Vikings Grab The Missing Piece in the Latest Mock Draft
Unless general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah strikes another deal to move pick 24 before the draft, the Vikings enter the event on April 24th with four selections, including the valuable pick in the first round. Finding another long-term contributor is the goal.
Vikings Grab Their Missing Piece in the Latest Mock Draft
Because of the limited number of draft choices, trading down makes a ton of sense this year. Making the first choice a handful of picks later while securing an additional mid-round pick or two seems like the most realistic option at this point.
And that’s exactly what Chris Trapasso from CBS Sports did. In his latest mock draft, he moved down to 30, allowing the Bills to select South Carolina’s safety Nick Emmanwori. The Vikings received picks 30, 109, and a fourth-round pick in 2026 in return.
That 30th pick, Trapasso used to select offensive lineman Grey Zabel from the Univerity of North Dakota State. The analyst wrote, ” After the slide back, in which they net this pick along with a fourth-round pick (No. 109), and a 2026 fourth-rounder, the Vikings pick the super-talented, small-school tackle who’ll play guard in Minnesota. Ideal scheme fit.”
Suddenly, a long-term problem wouldn’t be a problem anymore. The offensive line has been a reason for numerous Vikings losses throughout the last decade. With Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw handling the outside, the interior offensive line has been the issue.
After years of begging, Skol Nation finally watched the organization address the need in free agency, signing not only one but two new linemen. Former Colts blockers Will Fries and Ryan Kelly arrived together in the Twin Cities and will strengthen the pass protection for J.J. McCarthy.
Four of five positions are set for the upcoming season. The one remaining man from last year’s underwhelming interior group? Blake Brandel. He was moved from tackle to guard a couple of years ago and got his first full-time starting experience in 2024. His play was not horrible, but it wasn’t great either.
Brandel likely would’ve been a better solution than some others in the past, but there’s still room to upgrade, and Zabel could do that. Bringing him in could elevate the offensive line to elite territory, and having a front like the Lions or Eagles is enticing.
Zabel is a versatile lineman who can play all over the line. He played tackle in his final college season, but most view him as a guard or even center at the next level. The blocker gained a ton of attention when he dominated at the Senior Bowl.
Considering the current personnel, he would likely compete with Brandel for the starting left guard job in 2025 but could be the team’s long-term center following Kelly’s retirement.
PFF wrote about him, “Zabel is a five-position lineman who brings everything but elite arm length to the position. He is an easy projected starter at center or guard for primarily a zone blocking scheme, but he is well-rounded enough to be run-game versatile.”
The Vikings have the luxury of maintaining complete freedom entering the draft. After filling every gaping roster hole in free agency, they can pick anything between guard, cornerback, safety, or defensive line.
Zabel is about to turn 23 years old and could be on Minnesota’s draft board.
The line of Darrisaw – Zabel – Kelly – Fries – O’Neill is intriguing.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt