Top 10 Minnesota Vikings First Round Picks

The 2025 NFL Draft is less than a week away. During this time, most of my football thoughts are on this year’s fast-approaching draft. Every now and then I think about drafts of the past. Those thoughts brought this. 

The Top 10 Minnesota Vikings First Round Picks

10. Robert Smith, RB, Ohio State, 21st pick 1993

Robert Smith is one of the biggest “what ifs” in Vikings franchise history. Just about every malady from chicken pox to a torn ACL slowed his NFL start. Once he finally got his footing in the NFL he was rarely slowed. In fact, the only thing that slowed him was his early retirement at 28. If he’d put up the numbers in his first four seasons that he put up his final four seasons, Smith would be honored in Canton. 

10. Keith Millard, DT, Washington State, 13th pick 1984

Through his first five seasons with the Vikings, Keith Millard was on an all-timer pace. He routinely had his way with the blocking schemes designed to slow him. It was a blast to watch. 1989 was his best season. 18 sacks, NFL Defensive Player of the Year, third in the MVP voting. The attention paid to Millard that year helped defensive end Chris Doleman reach 21 sacks. Injuries sadly shortened Millard’s great career.

10. Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame, 29th pick 2012

Harrison Smith has been a playmaking force all over the Vikings defense since his first game. He plays everywhere. He can do everything. In my book, he’s been the best safety in football over the past decade. He should get Hall of Fame consideration five years after his retirement. 

10. Kevin Williams, DT, Oklahoma State, 9th pick 2003

When I think of Kevin Williams I often think of a play he made as a rookie against the Kansas City Chiefs. At the snap, he flashed through Will Shields, dispatched Tony Richardson as if he wasn’t there, and tackled Priest Holmes at a spot closer to the quarterback than the line of scrimmage. At the time, each of those players was among the best in the game at their position. Shields is a Hall of Famer. Williams made each look like they didn’t belong in his league. He’s the sort of defensive tackle that the Vikings have been seeking since he departed Minnesota. Defensive tackles like Kevin Williams don’t come around too often. 

10. Joey Browner, S, USC, 19th pick 1983

After Joey Browner took apart his Los Angeles Rams team, head coach John Robinson called him the game’s best defensive player. As with Millard, injuries shortened Browner’s career. If not for those injuries he’d be in the Hall of Fame. Despite an injury-shortened career, he has a legitimate Hall of Fame case. Especially after safety peer Kenny Easley made it. There are many Vikings fans of a certain age that consider Joey Browner their favorite player.

9. Chuck Foreman, RB, Miami, 12th pick 1973

For his first five years, Chuck Foreman was one of the best, if not the best, running back in the league. He was certainly the most versatile back. In 1975, he was seven rushing yards shy of leading the NFC in rushing, receptions, and touchdowns. There was no talk of a Triple Crown because there was never a thought that a running back could lead those three categories. Mostly Hall of Famers rank higher than Foreman on this list. There’s a legitimate argument that he should join them in Canton. 

8. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU, 22nd pick 2020

After only five seasons, Justin Jefferson enters this list of great Vikings first round picks. In another five seasons, he should be near the top of this list. I never thought that a Vikings receiver would ever enter the elite orbit of Cris Carter and Randy Moss. Then along came Jefferson. He’s remarkable. Moss had the freakish athletic ability. Carter had the hands and body control. Jefferson has emerged as the best receiver in the league with unrelenting competitiveness and technique. He’s a great, fun football player. 

7. Chris Doleman, DE, Pittsburgh, 4th pick 1985

Just like I have that particular memory of Kevin Williams, I have a particular memory of Chris Doleman. It’s a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. It’s a game against Anthony Munoz. Some consider Munoz the best offensive tackle the game’s ever seen. Doleman made him look pedestrian. He made a lot of very good offensive linemen look pedestrian. 

6. Ron Yary, OT, USC, 1st pick 1968

Ron Yary was arguably the best offensive tackle of his era. First pick in the draft, six time first-team All-Pro, two time second-team All-Pro, seven Pro Bowls, 1970s All-Decade Team. 

5. Carl Eller, DE, Minnesota, 6th pick 1964

Carl Eller’s playing size is listed as 6’6” and 247 lbs. As a little, California kid falling for the Vikings in the early 1970s, Eller seemed twice that size. He was a great football player and one of the reasons I’ve been a Vikings fan since the early 1970s. 

4. Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma, 7th pick 2007

Adrian Peterson was a beast of a back. One of the best I’ve ever seen. He has the greatest rushing game in NFL history. He was eight yards from the greatest rushing season in NFL history. Three-time rushing champ, five time first-team All-Pro, seven Pro Bowls, 2010s All-Decade Team, 2012 MVP. Adrian Peterson is a Hall of Famer five years after he retires. 

