Kwesi Adofo-Mensah Gets His Extension

After reportedly months of negotiations, the Minnesota Vikings signed general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to a contract extension. Considering the fact that the team is in a much better place now than when he was hired following the 2021 season, it was a much-deserved extension. 

Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell were entering the final year of the contracts each signed in 2022. The Vikings and O’Connell agreed to a new deal in January. The months between the two extensions have been filled with some in the media and many fans wondering “what’s up with Adofo-Mensah’s new deal?” Opinions always drift to the negative when there’s questions in the air. The new deal for the team’s general manager was always going to get done. The Vikings are in a much better place now than they were when Adofo-Mensah was hired. He’s a big reason for that. The deal was always going to get done. 

In my opinion, the only real blemish to Adofo-Mensah’s time as the Vikings general manager is his first draft. The production from the ten players selected in the 2022 NFL Draft has been terrible. Brian Asamoah (3rd round), Ty Chandler (5th), and Jalen Nailor (6th) are the only players from that draft still on the roster. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Nailor is the only one of the three still on the roster in the fall. While the drafts have gotten better since the failure in 2022, 2023 first round pick Jordan Addison is the only established starter that Adofo-Mensah has selected. His draft record should change significantly this year. If quarterback J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner emerge as the difference-making, franchise-leading players they were drafted to be, Adofo-Mensah will enter future seasons as a drafting genius. 

The draft isn’t the only way to build a roster these days. Perhaps due to draft misses, Adofo-Mensah has been forced to supplement the roster with diamonds in free agency. He’s absolutely nailed that task. From Harrison Phillips to Jonathan Greenard, the Vikings have excelled at finding playmakers in free agency. Nearly every new player added last offseason contributed significantly in 2024. That’s a remarkable feat. 

Perhaps Adofo-Mensah’s greatest roster contribution has been the smooth transition from an overpaid Kirk Cousins to a talented quarterback on a rookie deal. In the transition season from Cousins to McCarthy, the Vikings got a career season and a 14-3 record from Sam Darnold. A lot of that is the coaching of Kevin O’Connell but the personnel side of it is all Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

Again, the Vikings are much better off now than they were in 2022 and the team’s future is very bright.

Possibly lost in the news of Kwesi Adofo-Menshah’s contract extension was the news that his top two lieutenants, Ryan Grigson and Demetrius Washington received promotions. They are now Assistant General Managers. With Adofo-Mensah coming from the analytics side of football, he needed someone to assist him with the football scouting side when he was named the Vikings general manager. Grigson was his first hire and he provided a lifetime of experience on the football side of the job. Washington was later hired to assist further with the analytics. In a way, Grigson and Washington are the balance between football and analytics that Adofo-Mensah walks. 

Congratulations to Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on his much-deserved contract extension and Ryan Grigson and Demetrius Washington on their much-deserved promotions. 

Finally Rebuilding An Offensive Line

As the 1999 NFL Draft approached, Green Bay Packers general manager Ron Wolf was forced to deal with his team’s new “Randy Moss Situation.” In two games the previous season, the Minnesota Vikings rookie receiver had ripped up the Packers defense. It wasn’t just the Packers defense. Moss had ripped up the NFL. In the 1999 NFL Draft, Wolf selected defensive backs in the first, second, third, and seventh rounds. Since that defensive backs-centric draft, I’ve come to admire teams that see a weakness and pour resources into fixing it. Instead of dabbling at a fix, they attack it. Wolf’s focused attempt at improving the Packers defensive backs didn’t work. Randy Moss continued to rip up the Packers, and the rest of the league. 

The Minnesota Vikings have had problematic offensive lines for more than a decade. It’s been frustrating to witness. From 2010 to 2017, general manager Rick Spielman used a Day 1 or Day 2 pick on an offensive lineman twice. 

2012: Matt Kalil - first round

2017: Pat Elflein - third round

Two times! 

Offensive line was a serious need over those six seasons and Spielman used two high-end picks to address it. Perhaps late-round successes like John Sullivan and Brandon Fusco gave Spielman confidence that he could discover diamonds late in the draft. Two productive late-round players were a rarity as there were many more like Jeff Baca, David Yankey, T.J. Clemmings, Willie Beavers, Danny Isidora, and Dru Samia. For most of the 2010s, Spielman’s offensive line draft swings were Day 3 prayers. Maybe he wouldn’t have needed answers to those prayers if Matt Kalil and Pat Elflein hadn’t faded after outstanding rookie seasons and Brandon Fusco hadn’t been injured. Who knows? What is known is that Spielman and the team’s decision-makers mostly dabbled at fixing a significant weakness. They never attacked it. 

It’s easy to bash Rick Spielman for dabbling at fixing the Vikings offensive line issues throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s. He does deserve credit for getting it right with offensive tackles Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw. Center Garrett Bradbury fell well short of a draft-day hit but he was a solid part of a weak line for six seasons. The Vikings new regime inherited Justin Jefferson and outstanding book-end tackles from the previous one. Spielman should be appreciated for that. That trio was a tremendous gift. 

When they took over in 2022, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and his fellow decision-makers had a whole lot of issues in front of them. Salary cap, quarterback, older fading roster, etc. Improving the offensive line was just one of those issues. Through their first three seasons, it looked like the new regime approached the fixing of the offensive line just like the last one. Dabbling. Each season, they tapped modestly talented guards to play between the terrific tackles they inherited and around the mediocre center. Through three seasons, it wasn’t working. Just like the previous decade-plus, the offensive line was holding back the team. That one big roster deficiency was crippling an offense loaded with playmakers. 

