2025 NFL Offseason: Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings (Last Year: 14-3)

NFL Draft Team Grade: B Grade

Goals Entering the 2025 NFL Draft: The Vikings have just four draft picks, so it would be in their best interest to trade down and accumulate more draft capital. Then again, they have a loaded roster without any weaknesses, so it’s not like they need the extra selections.

2025 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Minnesota tried to move down from No. 24, but no one wanted to trade up. The team eventually was able to accumulate an additional draft pick, though it used a resource to trade for Sam Howell.

As far as the actual draft picks are concerned, the Vikings landed Donovan Jackson with their first-round selection. Some would argue that this was too early for Jackson, but the Lions had interest four picks later. Kevin O’Connell asked Jackson, “How would you like to come and create the best offensive line in the NFL?” If Minnesota’s goal was to create the top blocking unit in the NFL this offseason, then it certainly has appeared to have succeeeded.

Of the other four picks, the Vikings had one “A” grade and three grades at “B” or B-. The “A” grade came via Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, a defensive tackle with loads of potential. Defensive tackle seemed to be the one area Minnesota had to address, and it did that spectacularly.

Overall, this is a difficult grade because the Vikings had so few choices. Considering their limitations, they did well.

NFL Draft Individual Grades:

24. Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State – B Grade

I love what the Vikings have done with their offensive line this offseason. They signed Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, and now they have Donovan Jackson. I like Jackson as a prospect, but thought he could fall to Round 2. I would have chosen one of the safeties, but this is a fine selection.

102. Tai Felton, WR, Maryland – B Grade

Tai Felton is a tall receiver who had surprising speed during his testing drills during the pre-draft process. I had him in the fourth round, and we’re basically in the fourth round with the final pick in the third frame. The Vikings needed receiving depth, so this pick makes sense.

139. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DT, Georgia – A Grade

I had the Vikings drafting Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins at this exact pick. So, I think it obviously makes sense. First of all, the Vikings needed defensive tackle help, and Ingram-Dawkins should be able to contribute this year. And second, Ingram-Dawkins has insane upside, so he was one of my favorite third-day projections.

201. Kobe King, LB, Penn State – B Grade

Kobe King makes sense in this range. The Vikings didn’t need a linebacker, but this seems more for special teams.

202. Gavin Bartholomew, TE, Pittsburgh – B- Grade

The Vikings didn’t have too many draft picks, so it’s a surprise to see them draft a tight end. Then again, they had two on the roster, but I thought this was more for UDFA.

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