Vikings Boost Linebacker Depth with Kobe King Selection

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have strengthened their linebackers group by drafting Kobe King out of Penn State with the 201st overall pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

King played a total of 46 games in college, making 27 starts during his time with the Nittany Lions. Notably, he participated in all 16 games during the 2024 season. King’s impressive college career statistics included 200 tackles, with 113 being solo tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and four pass breakups.

Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah expressed his enthusiasm about King, stating, “Really excited to add him. Linebacker is one of those positions where you need someone to tackle the person trying to move the ball against your team.” He noted King’s physical play style and potential to not only contribute to special teams but also become a starting player in the future.

In his final season at Penn State in 2024, King set career highs with 97 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 3.0 sacks. His performances earned him Second-Team All-Big Ten honors. Following his standout game against the Minnesota Gophers, he was named the Defensive Player of the Week by his college coaches.

Adding a personal touch, King shared that he has been competing with his twin brother, Kalen, who was drafted by the Green Bay Packers last year. Kalen spent a majority of the previous season on the Packers’ practice squad. Kobe noted the camaraderie between them, saying, “It feels good. We’ve been competing our whole life and we’re still going to compete until we’re done.” 

In another development, the Vikings selected Gavin Bartholomew, a tight end from Pittsburgh, with the 202nd overall pick to complete their five-player draft class. Bartholomew expressed his excitement about joining the Vikings, stating, “I’m kind of at a loss for words right now, really. All my hard work finally paid off.” Over his college career, he started 50 games and accumulated 105 catches for 1,257 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Bartholomew, who stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs 246 pounds, is ready to contribute, especially sharing the field with fellow tight ends T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver. He’s eager to learn and make an impact in the upcoming season.

With these acquisitions, the Vikings are setting the stage for a promising 2025 season, ready to capitalize on the talent captured during this year’s draft.