In this 2025 NFL Mock Draft, the Minnesota Vikings take the next step in ensuring the security of their new era with J.J. McCarthy under center. What can Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah do to attain success post-Kirk Cousins?
The Cousins era in Minnesota was productive — but playoff success was in short supply. That’s unfortunately a characteristic that has underscored nearly the entirety of the Vikings’ existence in the NFL. McCarthy is the latest beacon of hope, that things might change.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Vikings managed to add McCarthy and blue-chip edge rusher Dallas Turner in Round 1. And with cornerstones such as Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, Christian Darrisaw, and Harrison Smith still in-house, Minnesota should be able to stay afloat.
Nevertheless, another strong NFL Draft performance is needed before the Vikings can enter the contending crowd again. And in a surging NFC North, they’ll need all the help they can get.
Who Could the Minnesota Vikings Draft in 2025?
1.9) Minnesota Vikings: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Brian Flores’ scheme puts relatively less stress on the interior grouping, but interior pressure is naturally very important in the modern NFL. Flores could use an alignment versatile disruptor with excess gravity, and Mason Graham can be that player.
At 6’3″, 318 pounds, Graham defies logic and physics with how he moves. He’s explosive off the snap, agile off-setting blockers, and he can flex around blocks while using active, heavy hands to channel power and break through the front. He has blue-chip potential.
Minnesota’s defensive line is still very much a work in progress, even with the addition of Graham. But Graham gives the Vikings an interior presence to orbit around, while Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel provide pressure from the outside.
2.41) Minnesota Vikings: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
Trade: Vikings receive No. 41 overall pick; Bills receive No. 138 overall pick, 2026 second-round pick, 2026 third-round pick.
In this 2025 NFL Mock Draft, the Vikings trade back into the second round, giving up their Day 2 capital in 2026. It’s a hefty price, but it’s worth it to pair J.J. McCarthy with an explosive 219-pound carving knife like Quinshon Judkins at RB.
KEEP READING: Ian Cummings’ Full 7-Round NFL Mock Draft
Ironically, this is the same pick that the Vikings first sent to the Texans to acquire an extra first-round pick in 2024, and then that the Texans sent to the Bills for Stefon Diggs. In this mock, the Vikings get the pick back using future capital, and it’s for a good cause.
In the immediate timeline, Aaron Jones is a strong addition for Minnesota, but he’s only on a one-year deal. Judkins is a true volume back with rare explosiveness, energy, and foot speed for his size, and he can take pressure off McCarthy as he grows early in his career.
Rounds 4-7
5.146) Minnesota Vikings
Jeffrey Bassa, S, Oregon
6.188) Minnesota Vikings
Montorie Foster, WR, Michigan State
