EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings on Saturday added to versatility to their defensive front by selecting former Georgia defensive lineman Tyrion (pronounced TY-ree-ahn) Ingram-Dawkins with the 139^th overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Ingram-Dawkins joins Minnesota after appearing in 37 games (10 starts) for the Bulldogs from 2021-24. He totaled 37 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, three pass breakups, seven QB hits, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

Last season, he recorded career bests of 17 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and two pass breakups, garnering invitations to the Reese's Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine.

"Versatility is something that we crave for our defense," Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said to begin his comments on the selection of Ingram-Dawkins. "And he stuck out as somebody who's able to do that label, to kind of set the edge working outside in, and then in the rush game, has some ability to win over the guard with a unique skill set. It's not refined yet, but there's some stuff in there that's pretty unique. We think that he's an incredibly intelligent player, and his best football is in front of him, and we think he's going to achieve that best football in this building."

Vikings Senior Vice President of Player Personnel Ryan Grigson said Ingram-Dawkins' week at the Senior Bowl "kind of just tied a bow" on what scouts observed from his 2024 game film.

"He had a really nice week, and he finished it off with a really nice game. And you really kind of can see his ability to run, his ability to finish plays, Grigson said. "He's chasing guys down to the perimeter, so he's very active. He's competitive, and we just really like that. He can play multiple spots, because it's not about just the athlete, but he has some heavy hands. Comes off the ball with a flat back, understands leverage, has instincts, so it's going to be interesting to see his role develop because I think he can win from multiple spots in our defense."

Ingram-Dawkins grew up in Gaffney, South Carolina, where he attended the same high school as Vikings Legend Sidney Rice, a second-round pick in 2007.

"We're from the same neighborhood. The house I'm in right now is from right down the road. [Our] families know each other," Ingram-Dawkins explained during a video call with Twin Cities media members. "Sidney was a big name, you know, was able to go to a lot of organizations in the NFL and thrive. I have a close relationship with Sydney. I've talked to him plenty of times. I know him personally, and just to know that he was a part of the organization with the Vikings just got me even more pumped for like, it's bigger than me. It's for the city."

The Vikings hosted Ingram-Dawkins on a Top 30 visit that further reinforced Minnesota's opinion of Ingram-Dawkins and his interest in becoming a Viking.

"What excites me the most is I watched the league, and I watch Coach Flo' (Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores), and I see how he uses his defense," Ingram-Dawkins said. "I see how he uses his front, and I feel like the way that he uses his front fits right into my game and where I'm trying to take my game.

"I'm excited to get up there and work with them," he added. "I actually did a [Top] 30 visit to Minnesota. Fell in love with it. Fell in love with the facilities, the coaching staff, and just the style of play, you know. So all in all, I'm very excited to get up to Minnesota and get in that Brian Flores defense."

Ingram-Dawkins grew up as a big fan of Jadeveon Clowney, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft and said he soaked up lessons from former Bulldogs teammate Travon Walker, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft by Jacksonville.

Now he'll have the opportunity to learn from the likes free agent additions Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.

"I just learned just work behind the scenes, and when it's your opportunity, be ready," Ingram-Dawkins said of the loaded depth charts Georgia has had. "You never wanted to be a person where, when you're granted opportunity, you're not ready. And I'm gonna bring that to Minnesota. I'm not looking to come in and start. I'm looking, you know, they have good vets like [Javon] Hargrave and Jonathan Allen. I'm just trying to learn the ropes from them."

Vikings History in the Draft

Ingram-Dawkins is the seventh player ever drafted from Georgia by the Vikings and the fourth player ever selected from the 139^th overall spot, joining Doug Kingsriter (1973), Brandon Burton (2011) and Robert Blanton (2012).

View the 2025 Vikings Draft Tracker

View the 2025 Vikings Schedule and Opponents