Prior to the draft, Minnesota was one of the more active teams in free agency, which put their roster in a great spot entering the draft. The Vikings’ limited number of picks pushed them down a lot of draft rankings, but most agree that what general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and everyone involved in the draft process did what they could with the handful of selections they did have.

It’s difficult for a team to improve on a 14-win season, no matter how good they are. That’s just a lot of wins. But no matter their record, the 2025 Minnesota Vikings look like a better team on paper going into summer workouts than what we thought we had this time last year. Part of that confidence was built through the draft.

Donovan Jackson expected to start for Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings’ first round pick, Donovan Jackson, is expected to get every opportunity to beat out incumbent starter, Blake Brandel. Entering the draft, many believed Kwesi would trade back and acquire more assets, given they only owned four picks when night one kicked off.

Instead, they chose to stick and pick the Ohio State guard/tackle at No. 24 overall pick. He’s good. He’s so good in fact, he moved to left tackle to cover for an injury and excelled there as well. Given his skill and versatility, all signs point to Jackson being a Vikings starter in week one.

#OSU OL Donovan Jackson played tackle down the stretch for the Buckeyes but I particularly liked his ability to climb to the 2nd level as a guard and his recovery ability if he initially lost a rep. Holds a firm anchor against interior DL too. I view him as a guard longterm. pic.twitter.com/bQVkqIStB4

— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) March 28, 2025

Minnesota drafted Jackson in hope that he will be able to immediately join newly signed veterans Ryan Kelly and Will Fries. Christian Darrisaw is expected back to make the rookie’s life easier on the outside. But if all goes to plan, redshirt rookie J.J. McCarthy should have the best offensive line the Vikings have employed in decades.

Related: MN Vikings Minicamp: KOC Reveals First Impressions of QB Max Brosmer

Biggest competition: Last season, Blake Brandel ranked 99th of 136 guards per Pro Football Focus. That’s a low bar for Jackson to clear, but you just never know about these rookies (especially on the OL), until we start hearing reports out of training camp, when helmets and pads come on.

Can Tai Felton earn snaps at wide receiver?

It’s possible that Tai Felton factors into the Minnesota Vikings special teams plans immediately. But after one weekend of rookie camp, that might be selling his year-one impact short. The Maryland product showed out against the Gophers last fall, then went on to finish 2024 with nine touchdowns on 1,124 yards receiving.

Tai Felton ended up in my top 100. Can stretch the field vertically, run after the catch, and and has suddenness within his routes pic.twitter.com/QLKQ9pFGTv

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) April 24, 2025

Felton is 6’2″ and can operate in the slot or the outside. With Jordan Addison in line for a two or three game suspension (stemming from his DUI arrest last summer) depth receivers like Felton and 2024 WR3 Jalen Nailor will get all sorts of opportunities for more targets over the next few months.

Biggest Competition: Last season, Jalen Nailor scored six touchdowns on 414 yards, in his first year taking over WR3 duties for K.J. Osborn. but he’s been unreliable throughout his three years in purple, recording key drops and an inability to stay healthy.

That’s where Felton could factor into WR2 conversations, especially if he can rise up the depth chart in time for Addison’s likely imminent suspension. You have to wonder how much job security Nailor has, after Felton’s selection in the 3rd round last April. But without a doubt, he’ll make the 53-man roster, barring something unforeseen taking place.

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins is a freak athlete… but can he get on the field?

Late round picks often draw less fanfare. When adding to a rushing group for the Vikings that includes Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and Dallas Turner, you’re already up against it. That doesn’t mean Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins doesn’t stand a chance to make the roster out of Training Camp.

Look, this dude is a freak athlete and RAS darling. And especially in 2025, ceiling talent matters more than one’s ability to contribute on the field for an NFL roster now. At Georgia, Ingram Dawkins was used as a weapon all across the Bulldogs’ defensive front, both along the edges and in the interior

Related: Every Player at 2025 Minnesota Vikings Rookie Camp, Including Top Ranked UDFA Class

As a senior at Georgia, Ingram Dawkins played 14 games on a talented Georgia DL rotation, totalling just 536 total snaps and recording three sacks and eight tackles for loss. PFF gave him a 69.8 defense grade, which included a much higher run stop grade (70.8) than it did pass rush (60.2).

Will be curious to see where Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins finds a role. Super athletic and can play big end or kick inside in sub packages pic.twitter.com/ZrU26VBBCj

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) April 17, 2025

Dane Brugler from The Athletic called Ingram-Dawkins a day three pick that could surprise. “Ingram-Dawkins was more of a flash player than consistent force in Kirby Smart’s front seven. But he is a good-sized athlete and brings enough inside-outside versatility on the defensive line to eventually develop from a rotational player into someone who pushes for starting reps.”

Minnesota has plenty of mouths to feed when it comes to rushing the passer. If Ingram-Dawkins can have a good summer/camp, he’ll have a chance to make the roster. If not, he’s practice squad material for sure.