3. Randall McDaniel, OG, Arizona State, 19th pick 1988

His funky stance was noticeable. His athleticism and ability to dominate defenders was even more noticeable. He’s one of the best guards to ever play in the league. Nine time first-team All-Pro, 12 Pro Bowls, 1990s All-Decade Team, NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

2. Randy Moss, WR, Marshall, 21st pick 1998

Randy Moss scared defenses more than any receiver I’ve ever seen. Blanket double, even triple, coverage often wasn’t enough coverage to keep him from catching a pass. He’s arguably the most physically gifted receiver that’s ever played. Four time first-team All-Pro, six Pro Bowls, 2000s All-Decade Team, NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

1. Alan Page, DT, Notre Dame, 15th pick 1967

Alan Page gets the #1 spot because he was a fantastic football player. He’s also my favorite all-time player. Page was the first defensive football player to be named the league’s MVP. For the young folk, he was the Aaron Donald of his day. Page was so quick off the snap. He just tore up offensive lines. Six time first-team All-Pro, three time second-team All-Pro, nine Pro Bowls, two time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1971 MVP, 1970s All-Decade Team, NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. 

***

Perhaps I’m being overly hopeful but Christian Darrisaw is on his way to earning a spot on this list. 

Hall of Famers

Alan Page

Randy Moss

Randall McDaniel

Carl Eller

Ron Yary

Chris Doleman

Will be a Hall of Famer

Adrian Peterson

Have a Hall of Fame Case

Chuck Foreman

Joey Browner

Kevin Williams

Harrison Smith

Building a first-year eligible Hall of Fame Case

Justin Jefferson

If not for the injuries that dismantled his career, Keith Millard would be in the Hall of Fame company of fellow Vikings defensive linemen Page, Eller, Doleman, John Randle, eventually Jared Allen, and hopefully Kevin Williams. 

Here’s hoping that J.J. McCarthy, Dallas Turner, and whoever the Vikings select next Thursday play their way onto this list. 

Minnesota Vikings Second Round Draft History

Yesterday was a look at the first round draft history of the Minnesota Vikings. Today, it’s the second round. Over 63 drafts, the Vikings have selected 61 players in the second round. Here are those second round selections:

1961: Rip Hawkins, LB, North Carolina

1962: No Pick

1963: Bobby Bell, LB, Minnesota

1964: Hal Bedsole, TE, USC

1965: Archie Sutton, OT, Illinois

          Lance Rentzel, RB, Oklahoma

1966: Jim Lindsey, RB, Arkansas

1967: Bob Grim, WR, Oregon State

1968: Charlie West, DB, Texas-El Paso

1969: Ed White, G, California

1970: Bill Cappleman, QB, Florida State

1971: No Pick

1972: Ed Marinaro, RB, Cornell

1973: Jackie Wallace, DB, Arizona

1974: John Holland, WR, Tennessee State

          Matt Blair, LB, Iowa State

1975: Art Riley, DT, USC

1976: Sammy White, WR, Grambling

1977: Dennis Swilley, C, Texas A&M

1978: John Turner, CB, Miami

1979: Dave Huffman, C, Notre Dame

1980: Willie Teal, CB, LSU

1981: Mardye McDole, WR, Mississippi

          Robin Sendlein, LB, Texas

          Jarvis Redwine, RB, Nebraska

1982: Terry Tausch, OT, Texas

1983: No Pick

1984: No Pick

1985: Issiac Holt, CB Alcorn State

1986: No Pick

1987: Ray Berry, LB, Baylor

1988: Brad Edwards, S, South Carolina

1989: David Braxton, LB, Wake Forest

1990: No Pick

1991: No Pick

1992: Robert Harris, DE, Southern

1993: Qadry Ismail, WR, Syracuse

1994: David Palmer, RB/WR, Alabama

1995: Orlando Thomas, S, SW Louisiana

          Corey Fuller, CB, Florida State

1996: James Manley, DT, Vanderbilt

1997: Torian Gray, S, Virginia Tech

1998: Kailee Wong, LB, Stanford

1999: Jim Kleinsasser, TE, North Dakota

2000: Fred Robbins, DT Wake Forest

          Michael Boireau, DE, Miami

2001: Willie Howard, DT, Stanford

2002: Raonall Smith, LB, Washington State

2003: E.J. Henderson, LB, Maryland

2004: Dontarrious Thomas, LB, Auburn

2005: Marcus Johnson, G, Mississippi

2006: Cedric Griffin, CB, Texas

          Ryan Cook, C, New Mexico

          Tarvaris Jackson, QB, Alabama State

2007: Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina

2008: Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State

2009: Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma

2010: Chris Cook, CB, Virginia

          Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford

2011: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

2012: No Pick

2013: No Pick

2014: No Pick

2015: Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA

2016: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson

2017: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

2018: Brian O’Neill, T, Pittsburgh

2019: Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama

2020: Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State

2021: No Pick

2022: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

          Ed Ingram, G, LSU

2023: No Pick

2024: No Pick

A Breakdown:

Hall of Famers:

Bobby Bell

From 1960-65, the National Football League and upstart American Football League waged an annual recruiting war for college football players. Each league had a draft and then the race was on to get the players signed. Some unusual tactics were used. Some ran real close to kidnapping. The more established NFL usually had the edge but the AFL stole more than a few college stars. The recruiting and signing war was the reason for the NFL-AFL merger in 1966. From 1961-65, nearly all of the Vikings draft picks ended up in Minnesota. The big one that got away is Bobby Bell. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Bell was the best outside linebacker of his era and one of the best outside linebackers of any era. His great career earned him a bust in Canton. I’ve spent many sleepless nights imagining Bobby Bell playing behind the great Purple People Eaters. Vikings history would be so different if Bell was a part of it. 

