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We are 10 days away from the 2025 NFL Draft's first round and only a week from Vikings players convening at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center to begin the voluntary offseason workout program.

Fans have offered a few ideas for how the Vikings should approach things and shared some of their ideal scenarios, including some trade-down scenarios to land more draft capital. As in any case, a team needs a dance partner for a trade tango.

Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is scheduled to participate in his pre-draft press conference at 11 a.m. (CT) on Thursday, April 17, so be sure to check it out in real time or afterward on the Vikings platforms.

Let's get right to it.

The draft is a week and a half away, and the Vikings have several positions to address, even though they did a great job in free agency. I see them taking a CB or S with their first pick. I also see them addressing the needs at DL, LB, OL, RB and the TE position. The Vikings could wait on some of the needs that aren't immediate and pick them up after the draft. They found a couple good players in the past two years from the post-draft pick up. The Vikings only have four picks right now and they need more to address their needs. I think they will trade back to pick up more picks. I've been checking out mock drafts and have seen the Vikings trading back with the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs or the Philadelphia Eagles. I'm wondering if the Vikings would trade out of the first round and make a trade in the beginning of the second round. I noticed the Jacksonville Jaguars have 10 draft picks and think they would trade for another pick in the first round. What areas do you see the Vikings addressing in the draft, and do you think they're going to be trading down to get more picks for this draft and future drafts?

VIKINGS FOREVER!

— Matt from Iowa

In case you missed it, we started rolling out a few positional previews of prospects last week. Because so many of the mock drafts have focused on offensive line, defensive line, cornerback or safety, we opted to focus efforts on those groups in a four-part series. Here are links to the offensive line and the defensive line. I'll have one on cornerbacks today, and Rob Kleifield will have one on safeties on Wednesday.

That's not to say the Vikings are guaranteed to pick one of those positions in the first round, but those are among some of the most logical places to add to the roster. The previews include players who received first-round steam from draftniks, as well as some that are projected to be on the board later.

It's generally a good idea when picking at No. 24 to have multiple plans of attack, especially when there is limited capital to move up the board, because there are so many variables that can't be controlled. Many outcomes can be forecasted but not perfectly predicted, which is part of why the draft is such great theater.

The move-down scenario also makes sense as something for Minnesota to consider, and the Vikings have shown a willingness to do so under current leadership.

The best argument for trading down but staying in the first round is the fact that teams receive a fifth-year option on a player selected in that round. Sometimes that can come in handy at a position where development can be a multiyear process to align with talent projection for optimization.

At No. 24, there could even still be space to move down more than once to try to get more draft capital.

A team's confidence in its process that has (in the Vikings case) led to multiple successes with undrafted free agents in recent years could make it more prone to stand pat, especially if the perceived value at No. 24 exceeds expectations for what could be gained by moving down.

Jacksonville does have 10 selections, to go along with a history of deals with Minnesota. The 10-spot was boosted by two selections that Minnesota sent (third round, 88^th overall and fourth round, 126^th overall) to the Jaguars last year as part of the deal to get the pick used on Dallas Turner, who was tabbed 17^th overall.

The Vikings also were able to trade for former Jags tackle Cam Robinson in the aftermath of Christian Darrisaw's injury last October. Jacksonville does have a new GM, James Gladstone, who was previously with the Rams.

The Jaguars selections are as follows:

R1, 5^th overall
R2, 36^th
R3, 70^th
R3, 88^th
R4, 107^th
R4, 126^th
R5, 142^nd
R6, 182^nd
R6, 194^th
R7, 221^st

Having a cluster of picks could entice a team to part with a few to make a move.

It's hard to know what GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is thinking for the 2025 draft. Will he stay put or will he trade down? If he doesn't trade down, his options are limited unless he dips into the 2026 draft or makes a trade. If Kwesi decides to trade down a couple times, he may be able to recoup draft capital for a total of six or seven picks to make the Vikings draft seem a little more normal. Also, I think Adofo-Mensah did a super job with his free agency signings.

