The Minnesota Vikings had to have watched Super Bowl 59 and thought, “Why couldn’t that have been us?” The Eagles laid out the blueprint, solidify your offensive line with monsters, establish the run game, and let your defense make plays. The Vikings have one of those things done, now they need to work on the rest of it.
While the team has shown they are on their way to the top of the NFC North again, what picks could tip the scales in favor of them in 2025?
Free agency was a hit for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, but now he needs to work with hitting on his draft picks. Dallas Turner has started to turn a corner. J.J. McCarthy looks the part, but he needs to keep nailing draft picks. Here is our best attempt to do that for the Vikings in this edition of Mock Draft Monday.
Round 1, Pick: 24: Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
Nov 18, 2023; College Park, Maryland, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Kenneth Grant (78) against the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Kenneth Grant brings the pass rush ability to the middle of the defense that Harrison Phillips doesn’t. He just creates chaos up the middle and if the Vikings were already finding success at the edges, the middle seems to be ripe for the picking, right? Sign me up for Kenneth Grant in round one if he falls to 24.
Round 3, Pick 97: Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
Sep 23, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks cornerback Cobee Bryant (2) intercepts a pass during the second half against the Brigham Young Cougars at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Cobee Bryant is one of the biggest winners of the All-Star circuit over the last week and a half. Bryant is very slim but has great length and tenacity that could lead him to be a reliable cornerback. Bryant thrives in man coverage, and if he can get some added bulk to his frame, the Vikings could have a future number-one cornerback at a steal in terms of pick value.
Round 5, Pick 139: Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia
Georgia running back Trevor Etienne (1) stiff-arms Tennessee Tech defensive back Omari Philyaw (16) during the first half of a NCAA college football game in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.
Trevor Etienne at pick 139 in round five is an absolute steal for this Vikings team. They need to be able to establish the run and lean on it, especially with J.J. McCarthy taking over. Etienne can do that while also being able to to contribute in the passing game with some receiving work.
Round 5, Pick 161: Jonah Monheim, OL, USC
Oct 28, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; USC Trojans offensive lineman Jonah Monheim (79) blocks California Golden Bears defensive back Matthew Littlejohn (22) during the second quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Jonah Monheim is the ultimate multi-tool if you are an offensive line coach. The former USC Trojan has experience at four of the five positions up front, and he is built like a mountain. Plug him in at guard and have instant success, or save him to fill in when an injury occurs.
Round 7, Pick 239: Tommi Hill, CB, Nebraska
Nov 24, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Tommi Hill (31) blocks a pass intended for Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Nico Ragaini (89) at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Tommi Hill is a toolsy cornerback prospect who has some tools that can be developed. Him working with Brian Flores could bring out the best of him and get his stock back to what it was last Summer.