The Minnesota Vikings are laying the groundwork for a promising 2025 season, with head coach Kevin O’Connell making strategic roster upgrades to ensure his team is ready by September. Coming out of the NFL Draft, the Vikings earned generally positive feedback for their selections, although ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. handed them a modest B- grade.
Still, Kiper acknowledged that Minnesota has “one of the NFL’s most talented rosters surrounding one of the biggest question marks of 2025” — referring to quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the 2024 first-round pick who missed his rookie year with a knee injury. All signs suggest the Vikings are prepared to make McCarthy their guy under center.
Beyond the quarterback spotlight, the Vikings are earning praise for shoring up their offensive line — particularly the interior.
Vikings Applauded for Key Signings on the Offensive Line
In a May 5 ESPN feature, the outlet’s NFL Nation team spotlighted each franchise’s most improved unit following the draft. Their findings were based on a panel of over 80 experts including writers, editors, and on-air talent. For Minnesota, Kevin Seifert highlighted the revamped interior offensive line as a major win — noting that the team climbed 10 spots in post-free agency power rankings as a result.
A big part of that improvement came from signing veteran linemen Ryan Kelly and Will Fries. “The Vikings overhauled all three interior O-line positions, committing $106 million in free agency to bring in center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries,” Seifert reported.
Fixing a Critical Weakness
Last season, Minnesota struggled heavily in the trenches, especially at center and guard. O’Connell clearly recognized that and moved aggressively to fix it. The Vikings also used their first-round pick on Donovan Jackson, who is expected to take over at left guard.
Seifert pointed out that the team’s interior line ranked in the bottom 10 in run block win rate last year — a glaring weakness now being addressed. With the additions of Jackson, Kelly, and the return of 2021 first-round left tackle Christian Darrisaw and 2018 second-rounder Brian O’Neill at right tackle, Minnesota could roll into Week 1 with one of the most talent-loaded offensive lines in the league.
Looking ahead, the 2025 NFL season kicks off on Thursday, September 4, with the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles set to host the league’s opening game. Their opponent has yet to be announced.
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