The Minnesota Vikings find themselves in a vulnerable position heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. With only four picks available and an aging roster, the team is under intense pressure to maximize its draft capital.
With Just 4 Picks, Who Should the Minnesota Vikings Target in the 2025 NFL Draft?
According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, the Vikings are among those teams that will consider trade-down situations in Round 1, seeking to accumulate additional selections and address various roster needs.
With significant positional cracks and an urge to build for the future, let’s look at which draft prospects the Vikings should pursue and how they can make the most of their picks.
Barnwell believes Minnesota could benefit from dealing with its first-round pick to acquire extra draft assets. A trade-down strategy would allow the Vikings to acquire multiple mid-round picks, giving them the freedom to deal with concerns at defensive tackle, offensive line, and cornerback.
While the team’s management has not officially committed to a confident approach, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has a history of promoting value ahead of positional need. If the perfect trade-down offer comes along, Minnesota could potentially capitalize and acquire more future assets.
Minnesota Vikings 2025 NFL Draft Team Needs
Defensive Tackle
The Vikings have been looking for a territorial disruptor since Dalvin Tomlinson’s exit. They just signed former Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen to a three-year, $60 million contract to fill this hole.
- Potential Target: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
- Last season, Harmon topped all FBS core defensive linemen in quarterback rushes, establishing himself as a destructive force through the middle.
Offensive Line
Improving the internal OL remains a goal. Drafting an energetic lineman like Grey Zabel could assist the team’s zone-blocking strategy.
- Potential Target: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
- Zabel is a versatile lineman who can play both guard and center, making him a perfect match for Minnesota’s zone-blocking strategy.
Cornerback
The Vikings’ secondary has been a concern for several seasons, and with multiple defensive backs about to enter the marketplace, adding a top-tier cornerback is imperative.
- Potential Target: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
- Thomas has been one of the most promising CB prospects during pre-draft workouts, considerably improving his draft status.
The Vikings face an immense challenge in the 2025 NFL Draft, but with the correct approach, they can leverage their low draft resources into a strong basis for the future.
The Vikings can upgrade their team and remain strong in the NFC North by looking into trade-down alternatives, focusing on key positions, and making high-value picks.
Also Read: Browns’ No. 2 Draft Dilemma — Franchise QB Shedeur Sanders or Trade Down for More Picks?
With Barnwell’s insights into Round 1 trades, Minnesota has a clear route to getting more picks and fixing its biggest shortcomings.
If the Vikings follow their strategy correctly, they could leave the draft with a stronger, younger, and more formidable roster.
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