One of the areas where the Vikings are very thin is the tight end position with only T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver on the active roster. So, I would like to see the Vikings include a tight end in their draft strategy.

With that being said, here is my mock draft if the Vikings stay put, which is doubtful…

Round 1: S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
Round 3: TE CJ Dippre, Alabama
Round 5: CB Mello Dotson, Kansas
Round 6: G Bryce Cabeldue, Kansas

In my ideal mock draft scenario, the Vikings trade out of the first round. The GM makes two trades to net a total of seven picks. It's impossible to predict where a player might fall except possibly Round 2, so, I have considered where a player may fall based on their ranking for seven rounds.

Round 2 S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
Round ? DT Rylie Mills, Notre Dame
Round ? G Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
Round ? CB Nohl Williams, California
Round ? TE Jalin Conyers, Texas Tech
Round ? CB BJ Adams, UCF
Round ? RB Donovan Edwards, Michigan
Undrafted QB Brady Cook, Missouri

So, that is my exercise in mock draft futility.

Skol,

— David Bond in Rochester, Minnesota

There's been so much attention paid to Minnesota's depth at quarterback that what happens to round out the depth at tight end has probably flown a bit under the radar. But that also is a spot where the Vikings need to bolster the ranks behind high-level performers Hockenson (primarily a receiving target) and Oliver (primarily a blocker).

Given the extensive demands — and complexity and importance — of the position, the Vikings are likely to add multiple tight ends through any combination of ways.

I appreciate David's efforts in mock drafting exercises, but I'd rather not weigh in on anything.

I took a break from submitting any questions or comments last week, but sitting roughly in the middle between free agency and the draft, I wanted to put in my 3-cents worth.

I think the "tush push" is an ugly play that smacks of desperation. I mean, how many offensive holding penalties are occurring in that mass of bodies? They'll flag the defense for encroachment, but when was the last time an offense was penalized on a tush push?

Maybe what they should do is view it more as a quarterback sneak, and if any player comes in from behind to push the quarterback forward it should be penalized as an illegal formation. Five yards AND a loss of down (same as intentional grounding).

As for the draft, I think the Vikings should trade out of the first round. At 24, they're so close to the bottom of the round that they wouldn't net much in return by staying in the first round. But if they found a team willing to grab a second pick in the first round (like the Vikings did last year), they could get a high pick in Round 2 AND another pick (or two) in the middle rounds. They've filled out many of their needs in free agency, and only have [four] picks in the draft, so this is a prudent choice.

The 49ers have 11 picks in the draft and need substantial depth in the draft class to help turn them around. Especially with having to sign [Brock] Purdy to a long-term contract (Is it true that the Vikings wanted to sign him as an Undrafted Free Agent, but the 49ers took him with the last pick?).

But I think the 49ers might want to jump back into the first round, and the Vikings could entice them with the 24^th pick. That could get them a good second-round pick and maybe a third-round pick.

As for backup quarterbacks, I'm pleased they took a step back from the Aaron Rodgers musical chairs. After his darkness retreat, and habit of making teams sit on their thumbs while he tries to make up his mind, well, how many beaus will dance with the debutant if she plays aloof all night? The position is J.J. McCarthy's to take control of, and all we need is a capable and proven quarterback to back him up and help mentor him. Rodgers is not that.

I've seen the highlights of Jordan Mason from last year, and I have to say he's like a boulder tumbling down a mountain, taking out everything in his path. Or maybe a good nickname for him could be Taz, as in the Tasmanian Devil from the old Looney Tunes cartoons, spinning a path of mayhem and destruction. So, it's going to be interesting to see the chaos he and Aaron Jones, Sr., will unleash.

Sincerely,

— David A. (From the North Shore but stuck in the South)

I'm really intrigued by what conversations will occur regarding the tush push between now and the Spring League Meeting that is scheduled for Minnesota in a little more than a month. As we mentioned last week, it seemed like it was a fairly even split between the 32 teams as to whether the play should be outlawed. Doing so would require a vote from three-fourths of NFL Owners (24 of the 32).

