There are many different opinions by the so-called “experts” on the quality of the draft choices selected by the Minnesota Vikings during the NFL Draft that just concluded. I fully expected the team to trade out of the first round to gain additional draft capital. At first, I was disappointed that they did not, but as the draft progressed, I started to comprehend the method to their madness.

And by the end of the draft, I was pretty happy about the way Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the rest of the Minnesota “War Room” conducted the draft. They skirted the line between filling a position of need vs. procuring the “best player available” very nicely. Of course, as is true with all drafts, time will tell if they were successful or not. For now, here’s a snapshot in time assessment.

Minnesota Vikings 2025 7-Round Mock Draft

Round 4, pick No. 24

• Donovan Jackson,G, Ohio State (6.4, 317 pounds)

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell loves this pick and so do I. His quickness allows him to get the jump on defenders. He demonstrates great balance when pass blocking. Moves well for a player his size and is not afraid to mix it up with opponents. Jackson is a very unselfish player who moved to left tackle his senior season to help his team knowing it might affect his draft position. Minnesota skipped the opportunity to trade down so they could draft a player to fill their greatest need on the team. I’m comfortable with that.

Round 3, pick No. 97

• Tai Felton, WR, Maryland (6.1, 183 pounds)

A burner who creates excellent separation from defenders. Excellent run after catch numbers. Has the ability to find open spaces in zone defenses. Felton has the ability to play on the outside or in the slot. Return experience on both punts and kicks. Needs to get stronger to hold off the NFL’s more physical cornerbacks. People assume that he may displace Jalen Nailor on the Vikings roster but with Jordan Addison’s possible suspension and injuries, depth is needed.

Round 5, pick No. 139

• Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DT, Georgia (6.5, 276 pounds)

Played both edge and inside at Georgia but projects as an explosive defensive tackle. Stacks blocks well on running plays but must improve his tackling ability. Quick off the ball and moves laterally extremely well. Ingram-Dawkins needs to play with more control at the next level. Possible heir apparent to current Vikings starter Harrison Phillips.

Round 6, No. 201

• Kobe King, LB, Penn State (6.1, 243 pounds)

This is a popular pick with many people in Vikings land. He appears to be this year’s “sleeper pick.” This powerful linebacker puts both running backs and blockers to the ground. Has some pass coverage issues but closes on the ball quickly. King moves extremely well laterally and is an aggressive pass rusher. Team captain at Penn State who offers elite character and leadership to a team.

Round 6, No. 202

• Gavin Bartholomew, TE, Pittsburgh (6.5, 246 pounds)

Not an explosive tight end but should fit in well with the Vikings as their third tight end. Tracks the football well and usually succeeds at the catch point. Bartholomew does an excellent job at avoiding checkoffs at the line of scrimmage and has improved immensely as a blocker. Needs to get stronger to survive life in the NFL. Has abundant special teams experience.

What’s Ahead

I will follow this article up with a another one on the most promising undrafted free agents (UFDA’s) that the Vikings signed post-draft and also an article on a projected season opening roster. Thanks for reading!