No more.

The Vikings attacked offensive line improvements this offseason. They completely rebuilt the interior. They poured resources into the rebuild. 

Right Guard: Will Fries - five years, $88 million

Center: Ryan Kelly - two years, $19 million

Left Guard: Donovan Jackson - first round pick

The Vikings now have a high-end offensive line interior between outstanding tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. Since three-fifths of the offensive line have yet to take a snap for the team, these improvements are only on paper. Still, on paper, this is the best offensive line since the great Steve Hutchinson-led offensive line of the later 2000s. That was a grand time. Looking ahead, the next few years have the potential to be as grand. At 32, Ryan Kelly is closer to the end of his excellent career than the beginning. While he’s a short-term fix, he’s an important fix. With second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Kelly’s experience and intelligence will be crucial. 

The Vikings aggressive approach to fixing the offensive line this offseason has been refreshing. Too often, I’ve seen the Vikings dabble at improvements. It often felt like they were reluctant to commit multiple, high-end resources to a glaring need. That’s been especially true with the offensive line. For more than a decade, it’s been a weakness. It’s held the team back. It completely derailed a couple very talented teams. Frankly, the team’s failure to address this issue has been embarrassing. For now, this offseason’s aggressive work is only on paper. I can’t wait to see the new offensive line on the field this season. 

Throwback Thursday: 43 Minnesota Vikings Starting Quarterbacks

Once they crawled out of their early expansion days, the Vikings have remarkably been a consistently contending team. Over the past seven decades, losing seasons have been few and winning seasons have been many. The consistent success is remarkable because the Vikings always seem to be looking for a franchise quarterback. The only franchise quarterback in team history was Fran Tarkenton. He was drafted in the third round of the 1961 NFL Draft, the first draft in franchise history. Tarkenton was great. He was so great that the Vikings traded him away after the 1966 season. It’s rare for a team with no titles to have “glory days” but the Vikings had some. Those great years started not so much with Tarkenton’s departure as Bud Grant’s arrival as head coach. Within three years, Grant had the Vikings in the Super Bowl. The late ‘60s, early ‘70s Vikings were among the best teams in the league. The only thing missing from those teams was a franchise quarterback. To fix that problem, the Vikings traded for Fran Tarkenton. The only franchise quarterback in team history guided the Vikings to three more Super Bowls. Tarkenton retired after the 1978 season. He retired as the holder of every league career passing record. He held those records longer than any quarterback ever has. He has a bust in Canton. The Vikings have been looking for their next franchise quarterback since Tarkenton retired in 1978. When it looked like they’d found that quarterback, an incredible run of bad luck took that quarterback away. 

Since their first season in 1961, the Vikings have selected five quarterbacks in the first round of the NFL Draft. 

Tommy Kramer (1977)

Daunte Culpepper (1999)

Christian Ponder (2011)

Teddy Bridgewater (2014)

J.J. McCarthy (2024)

Tommy Kramer was always fun and often great when he was on the field. He wasn’t on the field enough. Daunte Culpepper was on an upward trajectory until a knee injury ended his time in Minnesota. Christian Ponder was drafted to be a quarterback that he never had the talent to be. As with Culpepper, a horrible knee injury ended whatever future Teddy Bridgewater might’ve had with the Vikings. Each of the four quarterbacks was drafted to be the next great Vikings quarterback. Three showed great potential and the fourth was Ponder. Now, we come to J.J. McCarthy. He lost his rookie season to a torn meniscus last summer. At least publicly, the plan wasn’t for McCarthy to start as a rookie. At least publicly, the plan was for former high-pick, now journeyman Sam Darnold to be the starting quarterback in 2024. That was then. The plan is for J.J. McCarthy to be the Vikings 44th starting quarterback. He must stay on the field. For the entirety of his long, great career. 

Considering that Tarkenton is the Vikings all-time franchise quarterback, it’s shocking that the team traded him away. At least the same decision-makers had the bright idea to bring him back five years later.

43 quarterbacks. Here are those quarterbacks.  

1961:

George Shaw (4)

Fran Tarkenton (10)

1962

Fran Tarkenton (14)

1963:

Fran Tarkenton (13)

Ron Vander Kelen (1)

1964:

Fran Tarkenton ((14)

1965:

Fran Tarkenton (14)

1966:

Fran Tarkenton (12)

Ron Vander Kelen (1)

Bob Berry (1)

1967:

Joe Kapp (11)

Ron Vander Kelen (3)

1968:

Joe Kapp (14)

1969:

Joe Kapp (13)

Gary Couzzo (1)

1970:

Gary Couzzo (12)

Bob Lee (2)

1971:

Gary Couzzo (8)

Bob Lee (4)

Norm Snead (2)

1972:

Fran Tarkenton (14)

1973:

Fran Tarkenton (14)

1974:

Fran Tarkenton (13)

Bob Berry (1)

1975:

Fran Tarkenton (14)

1976:

Fran Tarkenton (13)

Bob Lee (1)

1977:

Fran Tarkenton (9)

Bob Lee (4)

Tommy Kramer (1)

1978:

Fran Tarkenton (16)