Hall of Fame adjacent is 1964 second-round pick Hal Bedsole. In 1967, the Vikings traded Bedsole, Tommy Mason, and a second round pick to the Los Angeles Rams for a first round pick. The Vikings used that first round pick to select Alan Page.

The Vikings Second Round By Position: 

Quarterbacks (2)

Bill Cappleman

Tarvaris Jackson

Running Backs (6)

Lance Rentzel - played receiver in the NFL

Jim Lindsey

Ed Marinaro

Jarvis Redwine

Toby Gerhart

Dalvin Cook

Receivers (7):

Bob Grim

John Holland

Sammy White

Mardye McDole

Qadry Ismail

David Palmer

Sidney Rice

Tight Ends (4):

Hal Bedsole

Jim Kleinsasser

Kyle Rudolph

Irv Smith Jr.

Offensive Linemen (11):

Archie Sutton

Ed White

Dennis Swilley

Dave Huffman

Terry Tausch

Marcus Johnson

Ryan Cook

Phil Loadholt

Brian O’Neill

Ezra Cleveland

Ed Ingram

Defensive Linemen (6):

Art Riley

Robert Harris

James Manley

Fred Robbins

Michael Boireau

Willie Howard

Linebackers (11):

Rip Hawkins

Bobby Bell

Matt Blair

Robin Sendlein

Ray Berry

David Braxton

Kailee Wong

Raonall Smith

E.J. Henderson

Dontarrious Smith

Eric Kendricks

Defensive Backs (14):

Charlie West

Jackie Wallace

John Turner

Willie Teal

Issiac Holt

Brad Edwards

Orlando Thomas

Corey Fuller

Torian Gray

Cedric Griffin

Tyrell Johnson

Chris Cook

Mackensie Alexander

Andrew Booth Jr.

Some Second Round Observations:

In 1981, the Vikings traded the 12th pick in the 1981 NFL Draft to the Baltimore Colts for two second round picks and a fifth round pick. As a result, the Vikings had three picks in the second round. No first round pick. But three second round picks. At the time, I had mixed feelings about this trade. I could understand adding a couple more shots at picking a keeper(s). I just wasn’t sure if two seconds and a fifth equaled the 12th pick. Before the second round, I didn’t like the trade. After the second round, I liked the trade. 

Mardye McDole

Robin Sendlein

Jarvis Redwine

Mardye McDole was a receiver I liked at the 12th pick. The Vikings got him with the 39th pick. I also liked what I’d seen of Robin Sendlein and Jarvis Redwine in college. McDole, Sendlein, and Redwine played a combined 10 seasons for the Vikings. McDole did little. Sendlein started a handful of games. Redwine was a decent returner for a couple years. Hindsight makes things even more painful as Mike Singletary, Howie Long, and Rickey Jackson were second round picks that year. Russ Grimm went in the third. All four ended their great careers in Canton. The Vikings could’ve selected at least a couple of them. Hindsight is fun. 

During the 1983 season, the Vikings traded their 1984 second round pick for Archie Manning. The Chicago Bears damn near killed Manning in a game during the 1984 season. He retired after that season. History will hold Peyton and Eli as better quarterbacks but Archie was the more talented quarterback. History would be kinder to Archie Manning if he didn’t have to start his career with such a shit New Orleans Saints team.

The second round can be a tease. It’s close enough to the top of the draft that it’s expected to be something like a 1a. In reality, it’s more of a crap shoot than the first round and the first round is already a crap shoot. 

One of the best examples of the second round being a tease is 2002 second round pick Raonall Smith. I saw him several times while he played at Washington State. He was a terrific football player, a first round talent, and a steal in the second round. Unfortunately, the touch of a feather could put him on IR. 

Matt Blair is the only second round pick in the Vikings Ring of Honor. Ed White should join him. Jim Kleinsasser and Kyle Rudolph should join him as well. 

Speaking of Matt Blair, several of my favorite Vikings players over the years have been selected in the second round. 

Ed White (I’ll always favor Cal players)

Matt Blair

Sammy White

Orlando Thomas

Jim Kleinsasser

E.J. Henderson

Sidney Rice

Kyle Rudolph

Eric Kendricks

Dalvin Cook

Brian O’Neill

The Vikings second round history is a mixed bag. As soon as I start thinking why bother and trade that second for a third and a fifth, the Vikings pull in a Matt Blair or a Jim Kleinsasser. Rip Hawkins was the first second round pick in franchise history. He became a defensive cornerstone at middle linebacker from 1961-65. He paved the way for Lonnie Warwick, Jeff Siemon, Scott Studwell, E.J. Henderson, and Eric Kendricks. Hawkins started a strong Vikings tradition of middle linebackers. I like many of the Vikings second round picks. I really like a few of them. If the Vikings had managed to pull Bobby Bell from the Chiefs, the Vikings second round history, and franchise history, would be a whole lot different. 

