Vikings 7-round mock draft after first wave of free agency showcases new strategy for GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah
The first wave of free agency is over and the Minnesota Vikings look like a completely different team. Not only did they fill just about every hole on the roster, they brought in some high-end talent at those positions and now have arguably the best defense in the National Football League. With the core of […]
The first wave of free agency is over and the Minnesota Vikings look like a completely different team.
Not only did they fill just about every hole on the roster, they brought in some high-end talent at those positions and now have arguably the best defense in the National Football League.
With the core of the roster set up for success both in 2025 and long term, things have changed in how the Vikings will view the NFL Draft. Right now, the Vikings can truly go best player available and feel more comfortable trading back, both of which they do in our latest mock draft
33. Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Vikings trade pick 24 to the Cleveland Browns for picks 33 and 67
The Vikings scored a trade to get just outside of the first round with the Cleveland Browns and the board didn't fall the best for them. However, there is still talent available. When it comes to the true best player available, an edge rusher can make some sense.
Scourton is a physical player on the edge who can attack you in multiple ways. His 2023 tape at Purdue is a better representation of who he can be at the next level, as Texas A&M had him gain a bunch of weight and play a more run-focused approach. The Vikings do need some depth at edge rusher and, while it might not be the best use of capital to take depth at edge rusher, it does allow them to move on from Andrew Van Ginkel after the season along with having Dallas Turner be a more versatile player off the ball.
67. Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
Cornerback should still be a priority for the Vikings. Yes, they added a high-upside talent in Rodgers, but he shouldn't prevent the Vikings from trying to upgrade the position.
Porter is an interesting prospect. While he is 24 years old, Porter has only played three seasons at the cornerback position, which makes him the rare older prospect with real upside. He is probably a better fit for zone schemes, which is what the Vikings run under defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
97. Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State
Wide receiver three is a spot the Vikings should try to upgrade this offseason. Jalen Nailor is a solid player, but he's both inconsistent and set to be a free agent after the 2025 season. They could end up keeping him, but finding depth right now along with a number three for the future.
Horton spent three years at Colorado State after two years at Nevada when he followed head coach Jay Norvell. Horton provides a lot of versatility to the wide receiver room while handling a heavy volume. That versatility is going to be crucial for Kevin O'Connell's offense.
139. Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
If you've been reading my work for a while, then you already know how I feel about Riley. He's one of my favorite prospects and I believe he will be a huge steal when he likely goes during day three.
Despite suffering an ankle injury that plagued him in 2024, Riley was still solid across the board playing both at nickel on the outside. He can do everything for you at cornerback, especially attack the football with 13 interceptions and 34 passes defended in his career. He also fits the profile that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has targeted lately.
187. Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech
Running back isn't the most important position for the Vikings to target in the NFL Draft after the trade for Jordan Mason on Saturday night. The move fortified the last remaining major hole for the Vikings. However, that doesn't mean the Vikings won't draft one.
Brooks provides an element that the current room doesn't have: great ability in the receiving game. Jones is solid in that element, but Brooks is great in the receiving game while also showing promise as a runner. He's been mostly used out of the shotgun, but his growth in the run game should have many excited.