1979:

Tommy Kramer (16)

1980:

Tommy Kramer (15)

Steve Dils (1)

1981:

Tommy Kramer (14)

Steve Dils (2)

1982:

Tommy Kramer (9)

1983:

Steve Dils (12)

Tommy Kramer (3)

Wade Wilson (1)

1984:

Tommy Kramer (9)

Wade Wilson (5)

Archie Manning (2)

1985:

Tommy Kramer (15)

Wade Wilson (1)

1986:

Tommy Kramer (13)

Wade Wilson (3)

1987:

Wade Wilson (7)

Tony Adams (3) - replacement games

Tommy Kramer (5)

1988:

Wade Wilson (10)

Tommy Kramer (6)

1989:

Wade Wilson (12)

Tommy Kramer (4)

1990:

Rich Gannon (12)

Wade Wilson (4)

1991:

Rich Gannon (11)

Wade Wilson (5)

1992:

Rich Gannon (12)

Sean Salisbury (4)

1993:

Jim McMahon (12)

Sean Salisbury (4)

1994:

Warren Moon (15)

Sean Salisbury (1)

1995:

Warren Moon (16)

1996:

Warren Moon (8)

Brad Johnson (8)

1997:

Brad Johnson (13)

Randall Cunningham (3)

1998:

Randall Cunningham (14)

Brad Johnson (2)

1999:

Jeff George (10)

Randall Cunningham (6)

2000:

Daunte Culpepper (16)

2001:

Daunte Culpepper (11)

Spergon Wynn (2)

Todd Bouman (3)

2002:

Daunte Culpepper (16)

2003:

Daunte Culpepper (14)

Gus Frerotte (2)

2004:

Daunte Culpepper (16)

2005:

Daunte Culpepper (7)

Brad Johnson (9)

2006:

Brad Johnson (14)

Tarvaris Jackson (2)

2007:

Tarvaris Jackson (12)

Kelly Holcomb (3)

Brooks Bollinger (1)

2008:

Gus Frerotte (11)

Tarvaris Jackson (5)

2009:

Brett Favre (16)

2010:

Brett Favre (13)

Tarvaris Jackson (1)

Joe Webb (2)

2011:

Donovan McNabb (6)

Christian Ponder (10)

2012:

Christian Ponder (16)

2013:

Christian Ponder (9)

Josh Freeman (1)

Matt Cassel (6)

2014:

Matt Cassel (3)

Teddy Bridgewater (12)

Christian Ponder (1)

2015:

Teddy Bridgewater (16)

2016:

Shaun Hill (1)

Sam Bradford (15)

2017:

Sam Bradford (2)

Case Keenum (14)

2018:

Kirk Cousins (16)

2019:

Kirk Cousins (15)

Sean Mannion (1)

2020:

Kirk Cousins (16)

2021:

Kirk Cousins (16)

Sean Mannion (1)

2022:

Kirk Cousins (17)

2023:

Kirk Cousins (8)

Jaren Hall (2)

Josh Dobbs (4)

Nick Mullens (3)

2024:

Sam Darnold (17)

43 Quarterbacks:

George Shaw

Fran Tarkenton

Ron Vander Kelen

Bob Berry

Joe Kapp

Gary Couzzo

Bob Lee

Norm Snead

Tommy Kramer

Steve Dils

Wade Wilson

Archie Manning

Tony Adams - replacement games

Rich Gannon

Sean Salisbury

Jim McMahon

Warren Moon

Brad Johnson

Randall Cunningham

Jeff George

Daunte Culpepper

Spergon Wynn

Todd Bouman

Gus Frerotte

Tarvaris Jackson

Kelly Holcomb

Brooks Bollinger

Brett Favre

Joe Webb

Donovan McNabb

Christian Ponder

Josh Freeman

Matt Cassel

Teddy Bridgewater

Shaun Hill

Sam Bradford

Case Keenum

Kirk Cousins

Sean Mannion

Jaren Hall

Josh Dobbs

Nick Mullens

Sam Darnold

A New Era Begins

With his first on-field practice as the starting quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings, the J.J. McCarthy era begins. Yesterday was the first day. Today is in front of the media. So, it really begins today. It’s an exciting time. Due to the inability of the Vikings to find or maintain a franchise quarterback since Fran Tarkenton retired following the 1978, a dark cloud has hovered over the franchise. First-round picks, high-priced free agents, late-round hopes, and journeymen. For nearly fifty years, a variety of paths have been taken to find the team’s next franchise quarterback. So many attempts. So many failures. So many things gone wrong. For his winning pedigree to his sparkling natural talent, few have brought the hope that J.J. McCarthy brings. A new era begins. 

While he might be the biggest reason, it’s not just J.J. McCarthy that has the hopes of Vikings fans peaked. It’s the roster and the coaching staff that surrounds him. So often, the quarterback has to carry a team. The Vikings young quarterback just has to become a part of his team. Despite his age, it’s something that he has shown an uncanny ability to do. There are a lot of reasons to be excited about J.J. McCarthy. For me, it’s his intangibles. 

A few of the reasons to be excited about the 2025 Minnesota Vikings:

Kevin O’Connell

Brian Flores

J.J. McCarthy

Christian Darrisaw-Donovan Jackson-Ryan Kelly-Will Fries-Brian O’Neill

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jonathan Allen

Javon Hargrave

Harrison Smith is back!

