The Minnesota Vikings have commenced their offseason, with fans experiencing a unique blend of anticipation and melancholy. The players and staff within team headquarters are eager to leverage the momentum from the successful 2024 season. The Vikings have been demonstrating that they are on an upward trajectory, particularly in the NFC North. The question now is, which draft choices could further tilt the balance towards victory in 2025?
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the general manager, has already scored with free agency. The challenge next confronting him is to select winning drafts. Dallas Turner is starting to make his mark on the squad. Improvements are visible with J.J. McCarthy, but more efforts on the draft front are necessary. This attempt at a mock draft for the Vikings is a prime example of such efforts.
Aaron Jones made a significant impact on the Vikings, and it was not because of his style of play or his versatility alone. His proficiency in pass-blocking set him apart. In the 2025 draft class of running backs, TreVeyon Henderson from Ohio State is arguably the best pass-blocker.
Adding Henderson to the team could be a game-changer, given his knack for creating awe-inspiring plays. It could be impossible to pass up on such a sterling opportunity to draft this standout running back.
Cobee Bryant has emerged as one of the most noteworthy gainers from the All-Star campaigns over the previous week and a half. Though slender, Bryant brings considerable length and ferocity to the game, traits that could establish him as a dependable cornerback.
With his expertise in man-to-man coverage, Bryant could be an invaluable asset to the Vikings. If he can build more physical strength, the Vikings may acquire a potential primary cornerback at a steal, considering his draft value.
The Vikings should also consider strengthening their lineup with a player who can offer robust pass-rush capabilities from the defensive line’s interior. Shemar Turner may need further tuning in terms of such abilities, but his relentless drive to perform better will help him overcome preliminary challenges.
As Turner finds himself in the heart of the empathetic defensive line, working alongside the outstanding edge players like Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and Dallas Turner, it would certainly not hurt his progress.
Denzel Burke could prove to be an exciting addition to the Vikings’ defense. With his superior skills in man coverage and natural instincts, Burke infuses the game with energy and potential. Questions around his size might circulate, yet his skills could eclipse these concerns.
Daniel Jones and Sam Darnold’s contracts are up for renewal, and even if the former Giants quarterback is reinstated, adding Shough could be a smart move. Shough’s physical prowess, dynamic arm, and agility make him an appealing option for the team.
The prospect of adding Shough to the team could add an intriguing dynamic to the roster. His potential to deliver noteworthy performances would not make this idea far-fetched. Endeavors to rejuvenate the Vikings, with deliberate and well-thought-out draft choices, may just be the key to unlocking further success in the 2025 season.