The Minnesota Vikings made seven selections in the 2024 NFL Draft with a focus on premium positions. They started at quarterback by selecting Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy and doubled down in the first round with Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner. They traded up for both players and those trades have been relatively controversial.
One of the intriguing things about the world of the NFL is how it never stops. You end up moving forward to the next NFL Draft class pretty quickly. There isn’t a big break for scouts and front offices to take as the 2025 class has already been started. When you are looking at the 2024 NFL Draft class, you make notes and focus more on them later on.
Their draft strategy in 2024 explains a lot when you look at the 2025 NFL Draft class.
Going into the 2025 NFL Draft, the biggest strengths look to be
This could change over the course of the next few months with the college football season. This is strictly a projection but it looks really promising.
These are the top needs for the Vikings currently.
The only way this changes is if J.J. McCarthy doesn’t work out.
Having Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill will keep this low. Plus, they now have a swing tackle in Walter Rouse.
This is a deep group but if Bynum moves on after the season and Harison Smith retires, it could rise up the ranks.
Taking Dallas Turner with the 17th overall pick after signing Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel is a good room with potential developmental pieces in Andre Carter II and Gabriel Murphy.
Once T.J. Hockenson is healthy, the only real question about the group will be it’s depth and Josh Oliver is still under contract for two more years.
A lot of really good players in the room but some expiring contracts with Byron Murphy Jr. and Shaquil Griffin.
Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr. are good players at the top of the room but they don’t have depth at the position. Plus, are we sure that Pace is going to be a long-term starter?
Aaron Jones is on a one-year deal and there is a lot of uncertainty about Ty Chandler and DeWayne McBride.
The top two are set with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but there isn’t much after those two with Brandon Powell and Jalen Nailor the top candidates at WR3.
RIght now, Blake Brandel is your starting left guard and there are still question marks about both Garrett Bradbury and Ed Ingram. The hopes are that the Vikings will sign one heading into the season.
Outside of Harrison Phillips, this group is void of talent. It’s a bunch of players who are rotational guys at best. They need a talent influx here in the worst way.