San Francisco is another team the Vikings have a history of dealing with, most recently to acquire Mason.

The 49ers have the following selections:

R1, 11^th overall
R2, 43^rd
R3, 75^th
R3, 100^th
R4, 113^th
R4, 138^th
R5, 147^th
R5, 160^th (from Minnesota)
R7, 227^th
R7, 249^th
R7, 252^nd

We're another week closer to getting to see McCarthy on the field for spring sessions, and each week is building excitement for so many. I again urge people to understand there could be some ups and downs for any young QB, but I again remain steadfast in what he showed last offseason as having several valuable traits that will enable his personal success and that of the team.

Like the analogy of the boulder, as well as the Taz comparison. There will probably be some flashes in the offseason program that are fun to see, but we might not know the full effect of that combo until the fall and defenders are trying to tackle the backs.

Just a comment on my opinion that Rondale Moore will have a big impact on this offense. He's a guy you can get the ball to in multiple ways, and he's perfect for quick throws out in space, given his elite speed and agility. He's dangerous with the ball in his hands.

Moore has had some unfortunate circumstances derail his productivity. Multiple injuries and playing with a young Kyler Murray when healthy definitely both played a role in his lack of production thus far into his career. But I'm still a big Moore fan and think this is a seriously underrated move for MIN. I feel he's the ideal slot WR and can play outside if either of MIN's WR1s miss any time. We'll see if I'm of sound mind feeling this way or if Moore proves to be an underachiever. But I'm betting on the kid to have a big impact and a breakout year.

— Matt N.

Moore in space and with clean health is a sight to see. He'll still be working his way back from the training camp injury that sidelined him for all of 2024 with Atlanta, but hopefully he is clearing the last significant hurdle of several that have affected his full impact.

If everything lines up, he could be a sneaky good signing for Minnesota.

Do you think Justin Jefferson will lead us to a Super Bowl?

— Tyler B.

I think it always takes more than just one player, regardless of how great said player happens to be.

There's plenty of evidence to support Jefferson's immense talent, as well as his absolute drive to win games, and his passion and ability to generate energy for the rest of the team are infectious.

Why have the Vikings not signed a backup QB? Are they really waiting on J.J. to see how good he is or is it about waiting on Rodgers? Seems to me if the organization is concerned about a QB that could take them to a Super Bowl one would have been signed by now before it's too late. There are a lot of fans wondering how serious the Vikings are about a shot at a Super Bowl. My belief, as is others, do you really think J.J. is going to be the man to get us fans a Super Bowl? Time is ticking. If this isn't the year with the weapons the Vikings have on offense, then it probably won't happen. As a 54-year fan, my days are getting shorter, and just like other fans that have aged, we too would love to see our Vikings win the big one. So again, why are you waiting to sign a QB that could give us the feel of champions.

— Jeffrey B.

The Vikings have explained their confidence in McCarthy, a faith that began being developed during the pre-draft process last year, from meetings at the combine to having lunch with him in Ann Arbor and observing the way he handled being a campus celebrity on the heels of a natty. McCarthy has made an impression on teammates, as well.

Jones was in studio with Good Morning Football last week and was asked to state his case for McCarthy.

"J.J.'s a winner. If you look from high school through his time in college, he's lost one career game. He came in in his short time there and he was balling," Jones said. "The preseason, he ended up getting hurt unfortunately, but I think it might have been a quarterback battle if he didn't get hurt. He's a competitor. He wants to be great, and he's hungry, so I think you'll see it when he steps on the field."

Check out the full interview with Jones:

The Vikings are cognizant of how 2023 unfolded after Kirk Cousins' injury, so they still have in mind to supplement the position group that only has McCarthy and Brett Rypien (again, he drew much credit for his behind-the-scenes role of prepping the scout team last year) on the roster.

