Vikings’ Draft Report Card: Assessing the 2025 NFL Draft

Minneapolis, MN – The 2025 NFL Draft wrapped up last Saturday, leaving fans and analysts buzzing with reactions to the Minnesota Vikings’ selections. With only five draft picks, including their first-round choice, the team had limited opportunities to fill their roster needs. Many observers have begun sharing their grades and assessments of Minnesota’s strategies in this year’s draft.

The Vikings kicked off their draft by selecting Donovan Jackson, an offensive lineman from Ohio State, with the 24th overall pick. This choice was widely viewed as a smart move to bolster the offensive line, especially given that quarterback J.J. McCarthy is expected to lead the team in 2025 after missing his rookie season due to injury. Analysts noted that Jackson’s strong run-blocking skills and versatility should greatly benefit the team’s attacking game.

In the third round, the Vikings picked Tai Felton, a wide receiver from Maryland, hoping that his speed and playmaking ability will provide relief for star receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Felton was recognized for his impressive college stats, including 96 receptions last season.

The Vikings continued to build their roster with their later selections: Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, a defensive lineman from Georgia, was chosen in the fourth round, followed by linebacker Kobe King from Penn State and tight end Gavin Bartholomew from Pittsburgh in the sixth round. Ingram-Dawkins is noted for his size and athleticism, while King is seen as a solid run-stopping linebacker, and Bartholomew adds depth to the tight end position.

Grading the Vikings’ draft so far, various analysts have given a mix of evaluations. Some have awarded grades ranging from B to C- for the Vikings’ overall draft class, underscoring the need for improvement in their secondary that was not addressed. Despite these concerns, there is cautious optimism about Jackson’s potential impact on the offensive line and Felton’s dynamic abilities in the passing game.

Overall, while it’s still early to determine the ultimate success of the Vikings’ draft picks, the team’s direction is evident as they prepare for the upcoming season. Expectations are high with McCarthy taking the reins, and these draft choices are intended to provide the necessary support for him to thrive as a starting quarterback.