The 2025 NFL Draft is just over a month away, and although the Minnesota Vikings don’t have many picks to work with this year, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could still surprise us with some bold moves during draft weekend.
There are specific positions the Vikings are likely to focus on next month, particularly along the interior of the offensive and defensive lines. Recently, Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune reported that Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon has become a priority target for the Vikings.
The Vikings also have needs in the secondary and at wide receiver, areas where they are expected to address in the draft. Goessling also shared on Twitter that Baylor wide receiver Monaray Baldwin is another name to watch.
Baldwin spent four seasons at Baylor, recording 99 catches for 1,673 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also rushed or caught passes behind the line of scrimmage 19 times, adding 178 yards and 2 touchdowns. His standout season came in 2023, as a junior, with 38 receptions for 623 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Looking at his highlights, it’s clear that Baldwin fits a specific type of wide receiver the Vikings are targeting for Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Like Rondale Moore, who was recently signed in free agency, Baldwin is a speedy, shorter player, listed at 5’9″ and running a 4.32 40-yard dash at the Big 12 Pro Day.
After his strong showing, Baldwin met with Vikings representatives at the event. He could bring a level of shiftiness and elusiveness to the Vikings’ offense that has been missing since the current regime took over.
While wide receiver might not seem like an immediate priority, it’s becoming clear that the Vikings need to address the position both for the present and the future. Jordan Addison, who turned 23 last month and is entering his third season, has proven he was worth the first-round pick Minnesota spent on him in 2022. However, due to an expected suspension following his DUI arrest last offseason, he will likely miss three games this season.
Looking ahead, it’s unlikely the Vikings will extend Addison once his rookie contract expires, especially with Justin Jefferson earning $35 million annually. As a result, wide receiver has become an important focus for the Vikings this offseason, even if it doesn’t seem like an immediate need.
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