Kobe King has clear path to MN Vikings 53-man

Last season, former Gopher out of Eden Prairie Blake Cashman came home and immediately shined for the Minnesota Vikings. Health has been an issue his entire career, a trend we saw continue in 2024-25. Former UDFA-turned starter Ivan Pace also dealt with his own injury issues last season.

To alleviate some of that depth stress in the insider linebacker room, Minnesota recently brought back veteran Eric Wilson, after he left for a stint with NFC North rival Green Bay. But during they draft, the Vikings doubled down on what could be a late-round steal in Penn State ILB, Kobe King.

Working on a 2025 LB superlatives article and by far the easiest choice was Kobe King → Best Block Shedder. Most linebackers into today’s CFB don't have a reel half this long pic.twitter.com/Wm0je3xRhK

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) February 18, 2025

A three-year starter for Penn State, King is an immediate threat to take Brian Asamoah’s job. He may not get defensive snaps out of the gate, but he could be a special teams asset now and a defensive contributor in the very near future. Last season with the Nittany Lions, King racked up three sacks tallied 97 total tackles.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Expected to Play Multiple Games Overseas in 2025

Many people also like UDFA linebacker signee, Austin Keys. FantasyLife.com draft expert, Thor Nystrom believes both King and Asamoah should be watching over their shoulders for Keys, who one NFL coach told him would have been a fifth rounder, had it not been for injuries.

Same with the other 6th Rd Pick – Gavin Bartholomew

Maybe tight end wasn’t the most obviousl position for the Minnesota Vikings to target in the 2025 NFL Draft. But a closer look reveals a team that relies a lot on their tight ends to do a variety of different jobs.

So, after losing both Johnny Mundt and Nick Muse in free agency, only T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver remained on the depth chart, entering the draft. That was never going to be enough. The Vikings love to keep three or four tight ends active, and that almost ensures Gavin Bartholomew makes the roster.

Last season, at Pittsburgh, Bartholomew recorded a career-high 38 receptions for 322 yards and four touchdowns. He’s somewhat raw but he can catch the football and has shown he can block too.

A tight end I have come on late to is Pitt Gavin Bartholomew

He strikes me as a guy who’s best ball is in front of him — solid blocker, YAC guy, fights for every yard, solid athletic profile, makings of an all-around TE at the next level pic.twitter.com/0dUv6nGMP8

— Brad (@Graham_SFN) April 10, 2025

If Gavin can pick things up on offense somewhat quickly, at the NFL level, there’s nothing standing in between him and the MN Vikings week one 53-man roster… which uncoincidentally seems to be the case for much of this year’s draft class.

But ultimately, they chose to stick and pick at No. 24, leaving the wheeling and dealing for later rounds. When the dust settled in Green Bay on Saturday afternoon, the Vikings walked away with five rookie draft picks to sign before training camp (plus a new QB2), selections that landed in the first, third, fifth and sixth rounds.

Meet the 2025 Minnesota Vikings draft class

(G) Donovan Jackson – Ohio State | Rd 1, Pick 24

Donovan Jackson was the pick on Thursday night. The Minnesota Vikings will give him every chance possible to win the starting job in camp. He bumped out to left tackle for Ohio State for half of last season, due to an injury they suffered at the position, a risky move for a draft-eligible senior. But in the end, it only added to Jackson’s collegiate highlight reel.

(WR) Tai Felton – Maryland | Rd 3, Pick 102

Another potential early contributor is wide receiver Tai Felton. He starred at Maryland and has a height advantage (6’2″ compared to 6’0″) over Jalen Nailor. Felton had 1,124 yards and nine touchdowns during his final collegiate season.

The best thing about WR Tai Felton is he does something Justin Jefferson & Jordan Addison don’t do…
He is suited to run Jet Sweeps & Smoke & Tunnel screens. He has KR vision when he gets the ball in the open field. #Vikings will have a crowded room.
pic.twitter.com/h91QWNrDsx

— Ron Johnson (@3RonJohnson) April 26, 2025

Minnesota will need depth for a potential Jordan Addison suspension as a result of his arrest last summer. Felton could also just wind up taking over for Nailor who is in the final year of his rookie deal.

(EDGE) Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins – Georgia | Rd 5, Pick 139

Ingram-Dawkins joins a now star-studded defensive front. He can contribute on the interior as well as the edge. The Minnesota Vikings added Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in free agency to shore up the middle. They pair with edge talent in the form of Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner.

(LB) Kobe King – Penn State | Rd 6, Pick 201

Kobe King is depth additions for the MN Vikings linebacker group. He’ll need to prove in rookie and training camp that he deserves a spot on the 53-man roster, or at least the practice squad. King totalled 97 tackles as a senior, nine of which were TFLs (3 sacks)

Kobe King plays with a MEAN STREAK.

Thick build, good eyes, big hitter.