Minnesota Vikings First Round Draft History

The Minnesota Vikings have been taking part in the NFL Draft for 64 years. In those 64 drafts, the Vikings have selected 67 players in the first round. Here are those first round selections:

1961: Tommy Mason, RB, Tulane
1962: No Pick
1963: Jim Dunaway, DT, Mississippi
1964: Carl Eller, DE, Minnesota
1965: Jack Snow, WR, Notre Dame
1966: Jerry Shay, DT, Purdue
1967: Clinton Jones, RB, Michigan State
          Gene Washington, WR, Michigan State
          Alan Page, DT, Notre Dame
1968: Ron Yary, OT, USC
1969: No Pick
1970: John Ward, OT, Oklahoma State
1971: Leo Hayden, RB, Ohio State
1972: Jeff Siemon, LB, Stanford
1973: Chuck Foreman, RB, Miami
1974: Fred McNeill, LB, UCLA
          Steve Riley, OT, USC
1975: Mark Mullaney, DT, Colorado State
1976: James White, DT, Oklahoma State
1977: Tommy Kramer, QB, Rice
1978: Randy Holloway, DE, Pittsburgh
1979: Ted Brown, RB, North Carolina State
1980: Doug Martin, DE, Washington
1981: No Pick
1982: Darrin Nelson, RB, Stanford
1983: Joey Browner, S, USC
1984: Keith Millard, DE, Washington State
1985: Chris Doleman, LB, Pittsburgh
1986: Gerald Robinson, DE, Aubrun
1987: D.J. Dozier, RB, Penn State
1988: Randall McDaniel, OG, Arizona State
1989: No Pick
1990: No Pick
1991: No Pick
1992: No Pick
1993: Robert Smith, RB, Ohio State
1994: DeWayne Washington, CB, North Carolina State
          Todd Steussie, OT, California
1995: Derrick Alexander, DE, Florida State
          Korey Stringer, OT, Ohio State
1996: Duane Clemons, DE, California
1997: Dwayne Rudd, LB, Alabama
1998: Randy Moss, WR, Marshall
1999: Daunte Culpepper, QB, Central Florida
          Dimitrius Underwood, DE, Michigan State
2000: Chris Hovan, DT, Boston College
2001: Michael Bennett, RB, Wisconsin
2002: Bryant McKinnie, OT, Miami
2003: Kevin Williams, DT, Oklahoma State
2004: Kenechi Udeze, DE, USC
2005: Troy Williamson, WR, South Carolina
           Erasmus James, DE, Wisconsin
2006: Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
2007: Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
2008: No Pick
2009: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
2010: No Pick
2011: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
2012: Matt Kalil, OT, USC
          Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame
2013: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
          Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
          Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
2014: Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA
          Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
2015: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
2016: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi
2017: No Pick
2018: Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida
2019: Garrett Bradbury, C, North Carolina State
2020: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
          Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
2021: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
2022: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

2023: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

2024: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

          Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

A Breakdown:

Hall of Famers:
Carl Eller
Alan Page
Ron Yary
Chris Doleman
Randall McDaniel
Randy Moss
Adrian Peterson will soon join this list.

If I were to pick a past first round pick that hasn’t received the Hall of Fame consideration that he deserves, that player would be Chuck Foreman. There was a four-five year stretch in which he was arguably the best running back in the league. He was certainly the most versatile. He was such a fun back. 

Joey Browner and Keith Millard would be in Canton if injuries hadn’t whittled away at their career. 

By position:

Quarterbacks (5):
Tommy Kramer
Daunte Culpepper
Christian Ponder
Teddy Bridgewater

J.J. McCarthy

Running Backs (10):
Tommy Mason
Clinton Jones
Leo Hayden
Chuck Foreman
Ted Brown
Darrin Nelson
D.J. Dozier
Robert Smith
Michael Bennett
Adrian Peterson

Receivers (9):
Jack Snow
Gene Washington
Randy Moss
Troy Williamson
Percy Harvin
Cordarrelle Patterson
Laquon Treadwell
Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Offensive Linemen (10):
Ron Yary
John Ward
Steve Riley
Randall McDaniel
Todd Steussie
Korey Stringer
Bryant McKinnie
Matt Kalil
Garrett Bradbury
Christian Darrisaw

Defensive Linemen (18):
Jim Dunaway
Carl Eller
Jerry Shay
Alan Page
Mark Mullaney
James White
Randy Holloway
Doug Martin
Keith Millard
Gerald Robinson
Derrick Alexander
Duane Clemons
Dimitrius Underwood
Chris Hovan
Kevin Williams
Keneche Udeze
Erasmus James
Sharrif Floyd

Linebackers (7):
Jeff Siemon
Fred McNeill
Chris Doleman
Dwayne Rudd
Chad Greenway
Anthony Barr

Dallas Turner

Cornerbacks (5):
DeWayne Washington
Xavier Rhodes
Trae Waynes
Mike Hughes
Jeff Gladney

Safeties (3):
Joey Browner
Harrison Smith
Lewis Cine

It’s interesting that defensive line is by far the most popular first round position but a defensive lineman hasn’t been selected in the first round since 2013. While not technically a defensive lineman, the Vikings did address their pass rush last year with the selection of outside linebacker Dallas Turner. 

