3 Vikings Draft Predictions: The RD1 Shock, Multiplying Picks, and Locked-In Positions
Admittedly, getting too frisky with the Vikings draft predictions can quickly lead to things getting out of hand. Even the most informed writers can get in trouble if there’s too much hubris standing behind the educated guesses.
Nevertheless, let’s press on, embracing the mystery that is how Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will proceed in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Sitting on just four selections (as you may have heard), Adofo-Mensah is going to need to get creative when it comes to addressing the roster’s shortcomings. Most notably, there’s a need to enhance the quarterback and tight end depth. So, too, could there be a need for help at corner, safety, linebacker, defensive line, guard, and running back. What kind of haul can be expected from the 2025 NFL Draft for the Vikings?
3 Vikings Draft Predictions
Prediction #1 — A RD1 Shock Seems Likely
Journey back to 2022. Sitting at No. 12, the hope for many was to see Kyle Hamilton become a Viking, following in the footsteps of fellow Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith. Everything was going perfectly with Hamilton tumbling out of the top ten before … Kwesi Adofo-Mensah swapped his No. 12 pick with the Detroit Lions for No. 32 (alongside further picks being sent in each direction).
Clearly, the new GM wasn’t afraid of ruffling a few feathers in Minnesota. Clearly, the new GM was willing to be bold in the opening round of a draft.
The Lewis Cine debacle was instructive insofar as it illuminated Adofo-Mensah’s willingness to think outside the box. Opting for Jordan Addison in 2023 was a minor surprise, perhaps, given the strength of the receiver position in Minnesota. What was a major surprise was the decision to aggressively jump up for Dallas Turner in 2024, a move few (if any) saw coming.
If there’s to be a shock in 2024, I say it’s linebacker Jihaad Campbell at No. 24 for the Vikings (read more).
Prediction #2 — The Vikings Will Multiply the Picks
Not really going out on a limb with this one, am I? Allow me to get more specific.
Currently, the team has four draft selections: No. 24 (1st), No. 97 (3rd), No. 139 (5th), and No. 187 (6th). Before it’s all said and done, Adofo-Mensah pushes his pick total to seven overall, coming close to doubling the current number. He does so by putting together three trades.
One more curveball: the trades don’t all go in the same direction. Look for a pair dropping down to acquire more picks and then one moving up to snag a coveted player, dipping into the 2026 picks to facilitate the climb.
A fun fact is that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has never finished a draft without trading up at least once. The streak continues in 2025.
Prediction #3 — Two Positions are Locked In
Minnesota walks away with a pair of positions getting reinforcements: tight end and corner.
Right now, there are just two tight ends calling Minnesota home. Thankfully, both of T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver are in the prime of their careers and both are excellent players. Good spot to be, having those two. Nevertheless, more depth is needed, so I’ll insist that a tight end at some point is a lock.
So, too, will I predict that a corner is coming somewhere. The 1st, perhaps, but not guaranteed. If it doesn’t happen in the 1st, it will happen somewhere. Consider the GM’s track record when it comes to the corner position and drafts:
- 2022: Andrew Booth (2nd), Akayleb Evans (4th)
- 2023: Mekhi Blackmon (3rd)
- 2024: Khyree Jackson (4th)
Look for the trend to continue. Inserting a youngster into the mix within the secondary seems like a wise move for a group that’s being led by veterans aplenty.
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K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on social media (Bluesky & Twitter). If you feel so inclined, subscribe to his Substack, The Vikings Gazette, for more great Vikings content.