Vikings 7-Round NFL Mock Draft: Kevin O’Connell gets a T.J. Hockenson replacement with a plethora of young defenders

Adding a tight end to replace T.J. Hockenson would be a bold decision for the Minnesota Vikings, but it’s one Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could make in April’s NFL Draft.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah watches during an NFL International Series game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Croke Park.
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The Minnesota Vikings have done some damage to their NFL Draft position over the last four weeks, as they have won every game to improve to 8-8. At the time of publishing, the Vikings have the 17th-overall pick in the NFL Draft, which is frustrating for adding talent but not for maintaining a culture.

As the selections of Justin Jefferson and Christian Darrisaw prove, it’s not about where in the first round you get selected, but rather that the player is good. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah doesn’t have the best overall track record, but his process has improved over the last two drafts.

The Vikings have seemingly boundless options in the first round this year. Over the next few months, we will explore all possibilities. These are meant to be thought-provoking exercises, given the NFL Draft’s unpredictability.

This mock draft explores the possibility of adding another weapon for J.J. McCarthy or whoever starts at quarterback. Is that the best idea? Let’s dive into what it could look like.

Minnesota Vikings 7-round NFL mock draft

Round 1, pick 15: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

This is an interesting selection for the Vikings. If they were to make tight end a priority, it would be for two reasons:

  • They moved on from T.J. Hockenson
  • Top defenders were off the board

Sadiq gives the Vikings an intriguing option in the passing game. He is a lethal weapon as a receiver, especially running up the seam with his frame.

One intriguing thing about Sadiq is his plus-blocking ability for a player with his frame. It would be a surprising move to let Hockenson go, but with the salary cap situation the way it is, it’s not impossible.

Round 2, pick 46: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

One of the tough parts about taking a tight end in the first round is not working on the defensive side of the ball. They desperately need to get some young talent in the building on defense. One position that will get a lot of attention is at safety. Harrison Smith is likely to retire, and Josh Metellus needs a more traditional running mate.

McNeil-Warren is precisely that for Brian Flores’ defense. He’s versatile like Smith in attacking the run and is a good tackler in space. Pair him with Metellus, and the Vikings have a smart tandem for the next 5+ years.

Round 3, pick 80: Whit Weeks, ILB, LSU

Looking at this roster, I can make a sound argument that linebacker should be the No. 1 priority on the defense. The season Eric Wilson is having won’t be replicated, nor can you expect it to be. Finding someone who can be a long-term replacement for him should happen early on in the NFL Draft.

Weeks is similar in size and athleticism to Blake Cashman. Weeks could use a few more pounds of muscle to add a little more oomph to his tackles, but once he does, there is a nice package to work with.

Round 3, pick 97 (projected compensatory): Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M

Like safety, cornerback is a position that desperately needs a young player to develop. Byron Murphy Jr. is a good player to anchor the room, but Isaiah Rodgers’ inconsistent play, paired with nobody behind them, makes this a major point of emphasis. Lee has good size and ball skills to thrive in man or zone, something Flores could use.

Round 5, pick 161: Skyler Gill-Howard, DT, Texas Tech

This is an excellent upside pick because Gill-Howard suffered an ankle injury that knocked him out for the rest of the regular season. The Northern Illinois transfer showcased his pass-rush ability on a great defensive line, and getting him this late is a really nice upside play.

Round 6, pick 199: Patrick Payton, EDGE, LSU

Speaking of upside plays, Payton is the ultimate one. Despite playing for the Florida State Seminoles and LSU Tigers, Payton hasn’t put it together, despite being 6-5 and 265 pounds. Give him to a coordinator like Flores to maximize his athletic ability, and it’s a smart bet.

Round 7, pick 231: Bud Clark, S, TCU

If you want a hyper-aggressive ball hawk, Clark is your guy. At 6-2 and 190 pounds, Clark attacks with reckless abandon. He needs some technique refining, and he will get that as a seventh-round pick.

Round 7, pick 241: Bryce Lance, WR, NDSU

Lance is one of the more intriguing players at his position. The brother of Trey, Bryce, is arguably the best player at the FCS level. He’s a legitimate deep threat with great ball tracking skills.

However, playing at the FCS level introduces additional variables into the evaluation. He could go anywhere from fringe top-50 to the end of the draft. Whoever gets him will be thrilled.

Round 7, pick 243: Roman Hemby, RB, Indiana

You could make a good argument that running back should be made a priority. At some point in the NFL Draft, the Vikings should take one. Hemby has proven a lot this year with the Hoosiers, especially running between the tackles.

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