2025 Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft Roundup
The Minnesota Vikings season is closed and while 2024 provided plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future, it also highlighted issues that must be addressed this offseason. With the 2025 NFL Draft quickly approaching, we’ve put together a 2025 MN Vikings mock draft roundup to put all the most notable mock drafts in the same place
Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft Roundup Weeks from the Draft
The path for Minnesota to reclaim its place atop the NFC North requires continued improvements on both sides of the ball. It’s why, as we examine 2025 NFL mock drafts mocks throughout the offseason, there’ll be a wide array of projected picks for Minnesota. Let’s dive into the Vikings mock draft roundup for the 2025 NFL Draft as we’re now into April.
Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky – CBS Sports
Here’s what Ryan Wilson of CBS has to say on Hairston to the Vikings (Apr. 21): “Safety is a need here but Hairston’s play style reminds me of Devon Witherspoon, the Vikings also have needs at cornerback.”
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss – NBC Sports, Yahoo Sports
Eric Froton of NBC Sports sees the Vikings adding depth to the Defensive trench (Apr 21): “Minnesota doesn’t have a second-round pick and needs to re-fortify its defensive line. Getting a game-wrecking DT in Nolen at this spot would be a coup for the Vikes.”
Charles McDonald of Yahoo Sports also has the Vikings taking Nolen at 24 (Apr. 23): “Minnesota added some quality talent to its defensive interior with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, but the Vikings still need another body for the long term. Nolen has the explosion and speed to be a playmaking menace for the Vikings’ blitz-happy defense up front.”
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina – Pro Football Focus, Sports Illustrated, Pro Football Network, ESPN (Reid)
Josh Liskiewitz of PFF (Mar 24) sees Emmanwori as an possible pick for the Minnesota Vikings: “Emmanwori is a tricky prospect who will require a leap of faith, considering where he’s likely to be drafted. His elite athleticism and playmaking ability suggest his ceiling could be on par with a player like Kerby Joseph, but his underwhelming box play and questionable technique and instincts are more reminiscent of Isaiah Simmons, who was drafted in the first round in 2020 but has struggled to find a natural NFL position.”
Gilbert Manzano of SI (Apr 3) sees Emmanwori as the choice if the Vikings stay put: “Odds are that the Vikings will be looking to trade down to gain more draft picks. They’re set when it comes to the premium positions, such as quarterback, receiver, tackle, edge rusher and cornerback. But they do have a need at safety after the free-agency departure of Camryn Bynum, and Harrison Smith is heading into his 14th season. Emmanwori is considered the best safety in the draft because of his instincts and ball skills.“
Mark Stolte of PFN loves the profile of Nick Emmanwori (Apr 23): “Nick Emmanwori is a one-of-a-kind athlete. He mostly played in the box at South Carolina and would look to do the same with the Minnesota Vikings. Josh Metellus was a good run defender for Minnesota, but Emmanwori adds value in his ability to cover well. This will especially come in handy against tight ends. Emmanwori was targeted in coverage against a tight end 42 times and gave up an average of 5.8 yards on just 26 catches. With Brian Flores as the defensive coordinator, I expect Emmanwori to be utilized to the best of his ability, including a couple of safety blitzes for the athletic freak.”
Jordan Reid of ESPN has Emmanwori going to the Vikings in his final mock (Apr 22): “At the combine, Emmanwori ran a 4.38 40 and leaped 43 inches in the vertical and 11 feet, 6 inches in the broad jump. Those were all records at safety dating back to at least 2003. But Emmanwori is more than a combine warrior. He picked off four passes last season, including two pick-sixes, and didn’t allow a touchdown in 392 coverage snaps. He can play multiple safety spots, which fits well in a Brian Flores-led defense that emphasizes versatility and complex defensive structures. With the departure of Camryn Bynum this offseason and Harrison Smith turning 36, the Vikings need a younger player in the back end of the secondary.”
Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State – ESPN (Kiper)
In Mel Kiper Jr.’s newest mock (Apr 15), he has the Vikings putting more draft capital in to the offensive line: “The Vikings knew they had to address the interior this offseason and went out and signed guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly. But Jackson would represent an upgrade over Blake Brandel at the other guard spot. Jackson has some really strong movement traits.”
Related: O’Connell Hints at Major Changes to Minnesota Vikings Offense in 2025
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