Jonathan Greenard-Andrew Van Ginkel-Dallas Turner

Ivan Pace Jr.

Byron Murphy Jr. 

Theo Jackson finally gets his shot. 

Blake Cashman

Isaiah Rodgers

Aaron Jones

A healthy T.J. Hockenson

Joshua Metellus

If the injury-ravaged 2023 season is tossed, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has shown what he can do with a suspect roster. As a rookie head coach in 2022, he navigated a roster filled with holes to 13 wins. In 2024, he coached a bit better roster that was quarterbacked by draft bust Sam Darnold to 14 wins. In their three years in Minnesota, O’Connell and his offensive coaches have shown a remarkable ability to get the best out of nearly any quarterback. J.J. McCarthy has the cleanest slate and the most potential of any of those quarterbacks. This is by far the most talented Vikings roster in years. The reasons for excitement are many.

First Round Signing Tracker

The 2025 NFL Draft was more than a month ago. Teams have approached the signings of their drafted players with varying degrees of urgency. A few teams picked up that urgency recently as eight first round picks signed their initial NFL contract in recent days. That signing flurry included the signings of #1 pick Cam Ward, #3 pick Abdul Carter, and # 5 pick Mason Graham. The big picks are getting signed. Maybe that will spur the remaining holdouts into action. Perhaps, it even triggers second-round signings. Only two of the 32 second round picks have signed their rookie contract. Here’s a look at the signing progress of the players selected in the first round. 

1.   Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami - Signed

2.   Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

3.   New York Giants: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State - Signed

4.   New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU 

5.   Cleveland Browns: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan - Signed

6.   Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State - Signed

7.   New York Jets: Amand Membou, OT, Missouri - Signed

8.   Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona - Signed

9.   New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas - Signed

10. Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan - Signed

11. San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia - Signed

12. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama - Signed

13. Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan - Signed

14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State - Signed

15. Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia - Signed

16. Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

18. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State - Signed

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State - Signed

20. Denver Broncos: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon - Signed

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina - Signed

23. Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas - Signed

24. Minnesota Vikings: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State - Signed

25. New York Giants: Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi

26. Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee - Signed

27. Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

28. Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State - Signed

29. Washington Commanders: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon - Signed

30. Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

31. Philadelphia Eagles: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State - Signed

***

It’s been over a month since the completion of the 2025 NFL Draft. 23 of the 32 players selected in the first round have singed their first NFL contract. 

Top 25 Remaining NFL Free Agents

Most of the 32 NFL teams are probably at the offseason roster limit of 90 players. 91, if they have an international player. There’s always room for roster tweaks. If a team was to tweak their roster, here are 25 of the top unsigned free agents. 

Top 25 Remaining Free Agents

1.   Asante Samuel Jr., CB, age 25

2.   J.K. Dobbins, RB, 26

3.   Rasul Douglas, CB, 30

4.   Amari Cooper, WR, 31

5.   Mike Hilton, CB, 31

6.   Brandon Scherff, G, 33

7.   Matthew Judon, Edge, 33

8.   Jedrick Willis Jr., OT, 26

9.   Justin Simmons, S, 31

10. Kyzir White, LB, 29

11. Za’Darius Smith, Edge, 32

12. Raekwon Davis, DT, 27

13. Will Hernandez, G, 30

14. Julian Blackmon, S, 26

15. Gabriel Davis, WR, 26

16. Keenan Allen, WR, 33

17. Marcus Williams, S, 28

18. Nick Chubb, RB, 29

19. C.J. Henderson, CB, 26

20. Jadeveon Clowney, Edge, 32

21. James Bradberry, CB, 31

22. De’Vondre Campbell, LB, 31

23. John Cominsky, Edge, 29

24. Emmanuel Mosley, CB, 29

25. Shaquill Griffin, CB, 29

If a team is still looking for a cornerback, there are several that might be tempting. 

Minnesota Vikings Roster: How Did They Get Here?

The Minnesota Vikings recently set their roster at 91 players. Here’s a look at how those 91 players got here.

Draft: First Round

Harrison Smith (2012)

Justin Jefferson (2020)

Christian Darrisaw (2021)

Jordan Addison (2023)

J.J. McCarthy (2024)

Dallas Turner (2024)

Donovan Jackson (2025)

Draft: Second Round

Brian O’Neill (2018)

Draft: Third Round

Brian Asamoah (2022)

Mekhi Blackmon (2024)

Tai Felton (2025)

Draft: Fourth Round

Jay Ward (2023)

Draft: Fifth Round

Ty Chandler (2022)

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (2015)

Draft: Sixth Round

Josh Metellus (2020)

Blake Brandel (2020)

Jalen Nailor (2022)

Walter Rouse (2024)

Will Reichard (2024)

Kobe King (2025)

Gavin Bartholemew (2025)

Draft: Seventh Round

Michael Jurgens (2024)

Levi Drake Rodriguez (2024)

Undrafted Free Agent

C.J. Ham (2016)

Ryan Wright (2022)

Ivan Pace Jr. (2023)

Thayer Thomas (2023)

Dwight McGlothern (2024)

Gabriel Murphy (2024)

Taki Taimani (2024)

Jeshaun Jones (2024)

Leroy Watson IV (2024)

Tyler Batty (2025)

Silas Bolden (2025)

Max Brosmer (2025)

