Minnesota Vikings Post-Draft Power Rankings Say…

This offseason has been a unique one for the Minnesota Vikings. They started with more cap space to sign free agents than any time in recent memory, and used it to sign a giant free agency class that strengthened some of the greatest weaknesses on the roster.

Then, came the NFL Draft, where the Vikings held the fewest number of picks (4) in franchise history and the fewest in the 2025 draft. After sticking and picking at No. 24, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah maneuvered throughout the next six rounds, eventually compiling a class of five new rookies. Oh, and don’t forget about the 20 UDFAs they signed after the draft.

Minnesota Vikings land in Top 10 of post-draft NFL Power Rankings

No matter the time of year, the NFL has power rankings available that help fans follow along with who is seen by league analysts as the best teams. Of course, that doesn’t mean those experts are right. Look no further than last season, when the Vikings were picked to finish at the bottom of the NFL. We all know how that turned out.

This year, however, the post draft power rankings appear much higher on Minnesota than what we saw last offseason. The Athletic, for example, has the Vikings ranked as the 9th-best team in football in their post-draft rankings.

9. Minnesota Vikings

First pick: OL Donovan Jackson

After adding veteran defenders Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave through free agency, the Vikings focused on offense during the draft with Jackson, third-round wide receiver Tai Felton and a Saturday trade for quarterback Sam Howell. The exception to the offensive approach was a big one — 6-5, 276-pound edge rusher Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins out of Georgia.

The Athletic

LG Donovan Jackson — Minnesota’s first round pick — figures to be the day-one starter at left guard this season, as long as offseason workouts and training camp go according to plan. 3rd round pick WR Tai Felton looks primed to factor in early, as well, and EDGE Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins continues to be talked up as a nice addition.

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Taking an offensive guard, after signing Will Fries (Guard) and Ryan Kelly (Center) in free agency, solidified a Minnesota Vikings offensive line that Kwesi and head coach Kevin O’Connell promised to fix this offseason, a mission that got more serious when it was clear 2024 first round pick J.J. McCarthy would be taking over as QB1.

J.J. McCarthy throwing a football pic.twitter.com/DpK4dZ31vj

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) April 29, 2025

The Vikings still have some questions at the cornerback position, but this roster really doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses anymore. That should make them one of the most dangerous teams in the NFC, something The Athletic agrees with.

Who good are the new-look Vikings?

Kevin O’Connell, who won his first Coach of the Year award last season, undoubtedly plays into the optimism, as well. While Detroit remains the gold standard amongst NFC North teams — ranked 5th in The Athletic’s power rankings — it’s clear the Minnesota Vikings are on the rise. Why is Green Bay ranked 7th? Who knows…

It’s certainly plausible that the Minnesota Vikings win less games in 2025 but are a better team. After winning 14 games last season, there isn’t a lot of room for improvement… outside of winning a postseason game. When projecting the Vikings’ 2025 season, that should be the ultimate goal.

Last year, the Vikings’ warts were evident. They couldn’t run the ball when they needed to, and struggled in interior pass pro. That shouldn’t be a problem anymore. Same thing can be said on defense.

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While Andrew Van Ginkel (11.5 sacks) and Jonathan Greenard (12.0 sacks) wrapped up the quarterback plenty, the interior defensive line struggled. Minnesota’s investment on both sides of the ball there will pay dividends. Even with secondary concerns, the talent up front could help to mitigate them.

Regardless of where the power rankings fall now, or as the season gets underway, the Minnesota Vikings should be a force to be reckoned with in 2025.