The Minnesota Vikings have been a bit of a random number generator in terms of victories over the past four seasons, seeing their win total move by at least five games in each of the past three seasons.
They are committing to 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy with Sam Darnold now in Seattle, and if that transition is going to go smoothly, they need to build around the former Wolverine. Did they take a step forward in the 2025 NFL Draft? We break down every pick they made and spin it forward.
Looking for all 32 teams’ draft grades? Head to our 2025 NFL Draft Grades for All 32 Teams Tracker to see how we’ve graded other drafts.
Overall Vikings Draft Grade: B
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the Minnesota Vikings’ front office came away with a well-rounded draft class, filling a few needs on both sides of the ball. The team’s first-round selection of Donovan Jackson stands out as a potential game-changer.
Minnesota made it a priority to revamp the interior of their offensive line in free agency, adding former Colts Ryan Kelly and Will Fries. Jackson has great power and lateral mobility. He’s tough to move and tough to get around. His addition could put a bow on what may be one of the most complete offensive lines in football next season.
Tai Felton is a solid value addition to the WR room that already has Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jalen Nailor. Felton’s calling card is his speed and ability to stretch the field vertically.
Kobe King and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins are quality contributors coming from blue-blood programs. While they won’t be needed as starters in 2025, they offer depth and upside for the future.
The Vikings didn’t make a ton of picks in this year’s draft, but they left with value that should benefit them next season and beyond.
Grades for Every Vikings Draft Pick
- Round 1, Pick 24
Donovan Jackson, OG | Ohio State
Grade: B+
The Minnesota Vikings had a plethora of options to improve the secondary at 23rd overall, but instead, they decided to further bolster their offensive line, filling the final starting spot with Donovan Jackson. It’s not a flashy move, but you can’t fault the Vikings for choosing to protect J.J. McCarthy, and they couldn’t have picked a better remaining player.
At 6’4”, 315 pounds, with near-34” arms, Jackson has a picture-perfect combination of natural leverage, compact mass, and proportional length, and he closed out his career on a high note in 2024, winning a national championship and producing high-level film at both guard and tackle.
Guard is where Jackson will slot in for Minnesota, and he profiles best there with his stout, squatty build and heavy hands. In a phone booth, he stays square and gathers rushers with ease, and he can cover ground and drive punishing power in the run game. This is a high-floor pick first and foremost, but it accomplishes a goal and fills a pressing need for Minnesota.
- Round 3, Pick 102
Tai Felton, WR | Maryland
Grade: A-
There were higher-rated options on my board at the WR position – among them Jalen Royals and Tory Horton – but Tai Felton is still a great value addition to close out Round 3. More importantly, he’s a great schematic fit for Kevin O’Connell, alongside Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jalen Nailor.
Felton makes his money as a speed threat with slippery short-area athleticism as a contrast to his vertical ability. He can stretch the field and explode up seams, but he also has the athletic gifts to extend short passes and weave through crowds.
Focus drops can be an issue, but for J.J. McCarthy, Felton has dual-sided upside as a short-range safety blanket and an intermediate zone coverage gasher.
- Round 5, Pick 139
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DT | Georgia
Grade: A- - Round 6, Pick 201
Kobe King, LB | Penn State
Grade: B+ - Round 6, Pick 202
Gavin Bartholomew, TE | Pittsburgh
Grade: C+