The countdown to the 2025 NFL Draft is on, with just 16 days remaining, and excitement is building across the league. Teams are finalizing their strategies, reviewing their draft boards, and preparing for what promises to be a high-stakes event.
For the Minnesota Vikings, the focus is on how they’ll use their two key picks—Nos. 24 and 97. Despite their lower draft positions, there’s plenty of buzz surrounding the team’s moves to build on their strong free-agent haul.
In this latest edition of our Mock Draft Tracker, we highlight predictions from 25 draft experts, including names like Bucky Brooks and Field Yates. As the draft approaches, South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori has gained momentum, climbing to No. 15 in Daniel Jeremiah’s updated Top 50 rankings. Emmanwori, described as a “massive safety prospect with ideal instincts,” is now a frequent name in mock drafts, with six mentions in this update—two more than Georgia safety Malaki Starks.
Other notable prospects include Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron, who was picked by four experts, along with Florida State’s Azareye’h Thomas and North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel, who appeared three times each. Mississippi’s Trey Amos, East Carolina’s Shavon Revel, Jr., and Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart were each named once, as 25 experts predict Minnesota’s potential draft picks.
A recurring theme in these mock drafts is the possibility of the Vikings trading out of the first round entirely to acquire more picks, given they only have four selections currently.
Here are some of the latest predictions from across the web:
• Nick Baumgardner (The Athletic): Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State, at No. 24. Zabel’s versatility and football IQ make him a standout for Minnesota’s offensive line.
• Cody Benjamin (CBS Sports): Malaki Starks, S, Georgia, at No. 24. Starks could be a long-term safety solution for the Vikings, fitting well into defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ plans.
• Bucky Brooks (NFL.com): Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina, at No. 24. Emmanwori’s potential to develop under Harrison Smith could make him a key part of the defense by 2026.
• Charlie Campbell (Walter Football): Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas, at No. 24. Barron’s ball skills and versatility would provide the Vikings with valuable depth at cornerback.
• Steven Cheah (Barstool Sports): Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M, at No. 24. Stewart’s physicality and potential could be just what the Vikings need to improve their defense.
As Minnesota prepares for the draft, the team faces important decisions with their first-round pick, and the possibility of a trade could reshape their strategy. Stay tuned for more updates as the draft approaches!
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