It's onward and upward.
As Minnesota's special 2024 season screeched to a stop in the Wild Card against the Rams, eyeballs began to drift toward the second-biggest draw in the NFL behind the Super Bowl every year – the draft.
Probably just like you, we're curious which players are currently being mocked to the Vikings in the 2025 event. The NFL Draft, after all, is an integral part of Minnesota's offseason and its championship pursuit.
So, we started pondering what positions the Vikings may prioritize.
Two of three running backs the team featured in 2024 – Cam Akers and Aaron Jones, Sr. – are on expiring deals. The other, Ty Chandler, is approaching the last year of his rookie contract. The Class of 2025 running backs has been touted as strong, and might even revitalize positional interest in the first round.
Along with addressing its makeup in the backfield, which Minnesota hasn't done in Round 1 since drafting Adrian Peterson 7th overall in 2007, it could spend its first pick on an offensive or defensive interior lineman to improve two-fold, in pass protection and run blocking or pass rushing and run defending.
There also likely will be intrigue in the top crop of cornerbacks, with Byron Murphy, Jr. (1,060 snaps), Stephon Gilmore (864) and Shaq Griffin (572) each eligible to enter free agency when it opens March 12.
Quickly, let's shallow dive into the history of the spot that Minnesota is slated to pick this year.
It's the slot that once produced former Packers quarterback and long-time archrival Aaron Rodgers, not to mention Pro Football Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed and 2009 rushing champion Chris "CJ2K" Johnson.
Some more recent drafts have featured DJ Moore (2018), Josh Jacobs (2019) and Najee Harris (2021).
Here's an early look at what NFL Draft mavens expect Minnesota to do with the 24th choice (the Vikings have picked from No. 24 twice before, landing running back Leo Hayden in 1971 and tackle Korey Stringer in 1995):
Dane Brugler of The Athletic
Jan. 15
Brugler projects at No. 24: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
Anyone who watched the Vikings playoff collapse to the Rams knows Minnesota needs to address its offensive line in a major way this offseason. But assuming those upgrades come in free agency, the Vikings could look for help at running back here.
[Ashton] Jeanty deservedly will command all of the Round 1 running back talk, but Johnson is worthy of landing in the top 32, as well. The Iowa back would be a great fit for Minnesota's outside-zone scheme, and his impact would help open the passing game.
Mike Renner of CBS Sports
Jan. 15
Renner projects at No. 24: Donovan Jackson, IOL, Ohio State
Jackson has really flashed this season not only at his left guard position where he spent two and a half years, but also the past few games after being forced to kick out to left tackle. He's shut down talented edge-rushers from Oregon and Texas the past two weeks and been a big key to the Buckeyes playoff run.
Josh Edwards of CBS Sports
Jan. 20
Edwards projects at No. 24: Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona
The injury to left tackle Christian Darrisaw only brought a brighter light to Minnesota's offensive line issues this season. The selection of Jonah Savaiinaea, who played right tackle at Arizona, will hopefully bring some stability to a unit that may or may not be protecting Sam Darnold next season.
Nate Tice and Charles McDonald of Yahoo! Sports
Jan. 12
McDonald projects at No. 24: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
One of the few things that the Vikings defense is missing right now is a true butt-kicker on the interior. Williams is the all-around player they need to take this defense to the next level and stabilize some of their issues.
Jason McIntyre of FOX Sports
Jan. 17
McIntyre projects at No. 24: Josh Simmons, T, Ohio State
Did you see the playoff loss? The offensive line graded out as 21st this season, but they did lose their anchor Christian Darrisaw to injury. Simmons projects as a LT, but they've got to take their top-rated tackle or guard.
Mason Johnstone of Draft Network
Jan. 19
Johnstone projects at No. 24: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Brian Flores' defense receives a gift at pick No. 24 with Jahdae Barron. The versatile Barron was a Swiss army knife for a Texas defense that dominated all year. Flores' creative use of coverage rotations and pressures will allow Barron to play a similar do-it-all role. His elite instincts make him an immediate impact player, whether he's lining up at nickel, safety, or cornerback. Barron's ability to contribute in both phases of the game will significantly improve the Vikings defense for years to come.
Dalton Miller of Pro Football Network
Jan. 20
Miller projects at No. 24: Marcus Mbow, C, Purdue
Mbow has been projected to guard by many, but his best bet for NFL stardom is at the pivot. Coincidentally, his hip fluidity and ability to pivot is what makes him such an outstanding candidate to anchor down the middle of an offensive line. Add in some violent hands, conspicuous explosiveness, and a keen eye for defensive line games and Minnesota might have a gem.
Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News
Jan. 15
Iyer projects at No. 24: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
The Vikings need some real help on the back end for their defense as they gave up a ton of big plays and yardage to outside wide receivers in 2024. Morrison's size, savvy and on-ball playmaking smarts can fit them well as he should make a full recovery from the hip injury that cut short his college season.
Andrew Harbaugh of Vikings Wire
Jan. 20
Harbaugh projects at No. 24: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
I am a big fan of Darien Porter for how well he moves with his size (6-foot-4) at the cornerback position. He tackles well, is fast enough to be reliable in man coverage, and is physical at the line of scrimmage. All of those things would have him become a playmaker in Brian Flores' defense.
Gavino Borquez of Newsweek
Jan. 20
Borquez projects at No. 24: Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
The Vikings have a handful of impending free agents in the cornerbacks room: Byron Murphy, Jr., Stephon Gilmore, Shaq Griffin and Fabian Moreau. Revel suffered an unfortunate season-ending knee injury but looked like a top-15 pick before it. He has the length, speed and physicality to match up with bigger receivers at the next level.
Dylan Chappine of Wolf Sports
Jan. 21
Chappine projects at No. 24: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Minnesota needs to be better in the draft to avoid falling off in 2025, and trading down could be the eventual move to recoup the picks lost in the trade up for Dallas Turner last year. I don't think having Harrison Phillips under contract for two more seasons would prevent Williams from being the pick for a defense that prioritizes stopping the run.
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