During the NFL-AFL bidding wars of the 1960s, drafted players had options. They could sign with the established NFL team that drafted them or they could sign with the newbie AFL team that drafted them. The Vikings lost 1963 first-round pick Jim Dunaway to the Buffalo Bills. He developed into an integral player on one of the best defenses in the AFL. He would’ve paired quite nicely with Alan Page in the middle of Vikings defensive line. Or, maybe the Vikings don’t draft Page if Dunaway is already playing well on the line. We’ll never know. 

The Vikings traded 1965 first-round pick Jack Snow to the Los Angeles Rams before he ever played a snap in Minnesota. Despite playing college football in the Midwest at Notre Dame, I believe Snow didn’t like the snow and wanted to play professionally closer to his Southern California home. 

While I initially liked the selection of Lewis Cine. It’s no stretch to say that he’s fallen far short of the other two safeties the Vikings have selected in the first round. Joey Browner was and Harrison Smith continues to be outstanding. 

Picks that thrilled me to the point of hyperventilation:
Joey Browner
Randall McDaniel
Dwayne Rudd
RANDY MOSS
Chris Hovan
Bryant McKinnie
Chad Greenway
Adrian Peterson
Percy Harvin
Harrison Smith
Anthony Barr
Teddy Bridgewater
Justin Jefferson

J.J. McCarthy

Dallas Turner

The selection of Randy Moss in 1998 damn near killed me.

Then, there’s this one. 
I had watched a lot of Darrin Nelson at Stanford and he was a terrific back. I was thrilled when the Vikings drafted him but my thrill was muted a bit by the fact that Marcus Allen was still available. I hadn't seen as much of Allen in college as I'd seen of Nelson but I'd seen enough. I knew that Allen was going to be the better professional running back but I did really like the potential of Nelson’s versatility in the Vikings offense. 

Picks that disappointed so, so much as players:
Dwayne Rudd
Bryant McKinnie

I was thrilled when both players were drafted but I can't remember ever being thrilled watching either play. Dwayne Rudd put more energy into celebrating routine plays than he ever put into actually making plays. For the entirety of his career, Bryant McKinnie simply showed no energy and no interest while he was on the field. He made one Pro Bowl, probably because Brett Favre made him look better than he was, and was sent home before the game was even played. Who does that? McKinnie being sent home from the Pro Bowl was less surprising than his being selected for the game. I've never been one to hate the players that play for the team that I love but I hated seeing these two players play for the Vikings. I was thrilled when both were drafted but I was more thrilled when they left.

On eleven occasions, the Vikings made multiple picks in the first round. The success with those multiple picks is wide-ranging. There’s the high of selecting Clinton Jones, Gene Washington, and Alan Page in 1967. There’s the brutal low of selecting Troy Williamson and Erasmus James in 2005. I’m expecting last year’s first-round haul of J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner will be closer to that of 1967 than 2005. 

On nine occasions, the Vikings made no selections in the first round. Four of those were the rough draft years of 1989-92. The Vikings traded their 1989 first round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for linebacker Mike Merriweather. That was a good trade. The Vikings traded their 1990-92 first round picks, several other picks, and several players to the Dallas Cowboys for Herschel Walker. That was a bad trade. A very bad trade.  

As a youngster in California, I fell for the Vikings in the early 1970s. The first draft that I really remember following was the 1976 draft that brought James White (first round) and Sammy White (second round) to Minnesota. Thanks to the tremendous work during my formative years of Joel Buschbaum, Paul Zimmerman, and Mel Kiper I gradually started to understand and appreciate the football fun of the NFL Draft. I look forward to every round of every round but the first round, for obvious reasons, is always my favorite four hours of the NFL offseason. Especially those 15 minutes when the Minnesota Vikings are on the clock. 

17 NFL Draft Attendees

The NFL announced the 17 players that will be in Green Bay for the 2025 NFL Draft. 

Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi

Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Shamar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

Cameron Ward, QB, Miami

Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia

Colorado quarterback Shadeur Sanders would’ve been among the 17 but stated long ago that he’d be skipping the event. He’s widely expected to be the second quarterback selected in the draft. Sanders could go anywhere from #2 to who knows where. One could assume that the wide range is the reason for the absence. Who knows? Maybe he just wants to keep his big day a family affair. 

Sanders’ absence probably opened the door for quarterbacks Jaxson Dart and Jalen Milroe to be invited. It’s all about the quarterbacks and a handful of teams could really use one. We’ll see if those teams find that quarterback in this draft. 

For me, the surprise of the 17 invites is the absence of the top tight ends. Penn State’s Ty Warren and Michigan’s Colston Loveland will probably be selected among the first 15 picks. As with Sanders, they probably wanted to keep their big day a personal and private one. 

Cam Ward should be the first player to leave Green Bay’s green room. Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter should immediately follow. Mason Graham and Will Campbell should also have short stays. 

The last to leave? I’m guessing Malaki Starks. That has more to do with the position he plays than the talent he has. For some reason, there’s many that still question the value of selecting a safety early in the draft. Safeties impact games. Maybe some day, these analytics clowns will realize that. 

Congratulations to the 17 players that will attend the 2025 NFL Draft. It’s a damn shame that it has to be in Green Bay. 

