Vikings 7-Round NFL Mock Draft: How the NFL Scouting Combine has impacted Minnesota’s plans
We saw some impressive performances, and it could have serious implications on the Minnesota Vikings.
The Minnesota Vikings are a fascinating team to look at going into the NFL Scouting Combine.
We have already seen a couple of rumors surface surrounding the Vikings. The first being that interim general manager Rob Brzezinski is having trade discussions surrounding defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. Doing so would save $4 million more on the salary cap than cutting him would.
The other big rumor circulating is a potential trade for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson. Making that move would be a major paradigm shift for the Vikings, but it would give them more upside in their quarterback room.
As we are through the NFL Scouting Combine, here’s what a Vikings mock draft could look like.
Minnesota Vikings 7-round NFL mock draft
18. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
In recent simulations that I’ve done, Delane hasn’t been available. After seeing linebackers and defensive linemen test on Thursday, seeing Delane drop this far may actually become a reality, because other players have raised their draft stock.
Delane is one of the better defenders in the class. He is a man coverage cornerback who thrives at staying with wide receivers and attacking the football. One thing that could end up hurting his draft stock is athleticism. On tape, he doesn’t look as athletic as the likes of Avieon Terrell and Jermod McCoy, but he plays with a high football IQ, and thrives in man coverage.
49. A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU
Safety is a position that the Vikings need to address. Even if Harrison Smith chooses to play one more year, they still need a long-term plan at the position. Ideally, getting someone who thrives as a center fielder should be the priority.
Haulcy fits the bill. He was a ball hawk for the Tigers this past season with three interceptions and four passes defended, and he was even better for the Houston Cougars in 2024 with five interceptions and eight passes defended. Adding that kind of profile would be a massive addition to Brian Flores’ defense.
82. Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
The Vikings don’t have any size at wide receiver, but head coach Kevin O’Connell prioritizes things that most taller receivers can’t do: run twitchy routes and create separation down the field. Brazzell is a much different player than a standard X-receiver who stands at 6-5. He runs routes in short spaces with explosiveness and twitch, with the ability to be a burner down the field. He will need some time to grow with his route tree after spending two years at Tennessee, but there is a really nice profile to work with.
97. Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt
Louis starts a run of interesting players on the back end. He’s an interesting player from both a size and skill set perspective. He’s 6-0 tall and 220 pounds, and plays both like an overhang safety and off-ball linebacker. He plays a similar game to Josh Metellus, which in itself would be a fascinating way for Flores to maximize mismatches on the back end. Versatility is a huge element of his defense, and Louis would bring that in droves.
161. Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
Why not double down on a versatile player on the second level? Harold Perkins Jr. had a dynamite true freshman season that had some believing he could move to edge rusher, but his 6-1 and 220-pound frame isn’t built for that. He also tore his ACL in 2024, pushing his stock down even more. What he can do is thrive as a blitzer and in space, and Flores can develop the rest of his game.
195. Kage Casey, OT, Boise State
Offensive line is an interesting spot for the Vikings. They have four starters guaranteed for next season, but the two positions that are uncertain are swing tackle and starting center. Casey is an intriguing prospect who played tackle for the Broncos, but might be better suited kicking inside. With the ability to play tackle, Casey would be able to play four or five positions, which would be huge in his journey to make the team.
234. Deven Eastern, DT, Minnesota
Eastern went to the Senior Bowl without a lot of recognition nationally, and his improved performance each day was big for him. He’s tall at 6-5 and 315 pounds, while also having 34″ arms. He can play across the line of scrimmage in an odd front as a run stuffer. There likely isn’t a ton of pass rush juice to his game, but a potential plus run stuffer is plenty of value at 234th overall.
235. Ahmari Harvey, CB, Clemson
Harvey is a member of the All Forno team, and he is everything I want in a cornerback. While he’s slightly undersized, it’s how he plays that matters the most. He is a physical player with all the dog in the world. Nobody is going to intimidate him, and he will attack any wide receiver who steps up to him. He attacks the football with aggression, and it’s an impressive package.
244. Riley Nowakowski, TE, Indiana
Tight end isn’t going to be a major priority for the Vikings unless they move on from T.J. Hockenson this offseason. If they do, it likely vaults to being a day two pick. Getting competition at TE3 is a likely priority. Nowakowski is both a willing blocker and an underrated pass catcher who thrived with Fernando Mendoza.