Logan Brown (2025)

Chaz Chambliss (2025)

Oscar Chapman (2025)

Zeke Correll (2025)

Dontae Fleming (2025)

Keenan Garber (2025)

Matt Harmon (2025)

Joe Huber (2025)

Austin Keys (2025)

Robert Lewis (2025)

Dorian Mausi (2025)

Bryson Nesbit (2025)

Myles Price (2025)

Mishael Powell (2025)

Tre Stewart, RB (2025)

Zemaiah Vaughn (2025)

Alex Williams (2025)

Elijiah Williams (2025)

Ben Yurosek (2025)

Trade

Nick Mullens (2022)

T.J. Hockenson (2022)

Jordan Mason (2025)

Sam Howell (2025)

Unrestricted Free Agent

Harrison Phillips (2022)

Josh Oliver (2023)

Byron Murphy Jr. (2023)

Jonathan Greenard (2024)

Andrew Van Ginkel (2024)

Blake Cashman (2024)

Isaiah Rodgers (2025)

Ryan Kelly (2025)

Will Fries (2025)

Tavierre Thomas (2025)

Justin Skule (2025)

Jeff Okudah (2025)

Rondale Moore (2025)

Eric Wilson (2025)

Tim Jones (2025)

Street Free Agent

Andrew DePaola (2020)

Theo Jackson (2022)

Henry Byrd (2023)

Lucky Jackson (2023)

Aaron Jones Sr. (2024)

Jalen Redmond (2024)

Brett Rypien (2024)

Travis Bell (2024)

Jonathan Harris (2024)

Marcellus Johnson (2024)

Max Tooley (2024)

Zavier Scott (2024)

Reddy Steward (2025)

Ambry Thomas (2025)

Kahlef Hailassie (2025)

Jonathan Allen (2025)

Javon Hargrave (2025)

Bubba Bolden (2025)

All-Round Signing Tracker: By Team

So much of the draft pick signing attention is paid to the first round. There were another 225 players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Here’s a look at the unsigned draft picks for each of the 32 teams. 

Unsigned Draft Picks

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings have signed all five of their draft picks. Nice work.

Detroit Lions

5. Miles Frazier, G, LSU

6. Ahmed Hassanein, DE, Boise State

7. Dan Jackson, S, Georgia

7. Dominic Lovett, WR, Georgia

Green Bay Packers

2. Anthony Belton, OT, North Carolina State

Chicago Bears

2. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

2. Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College

2. Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M

New York Giants

1. Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi

3. Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo

4. Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State

Washington Commanders

2. Trey Amos, CB, Mississippi

Dallas Cowboys

2. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College

Philadelphia Eagles

1. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

2. Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas

3. Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons have signed all of their draft picks. 

New Orleans Saints

2. Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville

Carolina Panthers

2. Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2. Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

San Francisco 49ers 

2. Alfred Collins, DT, Texas

4. C.J. West, DT, Indiana

Los Angeles Rams

2. Terrence Ferguson, TE, Oregon

4. Jarquez Hunter, RB, Auburn

Arizona Cardinals

1. Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi

2. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Seattle Seahawks

2. Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

2. Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami

Baltimore Ravens

1. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

2. Mike Green, Edge, Marshall

Cincinnati Bengals

1. Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

2. Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina

Cleveland Browns

1. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

2. Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

3. Harold Fanin Jr., TE, Bowling Green

3. Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have signed all of their draft picks. 

New England Patriots

1. Will Campbell, OT, LSU

2. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

4. Craig Woodson, S, Cal

New York Jets

2. Mason Taylor, TE, LSU

Miami Dolphins

2. Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona 

Buffalo Bills

1. Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

2. T. J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina

4. Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky

Indianapolis Colts

2. J.T. Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State

Jacksonville Jaguars 

1. Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

4. Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech

4. Jack Kiser, LB, Notre Dame

Tennessee Titans

2. Oluwafeni Oladejo, Edge, UCLA

4. Chimere Dike, WR, Florida

Houston Texans

2. Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

Kansas City Chiefs

2. Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee

Denver Broncos

1. Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

2. R.J. Harvey, RB, UCF

Las Vegas Raiders

2. Jack Bech, WR, TCU

Los Angeles Chargers

2. Tre Harris, WR, Mississippi 

***

The 2025 NFL Draft closed a month ago. The 32 teams approach the signing of draft picks with varying degrees of urgency. The Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, and Pittsburgh Steelers are the only teams to have their entire draft class signed. The Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns are the furthest from reaching that glorious mark. 

By the above count, 55 of the 257 players selected remain unsigned. Once again, the second round picks are the most difficult to get signed. 29 of the 55 unsigned players were selected in the second round. In comparison, there are only 10 unsigned players that were selected in the first round. 

First Round Signing Tracker

The 2025 NFL Draft was anbout ago. Teams have approached the signings of their drafted players with varying degrees of urgency. A few teams picked up that urgency recently as six first round picks signed their initial NFL contract in recent days. That signing flurry included the signing of #1 pick Cam Ward. It also included the signing of #3 pick Abdul Carter. The big picks are getting signed. Maybe that will spur some of the remaining holdouts into action. Here’s a look at the signing progress of the players selected in the first round. 

