With the draft just over a week away, the Minnesota Vikings’ plans are starting to come into focus. The team filled several key needs in free agency by adding veteran interior offensive linemen Will Fries and Ryan Kelly, as well as defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.
Thanks to those moves, the Vikings are now in a better position than they’ve been in years to draft based on talent rather than need—commonly referred to as taking the “best player available.” While that phrase is often used by NFL execs, it’s not always realistic when teams have glaring holes to fill. Unless a generational talent like Lawrence Taylor, Reggie White, Barry Sanders, or Aaron Donald falls into your lap, drafting purely on talent can backfire.
Even in those rare cases, teams didn’t always know they were picking future legends. Giants GM George Young said he only had a feeling about Taylor before the 1981 draft. Similarly, 12 teams passed on Aaron Donald in 2014 before the Rams landed what turned out to be one of the greatest defensive players ever.
For the Vikings, the most pressing need isn’t necessarily one to address in the first round. Their biggest hole is at backup quarterback—a role that likely needs to be filled by an experienced veteran. The top options remain Kirk Cousins, who’s now in Atlanta, and Aaron Rodgers. Both come with potential headaches, but relying solely on rookie J.J. McCarthy without a solid backup could spell disaster.
The Vikings only have four picks in the draft: one each in the first (No. 24), third, fifth, and sixth rounds. That limited draft capital makes it worth considering a trade-down from No. 24. Moving down to secure a second- and a third- or fourth-round pick could offer better overall value, especially since elite talent might not be available at that spot.
Key remaining needs include edge rusher, defensive back, and wide receiver. While top pass rushers like Mykel Williams, James Pearce, and Shemar Stewart will likely be gone by No. 24, second-round targets such as Landon Jackson (Arkansas), JT Tuimoloau (Ohio State), and Jordan Burch (Oregon) could still provide a strong return. Trading down could allow the Vikings to pick up one of those edge defenders and still grab additional help at corner or wideout.
With Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison locked in as the top two receivers, Minnesota still lacks reliable depth behind Jalen Nailor. Adding two more pass catchers would help set McCarthy up for success.
Having addressed major needs through free agency, the Vikings must now approach the draft with strategy and precision—this year’s class needs to produce at least three rookies capable of making a real impact in 2025.
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