Minnesota Vikings Receivers

With two of the best pass-catchers in the league, the Minnesota Vikings receiver group is in fine shape as the team approaches the 2025 NFL Draft. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are arguably the league’s best duo. Behind them are some players with intriguing potential.

Minnesota Vikings Receivers

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jalen Nailor

Rondale Moore

Tim Jones

Lucky Jackson

Jeshaun Jones

Thayer Thomas

With six touchdowns, Jalen Nailor had a bit of a break out last season as a #3 threat. Rondale Moore and Tim Jones were free agent additions. Moore should bring some explosiveness to the Vikings offense. At about 5’7” and 180 lbs, he’s on the slight side but his speed and versatility will allow head coach Kevin O’Connell to get creative with his play-calling and scheming. As a rookie in 2022, Moore introduced himself to the Vikings in devastating fashion. In his second NFL game, he had seven catches for 114 yards. A large chunk of those yards came on a 77-yard touchdown. That sort of big play threat will work nicely in support of Jefferson and Addison. 

Many NFL pundits have spoken of receiver groups as similar to a basketball squad. Teams need a combination of sizes among their pass-catchers. They need small, quick receivers (guards). They need, bigger field-stretchers (forwards). They need even bigger, chain-movers (centers). The Vikings currently have the first two. They don’t really have any of the bigger receivers. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are proficient at coming away with the ball in contested catch situations. Both are sturdy despite their slight-looking builds. Neither is considered a big receiver. None of the eight receivers currently on the roster is over 6’1”. I’ve wondered if Kevin O’Connell and the team’s decision-makers are interested in adding a bigger receiver. They do have a tight end in T.J. Hockenson that can fill that “big receiver” role. If that’s the team’s thinking, I get it. I believe that the Vikings could use a bigger receiver to round out their position group. There are a few of those in the draft.

Jayden Higgins, Iowa State: 6’4”

Tre Harris, Mississippi: 6’2”

Eric Ayomanor, Stanford: 6’2”

Tory Horton, Colorado State: 6’3”

Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas: 6’4”

With their other draft needs, I don’t see the Vikings looking at receivers before Day 3. That would eliminate Jayden Higgins, Tre Harris, and Eric Ayomanor. Perhaps it’s his name, Isaac TeSlaa has emerged as a draft curiosity of mine. 

The Vikings have a good receiver group. With Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the group may even be considered great. Jalen Nailor is a nice third receiver. Despite some injury concerns, Rondale Moore was an excellent free agent addition. He brings a lot of speed and versatility. He’s a threat to score whenever he has the ball in his hands and should have a “gadget” role. I see a need for a big pass-catcher. We’ll see if the Vikings see that as a need as well. 

Perhaps the most concerning tidbit regarding the Vikings 2025 receiver group is the possible/likely suspension of Jordan Addison for his off-the-field nonsense. Jalen Nailor stepped up when Addison was out early last season with injuries. I expect the same this season. Rondale Moore will help as well. Above all else, the Vikings have Justin Jefferson. He makes things right. 

Minnesota Vikings Dream Draft

The Minnesota Vikings hold only four picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. It’s difficult to dream big with only four picks. This is an attempt at a dreamy Vikings draft. It starts with addressing the team’s needs. Thanks to an aggressive offseason, the Vikings have few immediate needs. Several positions still need reinforcements. Here are a four of the most pressing.

Interior Offensive Line

Defensive Line

Cornerback

Safety

To address those needs, the Vikings have the following draft picks:

1st

3rd

5th

6th

That’s not a lot of draft picks. 

Using the positional rankings of The Athletic’s Dane Brugler in his “The Beast,” I’ve tried to put together the most optimistic combination of four players while addressing the above four positional needs. While it’d be so much nicer to have more than four draft picks, it’s convenient to have only four positions that stand out as needing reinforcements. So, here’s an attempt at a Minnesota Vikings Dream Draft. 

Using Brugler’s draft ranges, here are some of my favorites at each of the Vikings four picks:

1st

Grey Zabel, G, North Dakota State

Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State

Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Walter Nolan, DT, Mississippi

Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

Trey Amos, CB, Mississippi

Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State

Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

3rd

Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Arizona

Marcus Mbow, G, Purdue

Wyatt Milum, G, West Virginia

Alfred Collins, DT, Texas

T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina

Joshua Farmer, DT, Flordia State

Omar Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee

Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland

Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon

Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky

Cam Jackson, DT, Florida State

Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

Nohl Williams, CB, Cal

Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville

Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State

Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State

Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas

5th

Jalen Rivers, G, Miami

CJ West, DT, Indiana

J.J. Pegues, DT, Mississippi

Zy Alexander, CB, LSU

Mac McWilliams, CB, Central Florida

6th

Nazir Stackhouse, DT, Georgia

Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas

Zah Frazier, CB, Texas-San Antonio

Sebastian Castro, S, Iowa

Craig Woodson, S, Cal

Now, I have to whittle the above players to the best combination of four at the assigned picks. 

