With the free agency frenzy coming to a close, it’s time for the Vikings to shift their focus to the draft. The Vikings have been active in free agency and have arguably been the most improved team during the period, with significant additions on both lines. They began with deals for a pair of Colts offensive linemen—guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly—who were part of one of the league’s top units a year ago. The Vikings then made additions to the defensive line, bolstering a lackluster group with former Pro Bowlers Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, adding serious pass-rush juice.
Now, the Vikings have shifted to making moves along the margins, starting with a trade for 49ers running back Jordan Mason, who led the league in rushing for the first six weeks while filling in for an injured Christian McCaffrey. Their latest move was a one-year addition of former 2020 third overall pick, cornerback Jeff Okudah.
These additions were made possible by rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy’s rookie deal, which gave the Vikings ample cap space to operate this offseason, forming a Super Bowl-caliber roster. So, with such a deep roster, what should the Vikings do about the draft? Well, it’s quite simple: BPA.
Best Player Available needs to be the Vikings’ draft strategy this April, with so many needs already filled via free agency and trade. This is a deep draft class at various positions like defensive tackle, offensive line, running back, receiver, and safety. So there is no need to reach for a player in this draft. In fact, a trade back could be viable, with GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah only having four picks at his disposal—and only one top-100 pick (Round 1, Pick 24).
There are a few options for the Vikings to trade back in the first round, including the Buffalo Bills (Pick 30) and the Chiefs (Pick 31). Both teams have glaring needs at deep positions in the class, with the Chiefs needing help along both lines and the Bills needing to bolster a weak secondary. A trade back of 7 or 8 spots won’t garner a huge haul, with Sports Reference’s draft trade chart projecting the Vikings’ first-round pick to be valued at a late first, a third, and a late-round pick swap.
If this is the strategy the Vikings implement, the additional picks will be used to add depth and security to an already stacked roster. With that in mind, here are a few players at key positions the Vikings need to consider in the draft:
Round 1 Pick 24 / Trade Down Options:
Shavon Revel, Cornerback, East Carolina
- Draft Projection: Late 1st – 3rd round
- Height: 6’3”
- Weight: 193 lb
- Class: Sr.
- Age: 22
With recent news about the Vikings’ potential pursuit of former Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., the likelihood of drafting a corner early seems low. However, Revel is an intriguing prospect, with a large frame paired with speed and athleticism. Coming into the year, Revel was projected as an early first-round pick with traits similar to All-Pro corner Sauce Gardner—until he tore his ACL in the third game of the season against Appalachian State. He played against lower-level competition in the American Conference and struggled in zone coverage, often reacting late. Still, due to his physical traits and ability as a press-man corner, he could be a great fit in Brian Flores’ aggressive defense and a valuable addition to the Vikings’ weak cornerback room.
Donovan Jackson, Guard, Ohio State
- Draft Projection: Mid – Late 1st
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 320 lb
- Class: Sr.
- Age: 22
The offensive line shouldn’t be at the top of the Vikings’ priority list after signing Kelly and Fries. However, there is still a hole at left guard. Jackson is a versatile lineman who has been consistent throughout his career, possessing textbook technique that gives him a high floor as a starting guard. During Ohio State’s championship run, Jackson filled in for injured left tackle Josh Simmons, which could prove useful with Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw coming off a torn ACL and MCL.
Nick Emmanwori, Safety, South Carolina
- Draft Projection: Mid 1st – Early 2nd
- Height: 6’3”
- Weight: 227 lb
- Class: Jr.
- Age: 21
Emmanwori is a wild card this draft season, shooting up draft boards after putting up eye-popping numbers at the Combine. His size and speed combination is enticing, and he flashed playmaking upside this year with four interceptions—returning two for touchdowns—and two pass deflections. One of these years, Harrison Smith is going to retire, and the Vikings need to fill his role soon. Emmanwori’s style is very similar to Smith’s: a big-bodied safety with the versatility to play all over the field but who excels closer to the ball as a sub-linebacker.
Derrick Harmon, Defensive Tackle, Oregon
- Draft Projection: Mid 1st – Early 2nd
- Height: 6’5”
- Weight: 310 lb
- Class: Jr.
- Age: 21
Harmon is a large three-technique defensive tackle who has demonstrated high football IQ, which will aid his development. However, he only has one year of NFL-level production—his first year at Oregon after transferring from Michigan State, where he redshirted his freshman year and was a rotational player in 2023. If the Vikings draft Harmon, he likely wouldn’t play much as a rookie, similar to last year’s first-round pick, Dallas Turner. With Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in place for the short term, Harmon could develop behind them and become a capable run-stuffer alongside veteran (and soon-to-be free agent) defensive tackle Harrison Phillips.
Other Notable Names:
DT Walter Nolen, CB Will Johnson, DT Kenneth Walker, OL Grey Zabel, S Malaki Starks
Day 2 and 3 Options:
Shemar Turner, Defensive Tackle, Texas A&M
- Draft Projection: Day 2 Pick
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 300 lb
- Class: Sr.
- Age: 22
High-energy, high-effort defensive tackle who lacks ideal size and production at the collegiate level. Projects as a developmental prospect who could thrive in Flores’ aggressive defense.
Nohl Williams, Cornerback, California
- Draft Projection: Day 2 Pick
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: 200 lb
- Class: Sr.
- Age: 22
Press-man corner with length and ball skills that could translate well to Flores’ defense, but lacks versatility in zone coverage and support in the run game.
Jaylin Lane, Wide Receiver, Virginia Tech
- Draft Projection: Day 3 Pick
- Height: 5’10”
- Weight: 196 lb
- Class: Grad.
- Age: 23
Speedy slot receiver with return experience, having taken two returns to the house in college. Could replace Jalen Nailor (a free agent after this year) as the WR3 next season.
Other Notable Names:
WR Jimmy Horn Jr., RB Bhayshul Tuten, OL Wyatt Milum, S Zion Childress