1.   Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami - Signed

2.   Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

3.   New York Giants: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State - Signed

4.   New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU 

5.   Cleveland Browns: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

6.   Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State - Signed

7.   New York Jets: Amand Membou, OT, Missouri - Signed

8.   Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona - Signed

9.   New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas - Signed

10. Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan - Signed

11. San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia - Signed

12. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama - Signed

13. Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan - Signed

14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State - Signed

15. Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia - Signed

16. Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

18. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State - Signed

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State - Signed

20. Denver Broncos: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon - Signed

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina - Signed

23. Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas - Signed

24. Minnesota Vikings: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State - Signed

25. New York Giants: Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi

26. Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee - Signed

27. Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

28. Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State - Signed

29. Washington Commanders: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

30. Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

31. Philadelphia Eagles: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State - Signed

***

It’s been nearly a month since the completion of the 2025 NFL Draft. 21 of the 32 players selected in the first round have singed their first NFL contract. 

The Tush Push Survives

In 1889, Walter Camp’s modified wedge at Yale became known as the “shoving wedge.” Football historian Alexander Weyand described Camp’s “shoving wedge” in the Saga of American Football:

The players ranged themselves with only the center on the line of scrimmage. Each man placed his hands on the hips of the man in front. When the ball was snapped, the players closed in tight and shoved. The ball carrier was protected on all sides. 

Sound familiar? The Philadelphia Eagles’ infamous “tush push” is Walter Camp’s “shoving wedge.” The special, pet play of the Eagles dates to the 1880s. It was also banned in the early 1900s. It was banned because the “shoving wedge,” and mass momentum plays like it, left death and seriously broken bodies in its wake. The play was banned to save football. That ban has never been lifted. 

Yesterday, the NFL’s owners voted against banning the “tush push.” In more accurate words, the NFL’s owners voted against banning an already banned play. It was a close vote. 22 of the 32 owners voted for the ban. They needed 24. 

The 10 teams that kept the play alive:

Philadelphia Eagles 

Baltimore Ravens 

Cleveland Browns 

Detroit Lions 

Jacksonville Jaguars 

Miami Dolphins 

New England Patriots 

New Orleans Saints 

New York Jets

Tennessee Titans 

As you’d expect, Eagles owner Jeffery Lurie spoke long and passionately about preserving his team’s pet play. Strangely, former Eagles center Jason Kelce was also in the room trying to sway the needed votes. Strangely because he’s spoken since his retirement about how much he hated being a part of the play. Perhaps Kelce enjoys the play now as a spectator. 

Since few in the football world care much about the game’s history before Super Bowl I, it’s really no surprise that everyone seems to ignore that this play has already been banned. I don’t like that this play survived this vote. I don’t care that the Eagles are so successful at its execution. They have the perfect personnel for its success. They have a great, big, strong offensive line and a quarterback that can squat a house. I do care that not every team has that. It’s a brutal play. I’m certain that the brutality of the play will sadly be revealed when teams without the perfect personnel try to execute it. This play has broken bodies before. It will break bodies again. 

It’s the ignorance of football’s history that bothers me the most.

 

A Too Early Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster

More than a third of the players on the 91-man roster of the Minnesota Vikings have yet to take a snap for the team. There’s about zero reasons to whittle the roster down to 53 in May. For some twisted reason that’s exactly what fans do in May. Here’s a way too early shot at a 53-man roster of the Minnesota Vikings.

A Too Early Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster

Offense (24)

Quarterbacks (2)

J.J McCarthy

Sam Howell

After what the Vikings went through in 2023, going with only two quarterbacks on the active roster is a combination of stupid and risky. I’m doing it here. In this stupid and risky scenario, QB3, and perhaps a QB4, is in the practice squad. 

Running Backs (3)

Aaron Jones

Jordan Mason

Tre Stewart

The first two are set. There will be an interesting training camp competition for RB3. I’m going with the undrafted rookie. 

Fullback (1)

C.J. Ham

Receivers (5)

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jalen Nailor

Rondale Moore

Tai Felton

If one of the undrafted rookies win a return role, the Vikings could go with six receivers. I’m going with five and Rondale Moore or Tai Felton returning kicks. 

Tight Ends (3)

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Gavin Bartholomew

Like the competition for RB3, there will be an interesting competition for TE3. I’m going with the tight end that was drafted over the two that were not. 

Offensive Line (10)

Christian Darrsisaw

Donovan Jackson

Ryan Kelly

Will Fries

Brian O’Neill

Justin Skule

Blake Brandel

Walter Rouse

Michael Jurgens

Logan Brown

The biggest question with the offensive line is whether to keep nine or ten. I’m going with ten and the intriguing, undrafted Logan Brown. 

Defense (26)

Defensive Line (6)

Jonathan Allen

Harrison Phillips

Javon Hargrave

Jalen Redmond

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Elijah Williams

I believe that the most difficult roster decisions will be with the defensive line. There’s about nine players in this position group that I want to see on the roster. 

Outside Linebackers (6)

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Gabriel Murphy

Bo Richter

Tyler Batty

This is going to be a fun group. I’m going heavy with six. I can’t lose any of Gabriel Murphy, Bo Richter, and Tyler Batty. 

Inside Linebackers (4)

Ivan Pace Jr.

Blake Cashman

Eric Wilson

Kobe King  

Perhaps Brian Asamoah can fend off the offseason additions of veteran Eric Wilson and sixth-round pick Kobe King.   