1. Grey Zabel, G, North Dakota State

3. Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State

5. J.J. Pegues, DT, Mississippi

6. Craig Woodson, S, Cal

I see four eventual starters. Grey Zabel starts immediately at left guard and perhaps replaces Ryan Kelly at center in a couple years. Darien Porter could compete for a starting job as a rookie. J.J. Pegues enters a promising defensive line rotation and eventually replaces Javon Hargrave in the starting lineup. Craig Woodson could duplicate Cam Bynum’s route from Cal to Vikings starting safety. 

One can dream. 

Another Backup Quarterback Gone

The Minnesota Vikings could use a veteran backup quarterback. Despite being on the wrong side of 40 years of age, Joe Flacco has often been mentioned by pundits and fans as a contender for that spot. It would be a little fun to have a quarterback on the roster that was selected in the same draft as the head coach. Flacco is about a year older than Kevin O’Connell. Whether the Vikings even considered him for the backup job, Flacco is no longer an option. News arrived this morning that he’s signing with the Cleveland Browns. 

The hope is and will always be that J.J. McCarthy takes every meaningful snap this season and coming seasons. Whether for a mentorship role or whatever, it would be nice to have a veteran quarterback supporting McCathy. So, who could be that veteran quarterback. The following are available.

Carson Wentz

Ryan Tannehill

Drew Lock

Teddy Bridgewater

Desmond Ridder

Easton Stick

Josh Johnson

C.J. Beathard

Jeff Driskel

Tyler Huntley

It’s a fairly bleak list. In my opinion, Carson Wentz and Ryan Tannehill are the only options. Drew Lock is a distant third option. Teddy Bridgewater is a slightly more distant fourth option. Even when Flacco was available, I preferred Wentz and Tannehill. Of those two, I like Wentz. After spending the 2023 season in Sean McVay’s offense, he’d have a head start in adjusting to Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Tannehill was out of football last season. If the Vikings decision-makers are even considering Tannehill, I’m guessing that he’s a fallback option. If he’s their top choice, they could’ve signed him already without risking the compensatory pick formula. The Vikings are currently in line to be awarded two, and maybe three, compensatory picks next year. Any further free agent signings before the draft would probably remove one of those picks. The Vikings have put free agency on pause until after the draft. 

There’s also the possibility that the Vikings could go the trade route to find a veteran quarterback. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell went that route in the summer of 2022 when they acquired Nick Mullens before the start of the season. Perhaps the Vikings could pry Sam Howell from the Seattle Seahawks or Aidan O’Connell from the Las Vegas Raiders. Howell had some fun moments in 2023 with the Washington Commanders. I still might prefer Wentz to both. 

I believe that the team’s quarterback chaos in 2023 has everyone that cares about the Vikings on edge about the overly important position. The injury to Kirk Cousins triggered a quarterbacking carousel was mostly a nightmare to witness. Injuries will always be part of football. Hopefully, J.J. McCarthy got his injury history out of the way last season. Hopefully, he takes every meaningful snap moving forward. 

2025 NFL Draft: All 257 Picks

At times, it can be difficult to find the full draft order of an NFL Draft. Here are all 257 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. The problem with this draft is too few of the picks belong to the Minnesota Vikings. 

*-Compensatory Pick

First Round

1. Tennessee
2. Cleveland
3. New York Giants
4. New England
5. Jacksonville
6. Las Vegas
7. New York Jets
8. Carolina
9. New Orleans
10. Chicago
11. San Francisco
12. Dallas
13. Miami
14. Indianapolis
15. Atlanta
16. Arizona
17. Cincinnati
18. Seattle
19. Tampa Bay
20. Denver
21. Pittsburgh
22. Los Angeles Chargers
23. Green Bay
24. Minnesota
25. Houston
26. Los Angeles Rams
27. Baltimore
28. Detroit
29. Washington
30. Buffalo
31. Kansas City
32. Philadelphia

Second Round

33. Cleveland
34. New York Giants
35. Tennessee
36. Jacksonville
37. Las Vegas
38. New England
39. Chicago (from Carolina)
40. New Orleans
41. Chicago
42. New York Jets
43. San Francisco
44. Dallas
45. Indianapolis
46. Atlanta
47. Arizona
48. Miami
49. Cincinnati
50. Seattle
51. Denver
52. Seattle (from Pittsburgh)
53. Tampa Bay
54. Green Bay
55. Los Angeles Chargers
56. Buffalo (from Minnesota through Houston)
57. Carolina (from Rams)
58. Houston
59. Baltimore
60. Detroit
61. Washington
62. Buffalo
63. Kansas City
64. Philadelphia

Third Round

65. New York Giants
66. Kansas City (from Tennessee)
67. Cleveland
68. Las Vegas
69. New England
70. Jacksonville
71. New Orleans
72. Chicago
73. New York Jets
74. Carolina
75. San Francisco
76. Dallas
77. New England (from Atlanta)
78. Arizona
79. Houston (from Washington through Miami and Philadelphia)
80. Indianapolis
81. Cincinnati
82. Seattle
83. Pittsburgh
84. Tampa Bay
85. Denver
86. Los Angeles Chargers
87. Green Bay
88. Jacksonville (from Minnesota)
89. Houston
90. Los Angeles Rams
91. Baltimore
92. Seattle (from Las Vegas through Detroit and New York Jets)
93. New Orleans (from Washington)
94.Cleveland (from Buffalo)
95. Kansas City
96. Philadelphia
97. Minnesota*
98. Miami*
99. New York Giants*
100. San Francisco*
101. Los Angeles Rams*
102. Detroit*

