If Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah can't trade down, explosive athletes will be primed for the taking at 24th overall

The 2025 NFL Draft is fast approaching and Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has a lot of different options at his disposal with the 24th overall pick. The prevailing thought for the Vikings is to trade back, but it might not be that easy, a sentiment Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht expressed […]

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Oct 12, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Walter Nolen (2) reaches to knock the ball loose from LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) during the first half at Tiger Stadium.
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The 2025 NFL Draft is fast approaching and Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has a lot of different options at his disposal with the 24th overall pick.

The prevailing thought for the Vikings is to trade back, but it might not be that easy, a sentiment Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht expressed on Thursday during his press conference.

“I do think this year is going to be — I could be wrong — you’re going to see maybe a little less people maybe wanting to move up and offering enough to make it worth your while just because the draft is pretty leveled out at a certain point,” Buccaneers G.M. Jason Licht told reporters on Thursday, during his pre-draft press conference. “You might be able to get the same level of player in the second round as you can in the fourth round at certain positions, so I think you’ll maybe see a little bit less of that.”

We are going to approach things in that way. Who are the best bets for the Vikings to make at 24th overall and why? To do so, I chose to use our consensus board at A to Z Sports to look at who could be available at pick 24. I assumed the top 20 players were off the board. Who would be the best Vikings selections?

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Vikings best fits in the NFL Draft at 24

5. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Scouting Report
A to Z Consensus ranking: 22nd

Burden isn't your standard first round wide receiver prospect. Going into the season, he received some comparisons to Deebo Samuel. Now, those haven't stuck for obvious reasons, but Burden can play. He's great at getting yards after the catch and can separate down the field. Burden isn't the perfect prospect, but he would provide Kevin O'Connell's offense with an element they don't have right now: a true YAC threat.

4. Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

Scouting Report
A to Z Consensus ranking: 29th

The cornerback position is one that the Vikings need to find a way to add youth and upside to. Byron Murphy Jr. is a really good player, but after him is a lot of question marks. Revel is exactly the kind of player that defensive coordinator Brian Flores loves. Revel is tall, long, and explosive in his movements. What's really impressive is how well he recovers across the board. That will go really well for Revel in the NFL.

3. Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

Scouting Report
A to Z Consensus ranking: 23rd

Defensive tackle is a fascinating position for the Vikings. They have three really good starters on the defensive line, but all three of them are the age of 30 or older. Getting youth should be a priority, and Nolen is a really good dart throw to make. He thrives at rushing the passer and getting penetration. His size and athleticism are an elite combination, and he's already really good at stunts, something that Flores prioritizes.

2. Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

Scouting Report
A to Z Consensus ranking: 30th

Safety has been the most common mock draft selection for the Vikings over the last few weeks. The two players that have been linked to the Vikings more than anyone else are: Georgia safety Malaki Starks and Emmanwori. He's a hyper athletic, talented player who can a little bit of everything, but he needs to improve in the box. Working with Harrison Smith could improve that immensely.

1. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

Scouting Report
A to Z Consensus ranking: 28th

The Vikings don't need a linebacker per se, but there are elements Campbell brings to the table that could elevate Flores' defense to a new level. Campbell is a throwback to an old-school linebacker while also having all the coverage ability of a modern-day linebacker. Campbell also gives Flores another player to rush the passer, as his reps as an edge rusher have shown some real potential. Campbell would elevate this defense to the next level.

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