Cornerbacks (6)

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

Mekhi Blackmon

Jeff Okudah

Dwight McGlothern

Tavierre Thomas

As with the defensive line, there will be some tough roster decisions at cornerback. Tavierre Thomas is on the roster for special teams. 

Safeties (4)

Harrison Smith

Josh Metellus

Theo Jackson

Jay Ward

It’s easy to see these four on the roster. 

Special Teams (3)

Kickers (1)

Will Reichard

Punter (1)

Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

Andrew DePaola

The only question among the specialists is whether Ryan Wright can keep the punting job over the challenge of rookie Oscar Chapman. 

Ranking Minnesota Vikings Position Groups

The days between the draft and the start of training camp can be long. These are the days for exercises like this:

A Ranking of the Minnesota Vikings Position Groups

1.   Outside Linebackers

2.   Receivers

3.   Offensive Line

4.   Tight Ends

5.   Running Backs 

6.   Inside Linebackers

7.   Safeties

8.   Defensive Line

9.   Cornerbacks

10. Quarterbacks

Quarterback is the most important position on a football team. A knee-jerk reaction to this ranking would be to worry greatly about the Vikings prospects moving forward. Perhaps that’s why many in the national media have doubts about this team. After missing his rookie season to a torn meniscus, second-year J.J. McCarthy steps up as the Vikings starting quarterback. He’ll be fine as a rookie. He’ll be outstanding with experience. The kid has experienced only two losses as his team’s quarterback. He just wins. He’s won championships at every level. This is just the next one. And biggest one. I have fewer concerns about McCarthy going into his first season than I did last year with Sam Darnold. Despite my high hopes for the Vikings at the quarterback position moving forward, the group is clearly at the bottom of this ranking of the team’s position groups. McCarthy has yet to throw his first NFL pass. Sam Howell has a single season of starting experience and he littered that season with aggressive interceptions. Brett Rypien has thrown fewer than 100 NFL passes. Max Brosmer is an undrafted free agent. 

It was a difficult exercise to rank these position groups. The Vikings have built a strong roster and the above rankings are all relative. For example, defensive line ranks eighth yet I’d consider the group a strength of the team. Outside linebackers and receivers take the top two spots because of elite duos at the top of the respective depth charts. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are arguably the best receiving duo in the league. Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel are among the best edge duos in the league. I gave outside linebackers the top spot mostly because of Dallas Turner. Many were disappointed with his low snap counts as a rookie. I prefer to focus on the quality of those snaps rather than the number. He looked the part of a difference-making defender on those snaps. His biggest problem as a rookie was Greenard and Van Ginkel playing at an elite level in front of him. I expect Brian Flores and the defensive coaches will find a way to get Turner more snaps. 

Offensive Line at #3! After a decade of shaky, at best, offensive line play, it’s truly shocking to see the Vikings offensive line group ranked so high. Kudos, to the team’s decision-makers for finally emphasizing the improvement of this group. From left tackle to right tackle, on paper, the starting offensive line is a team strength. I can’t wait to see Christian Darrisaw, Donovan Jackson, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, and Brian O’Neill on the field. The depth is improved with experienced veterans Justin Skule and Blake Brandel and potential in Walter Rouse, Michael Jurgens, and potentially rookie Logan Brown. It is so great to finally see the Vikings with an offensive line that projects as a team strength. 

This Vikings offensive line group is bringing tears.

Tight ends, running backs, and inside linebackers are similar. Each group boasts strong starters and solid backups. 

Last year, safeties would’ve ranked as the Vikings top position group. The free agency loss of Cam Bynum will be felt on and off the field. Theo Jackson will capably fill the void on the field. He’s been ready for this opportunity. The strength of last year’s group was having Jackson in the wings behind three strong starters. Now, the Vikings have unproven Jay Ward in the wings. He’s been a significant special teams contributor in his two years but he hasn’t seen much time on defense. 

The Vikings had two clear offseason objectives. Improve the offensive and defensive line. On paper, they succeeded at doing both. By the second day of free agency’s tampering period, Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave were signed. With Harrison Phillips, the Vikings now have a stout starting defensive line. Interior pass rushing was problem last year. Allen and Hargrave should change that. The unknown with the group is the depth. Raw but talented fifth-round pick Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins could emerge early as a rotational player. After him, the Vikings have an intriguing group of unheralded and undrafted players. The competition for the available defensive line spots might be the most interesting of training camp. 

The national talking heads have been especially critical of the Vikings cornerbacks. Many of the team’s post-draft grades have been trash because they “failed” to address the position. I didn’t really see the position as a top draft need. It was pretty clear the team didn’t see it as one either. The Vikings know what they have at the position better than any of these supposed draft experts. Re-signing Byron Murphy Jr. was an offseason priority. They did that. The Vikings feel that they added an impact starter in free agent Isaiah Rodgers. They also feel that fellow free agent Jeff Okudah will also contribute. The former third pick in the 2020 NFL Draft has been labeled a bust. He still has the elite traits that got him drafted at #3. If the Vikings can put him in positions in which he can best use those traits, he could make an impact. Before Mekhi Blackmon tore his ACL in the first practice of last year’s training camp, he was expected to compete for a starting role. He’s back and will be in the mix. So will Dwight McGlothern, Ambry Thomas, and undrafted Zemaiah Vaughn. The training camp competition for the cornerback spots will rival that of the defensive line

I didn’t bother including special teams units.

