For the second consecutive season, the Minnesota Vikings are going through a major change at quarterback. After parting ways with Kirk Cousins last off-season, they drafted J.J. McCarthy as their future quarterback while signing journeyman Sam Darnold as a starter until McCarthy was ready.
However, McCarthy missed last season with a torn meniscus, and Darnold took advantage by leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record. With McCarthy expected to start in 2025, Darnold left to sign with the Seattle Seahawks to be their starting quarterback after they traded Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason. The Vikings acquired Sam Howell from the Seahawks in Day 3 of the NFL Draft to be their new backup quarterback this upcoming season. The acquisition of Howell could turn out to be bigger than anyone they drafted in the NFL Draft last week.
Here is a look at what the Minnesota Vikings did in the NFL Draft.
Round | Name | Position | School |
|---|---|---|---|
1(24) | Donovan Jackson | Offensive Lineman | Ohio State |
3(102) | Tai Felton | Wide Receiver | Maryland |
5(139) | Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins | Defensive Lineman | Georgia |
6(201) | Kobe King | Linebacker | Penn State |
6(202) | Gavin Bartholomew | Tight End | Pittsburgh |
The Vikings continue revamping their offensive line after drafting Ohio State's Donovan Jackson in the first round. Jackson can play multiple positions on the offensive line, including the left tackle. When Josh Simmons (Taken by the Kansas City Chiefs 31st overall) went down with a significant injury last season, Jackson filled in admirably while helping Ohio State win the national title. The Vikings are counting on him to be a main backup on multiple positions on the offensive line and become a starter in 2026.
Tai Felton is coming off 96 catches and a school record 1,124 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2024. His scouting report indicates he is a quick route runner and a natural separator who is expected to play slot/movement Z receiver. He could not have gone to a better place than Minnesota, with Justin Jefferson being a true No. 1 receiver, who always demands double coverage. With Felton in the mix, the Chicago Bears' secondary could have their hands full against the Vikings' receivers again in 2025.
The Vikings added veteran defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave this offseason. However, both are 30 years old, so they drafted Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins from Georgia to bolster their depth. Ingram-Dawkins did not put up big numbers with Georgia's defensive line rotation being deep. He is a big-bodied defensive lineman, whose strength is stopping the run, so he will be used a lot while he works on his pass rush skills.
Kobe King and Gavin Bartholomew were both taken back-to-back in the 6th round with the idea of both proving depth. His scouting report says King is a strong run stopper who can be a potential "Mike" linebacker. But he doesn't show good athleticism and struggles in coverage, making him a two-down player. Meanwhile, Bartholomew is a willing run-blocking tight end who could be a solid No. 2 option behind T.J. Hockenson.
Grade: B-
The Vikings had given up a lot of trade capital since general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was hired back in 2022. They came in with only 4 picks in this year's draft and ended up with 5 picks, and tried to make the most of it. Jackson, along with free agent signee Will Fries and Ryan Kelly, could make Minnesota's offensive line top 5 units in the NFL. Felton could be a dangerous third receiver who could also contribute as a special-teams player.
However, their biggest addition in this year's draft could be Sam Howell. Having a proven backup with 18 starting experience, just in case J.J. McCarthy gets hurt, could be very valuable.