The 2025 NFL Draft is still months away and the Vikings are surprising everyone by looking like they could be the best team in the entire NFC, not just the North. Still, there are some positions that need to add some depth elements.
The team's position needs early in the season include a defensive lineman, a cornerback and possibly a wide receiver or running back.
To the Vikings' benefit, these positions have more depth than usual in the upcoming draft cycle. The team could easily find starters at various draft spots and rounds to fill this need. Instead, we will be using the draft order for Monday Night Football. We'll use those too to make the selection and utilize their player pool.
Let the fun begin as we build this roster to get closer to one of the best in the NFL.
Picks the Vikings available for the 2025 NFL Draft
Photo credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
- 28th overall
- 97th overall
- 139th overall
- 163rd overall
Round 1, Pick 28: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
November 2, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson (2) walks off the field after the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Aaron Jones and Cam Akers have been a nice one-two punch for the Vikings this year. They clearly want to involve their running backs in many different facets of the game, so they need someone who is suited to those roles. Kaleb Johnson is built like an ox, has the vision of a carrier pigeon and the engine of a Mustang. He would be so much fun with Kevin O'Connell and JJ McCarthy and also take a lot of pressure off both of them.
Round 3, Pick 97: Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
November 25, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Barrett Carter (0) sacks South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Blake Cashman has emerged as a defensive playmaker with a big motor in the Vikings' defense. When he's outside, they look completely different. Barrett Carter is a bit undersized, but he has a strong motor, can rush the passer and is athletic enough to provide pass coverage. He would be a fun understudy for Cashman.
Round 5, Pick 139: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
September 2, 2023; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Denzel Burke (10) lines up during the NCAA football game at Indiana University Memorial Stadium. Ohio State won 23-3.
Denzel Burke had a very down year in 2024, but in my opinion he is a top candidate for the Brian Flores secondary. Flores would put him in a position to be successful, make plays and cover up his deficiencies well. The team needs some corners to be young and develop, and Burke fits that mold.
Round 5, Pick 163: Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon
Oregon tight end Terrance Ferguson carries the ball for the Ducks as the Oregon Ducks host the Maryland Terrapins at Autzen Stadium on Saturday, November 9, 2024 in Eugene, Oregon.
TJ Hockenson and Josh Oliver are both perfect fits for this offense, but both are getting big money. Obviously Hockenson isn't going anywhere, but if the Vikings move on from Oliver in the final year of his contract, they will save around $8 million in salary cap space. Ferguson could play the Oliver role well for perhaps a tenth of the price, which may be too much to pass up.
