After two straight losses, the Minnesota Vikings have fallen to third place in the ultra-competitive NFC North division. While that sounds bad — and there’s certainly a lot for the team to be alarmed about given their performances the past two weeks — that still has the Vikings in the playoffs.
It’s not yet time for the Vikings or their fans to give up on the season and start setting their sights on the 2025 NFL Draft. That said, it’s never too early to start familiarizing yourself with the prospects available and the potential stars the draft could bring.
The Vikings are in a bit of a pickle regarding the 2025 NFL Draft. Thanks to several trades, Minnesota is currently sitting with just three picks in next year’s draft and only one of them — a first-round pick — in the first two days of the draft.
Minnesota will likely receive a third-round compensatory pick for losing quarterback Kirk Cousins and outside linebacker Danielle Hunter in free agency, but that still doesn’t leave them with much capital to improve their team. So, what direction might the Vikings take in the 2025 NFL Draft?
NFL Draft expert Kyle Crabbs with The 33rd Team has the Vikings picking up some help along the defensive line in his latest mock draft. With the 26th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Crabbs has the Vikings taking defensive tackle Walter Nolen out of Ole Miss, saying:
Thanks to Brian Flores’ schemes and disguises, Minnesota’s front is dangerous already. But adding a disruptive talent up front like Walter Nolen feels like a dream come true, thanks to the potential free runs he can get.
Add in the disruptive ability when Minnesota still drops into coverage. Nolen could totally change the complexion of the Vikings’ front.
The Vikings made a trade on Tuesday with the Jacksonville Jaguars to acquire left tackle Cam Robinson, but that should have no impact on the Vikings’ 2025 NFL Draft plans. Robinson is likely just a one-year rental, as his contract expires after the season, and there’s no reason to believe injured tackle Christian Darrisaw won’t recover.
The Vikings didn’t give up any of their limited draft capital in 2025 to make the deal, either, so that likely doesn’t play into their decision-making process. The Vikings have several areas of need heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, but bolstering the defensive line up front is a smart direction.