The Minnesota Vikings’ season will end disappointingly after a loss to the Los Angeles Rams that saw them never really be in the game from the first whistle. The team had its areas where they simply were overmatched by the Rams and it gives the team a lot to think about heading into the offseason.
The offseason starts now, though, for the Vikings as we turn our attention to the 2025 NFL Draft following the playoff exit.
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 first mock draft of the offseason.
Round 1, Pick: 24: Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
Michigan wide receiver Cornelius Johnson makes a catch against East Carolina defensive back Shavon Revel during the second half of U-M’s 30-3 win on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Michigan Stadium.
Shavon Revel is coming off a torn ACL, which may be a reason to be less than optimistic about him, but just wait one second. Revel is of great size for the position, has good tackling technique, and has shown an affinity for playing well in man coverage. If Brian Flores is around next year, Revel could find a lot of success in his system.
Round 3, Pick 101: Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State
Nov 16, 2024; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats cornerback Jacob Parrish (10) breaks up a pass intended for Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Xavier Guillory (1) during the second quarter at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images
Jacob Parrish played well against Iowa State and their star wide receivers. That performance caught my eye and while I don’t think he will be drafted too early, a strong performance at the Senior Bowl could change that. Parrish for now is a fun dart throw with high upside as his zone coverage play is promising, as well as his instincts to find the ball in the air or the ground.
Round 5, Pick 138: Tyler Cooper, G, Minnesota
Nov 26, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; A Minnesota Golden Gophers helmet sits on the sidelines during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings need to get some better play out of their interior offensive line in 2025. They proved to be a major letdown as the year progressed, and getting some homegrown talent in Tyler Cooper could help. He thrives as a run blocker, and it could really help as the team looks to remain invested in that area of their offense.
Round 5, Pick 159: Seth McLaughlin, C, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin (56) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. Ohio State won 20-13.
Seth McLaughlin is coming off a torn Achilles from this past year so he is going to fall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Had he not been injured, he would be a day-two pick in the draft. This late for the Vikings, he is a great insurance policy to play behind Garrett Bradbury and potentially stick around long enough to even serve as a replacement.
Round 7, Pick 236: Howard Cross III, DL, Notre Dame
Sep 30, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Riley Leonard (13) loses the football near the goal line hit by Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Howard Cross III (56) during the second quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Howard Cross III is a run stuffing defensive lineman who could be a fun rotational piece. Jalen Redmond has emerged with some pass rush promise, Howard Cross III could be a fun player to go in on run defense to compliment him.