Fourth Round

103. Tennessee
104. Cleveland
105. New York Giants
106. New England
107. Jacksonville
108. Las Vegas
109. Buffalo (from Chicago)
110. New York Jets
111. Carolina
112. New Orleans
113. San Francisco
114. Carolina (from Dallas)
115. Arizona
116. Miami
117. Indianapolis
118. Atlanta
119. Cincinnati
120. Tennessee (from Seattle)
121. Tampa Bay
122. Denver
123. Pittsburgh
124. Green Bay
125. Los Angeles Chargers
126. Jacksonville (from Minnesota)
127. Los Angeles Rams
128. Washington (from Houston)
129. Baltimore
130. Detroit
131. New Orleans (from Washington)
132. Buffalo
133. Kansas City
134. Philadelphia
135. Miami*
136. Baltimore*
137. Seattle*
138. San Francisco*

Fifth Round

139. Minnesota (from Cleveland)
140. Carolina (from New York Giants)
141. Tennessee
142. Jacksonville
143. Las Vegas
144. New England
145. New York Jets
146. Carolina
147. San Francisco (from Washington through New Orleans)
148. Chicago
149. Dallas
150. Miami
151. Indianapolis
152. Arizona
153. Cincinnati
154. New York Giants (from Seattle)
155. Miami (from Denver)
156. Pittsburgh
157. Tampa Bay
158. Los Angeles Chargers
159. Green Bay
160. San Francisco (from Minnesota)
161. Philadelphia (from Houston)
162. New York Jets (from Los Angeles Rams through Pittsburgh)
163. Carolina (from Baltimore)
164. Philadelphia (from Cleveland through Detroit)
165. Philadelphia (from Washington)
166. Houston (from Buffalo)
167. Tennessee (from Kansas City)
168. Philadelphia
169. Buffalo*
170. Buffalo (from Dallas*)
171. New England
172. Seattle*
173. Buffalo*
174. Dallas*
175. Seattle*
176. Baltimore*

The 49ers forfeited their fifth-round pick because of a payroll accounting error from the 2022 league year. And the Falcons forfeited their 2025 fifth-round pick after violating the league’s anti-tampering policy in the past offseason.

Sixth Round

177. Buffalo (from New York Giants)
178. Tennessee
179. Cleveland
180. Las Vegas
181. Los Angeles Chargers (from New England)
182. Jacksonville
183. Baltimore (from Carolina)
184. New Orleans (reacquired through Washington)

185. Pittsburgh (from Seattle through Chicago)
186. New York Jets
187. Minnesota (from San Francisco)
188. Tennessee (from Dallas)
189. Indianapolis
190. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta)
191. Denver (from Arizona)
192. Cleveland (from Miami through Chicago)
193. Cincinnati
194. Jacksonville (from Seattle)
195. Los Angeles Rams (from Pittsburgh)
196. Detroit (from Tampa Bay)
197. Denver
198. Green Bay
199. Los Angeles Chargers
200. Cleveland (from Minnesota)
201. Los Angeles Rams
202. Los Angeles Rams (from Chicago through Houston and Pittsburgh)
203. Baltimore
204. Dallas (from Buffalo through Detroit and Cleveland)
205. Washington
206. Buffalo
207. New York Jets (from Kansas City)
208. Denver (from Philadelphia)
209. Los Angeles Chargers*
210. Baltimore*
211. Dallas*
212. Baltimore*
213. Las Vegas*
214. Los Angeles Chargers*
215. Las Vegas*
216. Cleveland*

Seventh Round

217. Dallas (from New England through Tennessee)
218. Atlanta (from Cleveland through Los Angeles Chargers)
219. New York Giants
220. New England
221. Jacksonville
222. Las Vegas
223. Seattle (from Pittsburgh through New Orleans and Philadelphia)
224. Miami (from Chicago)
225. Arizona (from New York Jets through Kansas City)
226. Kansas City (from Carolina)
227. San Francisco
228. Detroit (from Dallas)
229. Pittsburgh (from Atlanta through Philadelphia)
230. Carolina (from Arizona)
231. Miami
232. Indianapolis
233. Chicago (from Cincinnati)
234. Seattle
235. Tampa Bay
236. Houston (from Washington through Denver and Philadelphia)
237. Green Bay (from Pittsburgh)
238. New England (from Los Angeles Chargers)
239. Dallas (from Tennessee via Green Bay)
240. Chicago (from Minnesota through Cleveland)
241. Houston
242. Atlanta (from Los Angeles Rams)
243. Baltimore
244. Detroit
245. Washington
246. New York Giants (from Buffalo)
247. Dallas (from Kansas City through Carolina)
248. New Orleans (from Philadelphia through Washington)
249. San Francisco*
250. Green Bay*
251. Kansas City*
252. San Francisco*
253. Miami*
254. New Orleans*
255. Cleveland*
256. Los Angeles Chargers*
257. Kansas City*