2025 Draft Grade BThe Vikings entered the draft with only five picks. Many folks thought they might trade down in the first round to score another Day 2 pick, or more. The work that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did in free agency really allowed the team to go with almost any position in the first round. The consensus amongst many draftniks was that the Vikings were going to select a Cornerback or Safety.
However the Vikings selected Donovan Jackson who was one of the top three offensive guards in the rankings. Although selecting a Guard was not the most popular prediction, it did fill an immediate need and it served more than one purpose. The Vikings are going to start JJ McCarthy at Quarterback who has not taken a snap in the NFL to date. He was injured and missed his first season. Providing the best protection possible will help the young Quarterback greatly as he will be able to focus more on the coverage than scrambling around to avoid pressure.
The Vikings did not make any trades before their next pick which was at pick 102. The team selected Wide Receiver Tai Felton from Maryland. This could be considered a bit of a surprise until you realize that Jalen Nailor will be a free agent in 2026 and he might command more of a salary than the Vikings are prepared to offer. As with their RD1 pick, many fans were thinking the team would target safety or corner with pick 102.
On Day 3 the Vikings filled some immediate depth needs at Defensive End/Edge, Inside Linebacker, and Tight End. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins who was their fifth round pick is a Defensive End/Edge from Georgia.
PFF named him as their favorite selection of the Vikings saying 'He is a high-scoring athlete (weight-adjusted) who can play anywhere from 3-technique to 5-technique.".
Looking ahead - 2026 Draft The Vikings contract situations should inform us about what positions they might target early next April. Safeties Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus will both be free agents with Smith likely retiring. They'll also strongly consider cornerback as well.
Mark P, Vikings Analyst -
DrafttekVikings@Gmail.com