I’ll say this right off the bat. This draft was not my favorite to create, nor do I think there is any chance that the Vikings will stand pat like this in the NFL Draft this month. They killed it in free agency but despite that, they still need to fill some holes and bolster their depth at certain positions. The needs are most pronounced on the two interior lines and in the secondary. They could also use some depth at the inside linebacker and running back positions.

And with only four selections in the upcoming draft, I predict Minnesota will gamble with acquiring more quantity, and hopefully not sacrificing too much quality as they expand their number of picks. I will repeat my disclaimer that I do not think that this is what the Viking’s brain trust is planning for the upcoming draft. But in fairness, I wanted to present this alternative scenario as an option.

Minnesota Vikings 2025 7-Round Mock Draft

Round 4, pick No. 24

• Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina (6’3, 220 pounds)

The mobile and rangy Emmanwori’s stock began to rise after his superb performance at the NFL Combine. Despite his size, he has excellent recovery skills, and he has ball hawking energy and drive. With the loss of Cam Bynum to free-agency and with the eventual retirement of Harrison Smith, the Vikings investment in Emmanwori, will pay off for years to come.

Round 3, pick No. 97

• Jordan Burch, Edge, Oregon (6-4, 279 pounds)

Burch was relatively unknown until his 8.5 sack senior season at Oregon. Big for an edge rusher, his high energy and long strides make him especially difficult to block when he exercises his bull rush. The Vikings will let him develop as learns the tricks of the trade from All-Pro teammates Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. With proper motivation, Burch could develop into a productive pass rusher.

Round 5, pick No. 139

• Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland (6-2, 320 pounds)

The athletic Phillips is an explosive and powerful run stopper. His wrestling background provides him with excellent flexibility and great hand-to-hand skills. Attacks with a great ferocity coupled with a low center of gravity. A raw player who will need some time to mature, he projects as an effective nose tackle for the Vikings down the line.

Round 6, pick No. 187

• Caleb Rogers, G, Texas Tech (6-5, 312 pounds)

Rogers was a five-year starter for the Red Raiders who brings great experience and flexibility as he starts his NFL career. Experience at all position along the offensive should help him adapt to life as an interior lineman for Minnesota. He is strong with great lateral quickness. Will need time to develop to develop his pass blocking skills but should be a solid performer was some additional experience.

With this draft, the Vikings would be able to address their biggest need areas except cornerback. However, the chances of Vikings general manager “Trader” Kwesi Adofo-Mensah going this route are virtually nil. He will instead execute a series of trade downs to provide the team with more overall depth. This was presented as a “what if” scenario for the team.