What are your thoughts on a Teddy Bridgewater reunion? This would be such a big deal. Headlines: THE RETURN OF TEDDY TWO GLOVES. He's a good teammate and great for the locker room.

And

What do you think of drafting Jalen Milroe in the third round if he is available? They talk about a backup to J.J. McCarthy, but no one said it couldn't be a rookie. Remember Cousins was a backup to RG3. And there weren't any veteran quarterbacks on their roster. They had a great season. Cousins eventually replaced RG3. Thanks again for listening.

— Rodger in Sacramento, California

It's hard for me to ever see the name Teddy Bridgewater and personally not smile for all he meant to the locker room, to teammates and staff.

Others have pointed out that draft capital is currently limited (which could change) and there are still multiple spots of the roster to address.

It was completely unconventional for Washington to select Robert Griffin III at No. 2 overall and then draft Cousins two days later at 102, but the injury that Griffin suffered, along with Cousins' playing at what most would consider above a fourth-round QB, resulted in the decision being helpful for Washington.

There are tons of mock drafts out there. There are no absolutes for who we will pick. In the first round we will trade down with Philly or K.C. and pick up their first and a fourth and a fifth. We will draft one of these defensive backs: Maxwell Hairston, Nick Emmanwori, Shavon Revel, Jr., or Malaki Starks. The third round will be Cam Skattebo. The fourth and fifth round will bring us Willie Lampkin and Cam Miller. Cam Miller has plus mental processing and can develop. Lampkin is short by NFL standards but is powerful and explosive and offers position versatility. The odds of the draft falling like this are slim, but it could happen.

— Gerald Goblirsch

Hairston and Revel (today's preview of corners), Emmanwori and Starks (Wednesday's preview of safeties) have each been mocked to Minnesota in the past weeks and months as many believe the Vikings will supplement their secondary with their first pick.

Just to catch up others who may not be as versed in Gerald's other hopefuls, Skattebo had a remarkable season in which he led FBS with 293 rush attempts and 1,711 yards on the ground to go along with 21 scores. Lampkin is an interior offensive lineman from North Carolina, who is listed at 5-foot-10 on his NFL.com bio, and Miller played QB at North Dakota State.

I am glad the Vikings aren't being frivolous in their spending for a backup QB. All the QBs that have been signed were paid way too much. Once the draft is done teams will be shedding players — some of which will be QBs.

— Dean G.

Dean's playing it cool under the perception of pressure.

I don't recall encountering anyone who has ever been happy to pay an insurance bill. I haven't found a high joy in that exercise, but there is a degree of value in a perceived layer of protection, and an even stronger benefit in having a high level of coverage if it becomes necessary.

The caveat is there's still quite a bit of time and countless factors that could impact statuses of quarterback situations across the NFL.

What is your best guess (percentage-wise) for the position that the Vikings draft first? I am leaning toward guard 40%, defensive back 35% & interior defensive line 25%.

NOTE: GREAT job Vikings on the badly needed Free Agent signings.

— Dan in WBL

Not sure if any readers are familiar with singer/songwriter Todd Snider, but he's got a song called "Statistician's Blues," and Verse 2, begins like this:

"They say sixty-five percent of all statistics
Are made up right there on the spot
Eighty-two-point-four percent of people believe 'em
Whether they're accurate statistics or not"

This isn't to downgrade Dan's percentages by any means. It instead is my roundabout way to admit I don't know a percentage likelihood.

We do know that those position groups have been the most discussed with potential uses of a first-round pick (or Minnesota's first selection of 2025 if the Vikings trade down).

The successful additions on the offensive and defensive line during free agency have prompted some prognosticators to believe Minnesota could be more inclined to add to its secondary, but others have pointed out that center Ryan Kelly and defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave are probably closer to the ends of their careers than the starting lines.

View the Vikings Free Agency Tracker.

View the Vikings 2025 Draft Picks.

View the Vikings 2025 Opponents.