Minnesota Vikings Seven-Round Mock Draft: Trading Back in the First Round
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Minnesota Vikings are sitting in an intriguing position. After a relatively successful regular season and a return to the playoffs, the team finds itself with a lot of holes to fill if it wants to contend with the top-tier teams in the NFC. With the 2025 NFL Draft, there’s potential to add key contributors to their roster through both smart draft choices and leveraging assets.
The Vikings have a solid core of talent in players like Justin Jefferson, Kirk Cousins, and the newly acquired defensive pieces. However, their weaknesses on the defensive side of the ball, along with some key areas of the offense like offensive line depth and running back depth, need attention.
One strategy that the Vikings could employ is trading back in the first round, as this would allow the team to collect more draft capital while still being able to address their most pressing needs. Let’s explore a seven-round mock draft for the Vikings, with an emphasis on trading back in the first round.
First Round (Trade Back)
Trade: Vikings trade 23rd overall to the New York Jets for the 29th overall pick, 42nd overall pick, and a 2026 third-round pick.
By trading back in the first round, the Vikings gain more value in terms of draft capital. The Jets, who are looking for a potential cornerback or an edge rusher to bolster their defense, are eager to move up and snatch a top player, while the Vikings can capitalize on the opportunity to collect extra picks.
Pick 29 – OT – Joe Alt, Notre Dame
In this scenario, the Vikings opt to address their offensive line with the 29th pick. Joe Alt, an athletic and powerful offensive tackle from Notre Dame, is an immediate starter with the potential to anchor the Vikings’ offensive line for years to come. While the Vikings have some talent in the trenches, Alt’s combination of size (6’7″ and 330 pounds) and agility gives them a potential future left tackle, with Christian Darrisaw sliding to the right side if necessary. Protecting Kirk Cousins, the veteran quarterback, will be essential to sustaining the Vikings’ offensive rhythm.
Second Round
Pick 42 – CB – Kelee Ringo, Georgia
The Vikings’ secondary has been a concern for several years, and while they have a few good players, they need more depth and talent, especially at cornerback. Kelee Ringo, a standout cornerback from Georgia, is one of the top cornerbacks in this class. He possesses impressive length, speed, and ball skills, making him an ideal fit for the Vikings’ defense. Ringo could step in immediately as a starter and form a formidable duo with the veteran cornerbacks currently on the roster. His physicality and ability to play in man-to-man coverage would give the Vikings much-needed stability in the secondary.
Pick 56 (from Jets trade) – EDGE – Jared Verse, Florida State
Jared Verse, a dynamic edge rusher from Florida State, would be a fantastic addition to the Vikings’ defense. With Danielle Hunter’s future in question and the need to generate more pass-rush pressure, Verse brings explosiveness off the edge and could step in immediately as a rotational rusher, potentially starting in the future. His burst and ability to bend around the edge would add another layer to the Vikings’ defense, helping to keep opposing quarterbacks under pressure throughout games.
Third Round
Pick 86 – WR – Xavier Worthy, Texas
Despite the presence of Justin Jefferson and the solid play of K.J. Osborn, the Vikings’ wide receiver depth can be improved. Xavier Worthy, a speedy wideout from Texas, could be a game-changer for the offense. His deep-threat ability will complement Jefferson’s game and give Kirk Cousins a legitimate second option in the passing game. Worthy has the ability to take the top off a defense with his elite speed and agility. As a third-round pick, he provides a high upside with the potential to develop into a key contributor on offense.
Fourth Round
Pick 121 – LB – Troy Brown, Ole Miss
The linebacker corps has been an area of concern for the Vikings for some time. While they have a few solid players, they lack an impact playmaker in the middle. Troy Brown, an athletic linebacker from Ole Miss, is a versatile player who can contribute both in pass coverage and as a run stopper. His sideline-to-sideline range and ability to cover tight ends and running backs make him a good fit for the Vikings’ defensive scheme. Brown could compete for a starting job early in his career and provide much-needed depth to the linebacker group.
Fifth Round
Pick 157 – DT – Mazi Smith, Michigan
Defensive tackle is an area where the Vikings could stand to add some depth. Mazi Smith from Michigan offers incredible size (6’3″, 337 pounds) and strength to control the line of scrimmage. Smith’s ability to eat up blocks and disrupt running plays will be an asset to the Vikings’ defense. While he’s a developmental player, Smith’s strength and physicality could allow him to see the field early on, especially in run-heavy situations. A high-upside prospect, Smith could provide the defensive line with a much-needed presence in the middle.
Sixth Round
Pick 190 – RB – Kenny McIntosh, Georgia
While the Vikings currently have Dalvin Cook, there’s always a need to have a solid backup plan at running back, especially given Cook’s injury history. Kenny McIntosh from Georgia would provide great value in the sixth round. McIntosh is an all-around back who can contribute as both a runner and a receiver. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield would make him a perfect complement to Cook. If Cook were to miss time, McIntosh would be ready to step in and help take some of the load off the offense.
Seventh Round
Pick 235 – TE – Will Mallory, Miami
With Irv Smith Jr.’s future in Minnesota uncertain, tight end is a position the Vikings may look to address in the later rounds. Will Mallory from Miami is an athletic, pass-catching tight end who would be a great developmental option. While Mallory is still a raw prospect, his ability to create mismatches with his size and speed would make him a solid backup to T.J. Hockenson and someone who can develop into a contributor over time.
Conclusion
By trading back in the first round, the Vikings are able to address key needs with a solid mix of young talent and depth. With picks used on positions like offensive tackle, cornerback, edge rusher, and wide receiver, the Vikings are improving the foundation of both their offense and defense. This mock draft emphasizes strategic long-term planning, bolstering a competitive roster that can sustain success for years to come. If these picks pan out, the Minnesota Vikings would significantly improve their chances of competing at the highest level in the NFC.
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