominated Senior Bowl week and could really flourish under Brian Flores. I did not have to consider this selection for too long. 


The selection of Nolen isn't a foreign concept for the Vikings. He's been the selection in 15 mock drafts so far this season, which is the fourth-most across 184 mock drafts so far since January 1st. I wrote about this when it comes to Nolen in his scouting report.

Nolen is a really good prospect who has been praised for years as a potential NFL player. From the top overall recruit out of high school to playing three years in the SEC, Nolen is a very talented player that can do a lot of things for you upfront.

With the Vikings' scheme, Nolen would fit in very well as a base 3T/5T on early downs and would be a great interior pass rusher on third downs. This would allow the Vikings to be more explosive as a unit over the course of the game. Imagine him with Jonathan Greenard, Harrison Phillips, and Dallas Turner for the next few years.


If Nolen ends up falling this far, it would be a good thing for the Vikings, especially since he's used to slanting and stunting across the defensive line, both things that Brian Flores likes to do.