Minnesota Vikings 7-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft 5.0: Kwesi Adofo-Mensah trades down and loads up at running back, cornerback
The Minnesota Vikings are in a fascinating position when it comes to the NFL Draft. So much of it will depend on what they do in free agency We have taken a look at a lot of different paths to the Vikings adding talent in the NFL Draft, but we have yet to do a […]
The Minnesota Vikings are in a fascinating position when it comes to the NFL Draft. So much of it will depend on what they do in free agency
We have taken a look at a lot of different paths to the Vikings adding talent in the NFL Draft, but we have yet to do a mock draft where they trade down. In our latest mock draft, the Vikings trade down twice and make seven selections.
Trade: Vikings send pick 24 to the New England Patriots for picks 38, 69, and 105
38. Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The Vikings trade down with the Patriots and get two extra picks in return. Plus, the talent gap between picks 24 and 38 isn't that high in this class. They now have two third-round picks, a fourth-round pick, and two fifth round picks.
With their first pick in this draft, they get a guy in Harmon who can help the pass rush on the interior. More importantly, he's a three down player as Harmon is very good at stopping the run. The Michigan State transfer needs to learn how to finish in the backfield, but he creates havoc, which is the most important thing.
69. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
This is a great running back class. There are upward of 30 that could get the call on draft weekend, which is an absurdly high number. It's a special group that is as good as is due to the advent of NIL and the remnants of the free pandemic year.
The Vikings can take a running back in multiple spots in this draft, but the sweet spot is going to be on the back half of day two, as these guys likely go at the top of the second round in a normal running back year.
Henderson only falls down this far because he's had some injuries during his college career. However, Henderson has a great profile. He looks to be a 4.4 speed guy with legit power and the best pass blocking from a college running back I've ever seen. Henderson can be the top back in a committee.
97. Jack Bech, WR, TCU
You might be asking yourself why the Vikings would take a wide receiver in the third round. It's not a pressing need, especially since the Vikings have plenty of those. However, there is one reason they would take one: Bech compares favorably to Puka Nacua.
Is he going to be everything that Nacua is for the Rams? That's way too much pressure to put on a player. However, his ball skills, ability to box out and attack football paired with his route running and willingness to block all match up as things that O'Connell can maximize in his offense. Sometimes, the fit just makes too much sense and at 97, it's worth it.
Trade: The Vikings trade pick 105 to the Arizona Cardinals for picks 114 and 169
124. Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
Scouting Report
You might have seen Quincy Riley a few times in these mock drafts and for good reason. He's arguably my favorite prospect ever. His tape is loaded with talent all across the board. He can play nickel and outside cornerback with major effectiveness.
The best part about Riley's tape? He is an aggressive, physical player who has great ball skills with 13 interceptions and 34 passes batted down. Riley will punch you in the mouth and come back for seconds every time. That type of aggressiveness is perfect for how Flores likes to call his defense.
140. Charles Grant, OL, William & Mary
You might be thinking why the Vikings haven't drafted an interior offensive lineman yet. Well, O'Connell may want improvement (as he should!), but general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said that growth isn't linear. Expect an improvement at right guard along with the return of Christian Darrisaw to be the majority of their improvement.
However, they should still try to add talent and Grant is a player that can do a little bit of everything. He was a tackle in college and has the length to play that position in the NFL, but is a little shorter than what you'd prefer. Most see him transitioning inside to guard and that fits the Vikings very well
161. Justin Walley, CB, Minnesota
The Vikings need to add players in the secondary in droves. Cornerback is a position that is incredibly important on an NFL team and the Vikings need talent at the position to thrive.
They are likely going to spend a lot of money on the secondary in free agency, meaning getting future players is a smart bet. Walley is going to fly under the radar, but he's a good football player with size, athleticism, and ball skills. Walley can be a steal in the fifth round and a potential future starter.
169. Breshard Smith, RB, SMU
This one is going to feel weird. Why would the Vikings take a second running back in this class? It's that good. The Green Bay Packers did so in 2017 with Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones and they both worked out.
Smith was a wide receiver at Miami FL before switching to running back and will give plenty of analysts vibes of Tyrone Tracy. When he runs routes, you can blatantly see the advanced nuance in his route running and his explosive profile. This is the kind of player to take a chance on in the fifth round.
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