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The Minnesota Vikings have the luxury of not being forced to take any one position when the draft begins in two and a half weeks, but they can add youth and depth across the board. Prime positions to address are interior offensive line, interior defensive line, cornerback, and running back.
But that doesn't mean the Vikings won't try addressing other positions if they accumulate more picks with a trade-down from pick No. 24. Although they may not be immediate needs in 2025, adding the following positions can give the team options for 2026 when those position groups need replenished.
This is unlikely to be addressed in the first round, but the Vikings could use another receiver to push for the WR3/4 spots. Jalen Nailor started the 2024 season strong, catching touchdown passes in each of the team's first three games. But he caught only 12 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns in the season's final eight games.
Nailor still brings a vertical element to the Vikings' passing attack, but another option could help take pressure off Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Nailor is also set to be a free agent in 2026. A rookie receiver could be primed for a significant role in 2026.
This position hasn't been discussed much for Minnesota, but the Vikings could use another linebacker. Blake Cashman had a great first season in Minnesota, but his absence was felt in the three games he missed due to turf toe. He's also never played a full season.
Ivan Pace, Jr. is a great run defender and blitzer, but he leaves much to be desired in the passing game. Josh Metellus also plays linebacker in some passing situations, but a true linebacker who can play three downs could help Brian Flores further dig into his bag of tricks on game day.
Don't think that Kevin O'Connell will be scared to add a quarterback to the room, even with J.J. McCarthy set to take over the starting role in 2025. O'Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have been vocal about improving the quarterback position just like any other group, adding depth behind viable starters.
Right now, the only other quarterback on the roster is journeyman Brett Rypien. He only has four starts in his career and is entering his seventh season, meaning there probably isn't much left as far as upside. A late-round quarterback could be a passion project for O'Connell. Perhaps someone like Quinn Ewers, whose stock fell during the 2024 college football season, could entice the Vikings to take a swing.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: NFL Draft: 3 positions the Vikings could surprise people by picking
Continue reading...
But that doesn't mean the Vikings won't try addressing other positions if they accumulate more picks with a trade-down from pick No. 24. Although they may not be immediate needs in 2025, adding the following positions can give the team options for 2026 when those position groups need replenished.
Wide Receiver
This is unlikely to be addressed in the first round, but the Vikings could use another receiver to push for the WR3/4 spots. Jalen Nailor started the 2024 season strong, catching touchdown passes in each of the team's first three games. But he caught only 12 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns in the season's final eight games.
Nailor still brings a vertical element to the Vikings' passing attack, but another option could help take pressure off Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Nailor is also set to be a free agent in 2026. A rookie receiver could be primed for a significant role in 2026.
Linebacker
This position hasn't been discussed much for Minnesota, but the Vikings could use another linebacker. Blake Cashman had a great first season in Minnesota, but his absence was felt in the three games he missed due to turf toe. He's also never played a full season.
Ivan Pace, Jr. is a great run defender and blitzer, but he leaves much to be desired in the passing game. Josh Metellus also plays linebacker in some passing situations, but a true linebacker who can play three downs could help Brian Flores further dig into his bag of tricks on game day.
Quarterback
Don't think that Kevin O'Connell will be scared to add a quarterback to the room, even with J.J. McCarthy set to take over the starting role in 2025. O'Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have been vocal about improving the quarterback position just like any other group, adding depth behind viable starters.
Right now, the only other quarterback on the roster is journeyman Brett Rypien. He only has four starts in his career and is entering his seventh season, meaning there probably isn't much left as far as upside. A late-round quarterback could be a passion project for O'Connell. Perhaps someone like Quinn Ewers, whose stock fell during the 2024 college football season, could entice the Vikings to take a swing.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: NFL Draft: 3 positions the Vikings could surprise people by picking
Continue reading...