Coverage ability is rough but there’s plenty to mold for a draft pick in the 200s.

pic.twitter.com/InevykQcCn

— Brady Balhorn – BNB Football (@BnbFootball) April 26, 2025

The Vikings have starting linebackers in the form of Ivan Pace Jr. and Blake Cashman, but they brought in veteran Eric Wilson to help out in 2025. We’ll see if/when King can push himself into the final roster conversation

(TE) Gavin Bartholomew – Pittsburgh | Rd 6, Pick 202

At tight end the Vikings needed a body after the departures of Nick Muse and Johnny Mundt. Bartholomew played four seasons for Pittsburgh and hauled in 11 touchdowns across 50 games. His 38 receptions as a senior were a career high.

Vikings Future TE1 Gavin Bartholomew 👀 pic.twitter.com/9vdXTML8FS

— MNMuse (@_MNMuse) April 26, 2025

MN Vikings now turn to Undrafted Free Agency

The work with rookie prospects doesn’t stop when the NFL Draft ends. Minnesota’s most recent undrafted free agent success story is Ivan Pace Jr. of course. Last year it was cornerback Dwight McGlothern that drew plenty of fanfare.

There are still some places for Minnesota to shore up on the roster. They added Sam Howell as the backup quarterback through a trade with Seattle on Saturday. It’s possible they bring in another arm to push Brett Rypien.

Related: NFL Draft Experts Drool Over New MN Viking, Donovan Jackson

Minnesota may need depth at the cornerback and safety positions as well. There have been rumblings about a reunion with Shaq Griffin or Stephon Gilmore. It’s great that the draft room can now disperse, but the front office still has plenty of work to do prior to training camp.

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah started wheeling and dealing after that, trading back with Houston to the very end of the 3rd round while moving up a bit on day three. Then, the Vikings selected wide receiver Tai Felton with the final pick (102) in the third round.

Plenty of the Vikings’ offseason heavy lifting was already, prior to the draft, thanks to an active free agency. One thing Minnesota has been missing is a veteran backup for QB J.J. McCarthy. There was some steam a reunion with Kirk Cousins could happen, even some Aaron Rodgers chatter.

Sam Howell lands backup job with Minnesota Vikings

It always seemed as though the MN Vikings would find their backup quarterback through a trade. Despite Shedeur Sanders falling to the 5th round, Minnesota stuck to their guns and swung a deal with the Seattle Seahawks for their former QB2, Sam Howell.

The #Vikings have acquired QB @Sam7Howell in a trade with the Seahawks. pic.twitter.com/G34dkkAihP

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 26, 2025

Of course, the Seahawks landed their new starter in the form of Sam Darnold, then picked up Drew Lock to back him up. That left Howell in QB3 purgatory, prior to this trade. Now, he’ll be the direct backup to JJ McCarthy.

The former North Carolina product was a fifth round pick by the Washington Commanders in 2022. He played just one game as a rookie before starting all 17 in 2023. His 612 passing attempts led the league that year and he turned them into 3,946 yards on a 63.4% completion rate.

Howell scrambles for his second rushing TD today

📺: #MIAvsWAS on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/xvCjbLUIcN pic.twitter.com/CPyAQblXLO

— NFL (@NFL) December 3, 2023

Howell is an athletic quarterback and utilizes his legs as well. He scored five touchdowns on the ground in 2023 while scrambling for 263 yards. Unfortunately for Howell, he also led the league in interceptions with 21. That neutralized his 21 touchdowns and kept him from Washington’s future plans.

Howell backed up Geno Smith in Seattle last season but saw the field in just two games. He attempted only 14 passes and has assumed the role of a veteran backup. The hope is that Howell can impart a bit of wisdom on an even younger McCarthy.

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins joins MN Vikings defensive front

Using the first overall pick in the fifth round, that was acquired from Cleveland in the Za’Darius Smith trade, Minnesota grabbed another pass rusher, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, adding more talent to an already loaded position group for the Vikings.

A disruptor on defense 😤@TID9ine3

📺: NFL Draft on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network pic.twitter.com/xvYLCXe3Zt

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 26, 2025

The Georgia defensive lineman played in 14 games last season and recorded 19 tackles. He had eight for losses and recorded three sacks. He has the ability to come off the edge, but can also play some interior offensive line.

Brian Flores continues to stockpile pass rushers. Last season both Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel were stars for the Minnesota Vikings. Rookie Dallas Turner flashed at times as well. Now Ingram-Dawkins will look to make his mark amongst that group.

Related: NFL Draft Experts Drool Over New MN Viking, Donovan Jackson

Minnesota has worked heavily in the trenches this offseason. Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave both signed with the Vikings to solidify the interior defensive line. The group as a whole will look to help take pressure off of the Minnesota secondary.

The Vikings have just a single selection remaining today. They own the 36th pick in the fifth round (172nd overall), which was acquired in the trade for Sam Howell.