NFL Draft expert gives Vikings interesting haul with a first-round pick that doesn't make much sense
When projecting out how Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will handle the NFL Draft, there are a lot of interesting factors. He seemingly prioritizes: AgeMovement skillsPlaying at a power-four institutionPlay a position of need at a premium of position ESPN's Matt Miller released a seven-round mock draft on Thursday, giving the Vikings an interesting haul. […]
When projecting out how Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will handle the NFL Draft, there are a lot of interesting factors. He seemingly prioritizes:
- Age
- Movement skills
- Playing at a power-four institution
- Play a position of need at a premium of position
ESPN's Matt Miller released a seven-round mock draft on Thursday, giving the Vikings an interesting haul. Let's break it down.
24. Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
The Vikings were aggressive in free agency, so they don't have many glaring needs. But there is concern at cornerback, where signees Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah project more as temporary fixes than long-term solutions. Hairston can definitely be a long-term building block. Not only is he feisty in coverage but he has elite footwork and ran the fastest 40 out of all prospects at the combine (4.28 seconds).
Despite being 5-11, Hairston's long arms can lock down receivers when combined with his quickness. There are size and durability concerns, as he missed five games in 2024 with a shoulder injury, but he has the best movement skills of any corner in this class. The Vikings have to get younger, faster and better at cornerback. Hairston can help them get there and boost their man coverage capabilities.
Hariston is an interesting one. He fits all the criteria above while being the fastest player in the NFL Draft with a 4.28 second 40-yard dash. There is a lot to like about Hairston, but one problem remains: he isn't a good tackler. That likely takes him off of the Vikings' board because it's pivotal that Brian Flores's cornerbacks can tackle.
97. Jalen Rivers, OL, Miami
The Vikings filled immediate needs with Ryan Kelly and Will Fries in free agency, but Rivers has swing tackle potential as a rookie and could develop into a starting left guard.
The Vikings did a great job improving their interior offensive line over the last few weeks, adding center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries while moving on from center Garrett Bradbury and right guard Ed Ingram. As Miller mentions, Rivers has that inside-out versatility that is crucial for a backup player.
139. Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami
This is an interesting one. The Vikings do need to add wide receiver depth across the board, but sending them Restrepo after his disastrous 40-yard dash time is interesting. The Vikings have prioritized really good movement skills, specifically a 40-yard dash under 4.5 seconds.
187. Aeneas Peebles, DT, Virginia Tech
The Vikings did upgrade the defensive line with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, but what they don't have is a lot of high-upside players to fill in behind them. Peebles is an explosive gap shooter who can create havoc quickly off the ball. Good value at pick 187.
Overview
The Vikings did a good job here addressing multiple needs, especially fortifying the trenches. The players that Miller sent the Vikings don't make a ton of sense, especially when this running back class is so flush with talent. Overall, this would be a miss for the Vikings, but it's solid conceptually.
Vikings NFL Draft History: Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s past decisions in Round 1 leave plenty of breadcrumbs for future picks
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s process has evolved through the first three seasons as general manager
Vikings 7-Round Mock Draft highlights multiple trade backs, acquiring more picks with high-upside talent
It’s a likely outcome for the Vikings in April’s NFL Draft
