2025 NFL Draft: Vikings have a significant interest in elite defensive prospects on first day of Scouting Combine
The National Football League Scouting Combine is a major event on the schedule and it starts with the defensive linemen and linebackers. With this classification, it groups everyone in the front seven: defensive tackles, edge rushers, and off-ball linebackers. They all have different things that you should look for when it comes to athletic thresholds […]
The National Football League Scouting Combine is a major event on the schedule and it starts with the defensive linemen and linebackers.
With this classification, it groups everyone in the front seven: defensive tackles, edge rushers, and off-ball linebackers. They all have different things that you should look for when it comes to athletic thresholds but grouping them together can help some stand out more than others.
The Minnesota Vikings will be glued into this group of players, as they need to fortify the interior of the defensive line. Who should the Vikings keep tabs on? Wednesday morning brings the first media interviews and Thursday night will have their testing occur. These players fit the bill and all could be available for the Vikings at 24th overall.
Michigan DT Kenneth Grant
One of the more popular players for the Vikings at 24th overall is Grant. At 6'-3 and 339 lbs, Grant is a massive player, but his athleticism is very unique for his size. According to Bruce Feldman's Freaks List, Grant has been clocked in with a sub-5.0 40-yard dash when he was 360 lbs and had a max GPS speed of 18.75 mph going into the 2024 season.
When you watch him play football, the explosiveness is evident on many levels. If he puts things together across the board, Grant can thrive at either nose tackle or three technique and a great day of testing could keep him as a high draft pick.
Oregon DT Derrick Harmon
Right now, Harmon is a fringe first-round pick due to his versatility across the line in either an even or odd front. My scouting report of Harmon emphasizes what he can be at the next level.
Harmon is a talented, versatile player who can do a little bit of everything for you. There are some issues to work through, including getting into a little bit better shape. However, the versatility would be a massive factor in the Vikings being interested.
With that versatility, he could be a really intriguing prospect. However, a great day of testing could elevate him to another level.
Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart
Stewart is one of the best prospects in the NFL Draft but he hasn't been getting the love that he should. At 6'-5, 281 lbs, Stewart is a massive force on the interior and on the edge. I fully expect him to have a meteoric rise up draft boards with a great day of testing. but it's worth noting that if Stewart has an average day of testing, he could be available for the Vikings at 24 and he could reshape their defense.
Alabama ILB Jihaad Campbell
An off-ball linebacker? In this economy? Why would the Vikings do this? Simple: rare size and talent combination.
In the modern NFL, you either get a linebacker with great athleticism or great size. Rarely do you get someone who has both. Campbell is 6'-3 and 245 lbs with the ability to be the pole runner up the middle in Tampa-2 while also fitting the run with strength and quickness. You don't find linebackers like this anymore, as most of them are in the 230 lb range.
Do the Vikings need a linebacker? No, but Campbell could elevate them to a different level.
Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams
Edge rusher isn't a position of major need for the Vikings. However, you can make an argument that the Vikings could take an edge rusher in the first round and I did just that last week. If the Vikings were to take an edge rusher, it would be with one of two things in mind:
- They are good at dropping into coverage
- Have the ability to kick inside
Williams is a freaky athlete with very long arms who has the ability to kick inside if needed. He's built like Jonathan Greenard, and having two players with that archetype could give defensive coordinator Brian Flores some dynamic weapons to work with. Plus, Dallas Turner is so good off the ball that it gives him options.
Michigan DT Kenneth Grant could elevate the Vikings’ defensive front under Brian Flores
Adding a high-upside athlete on the defensive line could be a game changer
Vikings selecting EDGE Shemar Stewart in 2025 NFL Draft would send explosive message to quarterbacks everywhere
Stewart could be one of the best defensive linemen in the league