Minnesota Vikings Long Shots

In recent years, the Minnesota Vikings have created an environment in which undrafted players have a real shot at the roster. It probably helps the recruiting process as the players now know they aren’t just a number when they come to Minnesota. This year, the Vikings signed 20 players that weren’t selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. That robust number was partly necessary because the team only made five selections in the draft. The Vikings signed another two undrafted free agents following their tryouts at rookie minicamp. As it stands now, the Minnesota Vikings will bring 22 undrafted free agents to this summer’s training camp. 

Minnesota Vikings Undrafted Free Agents

Tyler Batty, OLB, BYU

Silas Bolden, WR, Texas

Max Brosmer, QB, Minnesota

Logan Brown, OT, Kansas

Chaz Chambliss, OLB, Georgia

Oscar Chapman, P, Auburn

Zeke Correll, OL, NC State

Dontae Fleming, WR, Tulane

Keenan Garber, CB, Kansas State

Matt Harmon, OLB, Kent State

Joe Huber, OL, Wisconsin

Austin Keys, LB, Auburn

Robert Lewis, WR, Auburn

Dorian Mausi, LB, Auburn

Bryson Nesbit, TE, North Carolina

Myles Price, WR, Indiana

Mishael Powell, S, Miami

Tre Stewart, RB, Jacksonville State

Zemaiah Vaughn, CB, Utah

Alex Williams, DL, Middle Tennessee State

Elijiah Williams, DL, Morgan State

Ben Yurosek, TE, Georgia

So, who has the best shot at the roster? Seeing as none of the above have spent significant time in a Vikings uniform, it’s foolish to think about this now. It’s the offseason. From mock drafts, to draft grades, to record predictions, foolish things are routinely done in the offseason. Judging the roster possibilities of the undrafted is one of them. Here’s a look at the longshots. 

Special Teams

Since earning a role on special teams is the roster route for many young players, it’s easy to start there. Australian punter Oscar Chapman definitely has a shot at unseating incumbent Ryan Wright. After a very good rookie season, Wright has had a couple modest seasons. My gut tells me that he’ll manage to fend off the rookie but Chapman will a get a shot. 

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has stressed the need to improve the team’s return game. All of the undrafted receivers that were signed were probably done so with returns in mind. 

Silas Bolden

Dontae Fleming

Robert Lewis

Myles Price

If third round receiver Tai Felton is in the mix for return roles, it might derail the roster possibilities of the above. Felton is sure to make the roster. He will have a role on offense. That role might even be as high as WR3. If he also earns a return role in addition to his offensive duties, it could save a roster spot. If the Vikings want Felton to concentrate on those offensive duties, the return jobs will be wide open and any of the above four could grab it. This will be a fun competition. 

Defensive Line

Harrison Phillips, Jonathan Allen, and Jovan Hargrave are the clear starters on a much improved defensive line. As much as I like the unheralded trio of Jalen Redmond, Taki Taimani, and Levi Drake Rodriguez that backed the defensive line last season, the backup spots are wide open. Redmond, in particular flashed potential late last season. All offseason, I’ve penciled him as a roster lock simply because of those late season flashes. Then, I’m reminded of recently thinking the same thing with Esezi Otomewo and Jaquelin Roy. Both of those players failed to make the roster in their second season after flashing their first season. Fifth-round rookie Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins should be a roster lock. He’s a raw player now but has the talent and potential to be a difference-maker. If things fall into place for him, that could be as soon as this season. Phillips, Allen, Hargrave, and Ingram-Dawkins are pretty much roster locks on the defensive line. That might leave as few as two open spots within the position group. Redmond, Taimani, and Drake Rodriguez will be seriously challenged by the undrafted Williams duo. Alex Williams and Elijah Williams are two of the most intriguing players among the 22 undrafted free agents. Elijah Williams has already emerged as my longshot favorite. I can not believe he wasn’t drafted. I can not believe that it took a rookie minicamp tryout to even make an NFL offseason roster. About 2880 players are on NFL rosters right now and Elijah Williams was one of the very last to be added to one. It just goes to show that scouting of the HBCUs still has a long way to go. If it wasn’t for this Williams, I’d be giving Alex Williams much more roster love. As an Ohio State recruit, he has some natural traits that aren’t usually found at itty bitty Middle Tennessee State. His 6’7” size make him an intriguing player in the middle of the Vikings defense. The competition on the defensive line will be fun to watch. 

Outside Linebacker

No offense to Chaz Chambliss and Matt Harmon but the longshot at outside linebacker for me is Tyler Batty. He was a player I thought could be a Day 3 target for the Vikings. With his 6’5” and 275 size, he could provide outside-inside versatility much like Jihad Ward did last season.  

Linebacker

Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr. are roster fixtures. Sixth-round Kobe King probably joins them. After that it’s competition between Eric Wilson, Brian Asamoah and longshots Austin Keys and Dorian Mausi. My guess is that Wilson wins out but Keys and Mausi have an opportunity. Keys, in particular, is probably competing for a spot on the practice squad. 

Cornerback

I believe that the Vikings cornerback group is very much underrated by the national talking heads. I also believe that the group is pretty much set with Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, Mekhi Blackmon, Jeff Okudah, and Dwight McGlothern. The first four should be roster locks. I really like McGlothern. I want to put him as a lock but he hasn’t played enough. I think that he belongs but he still has to prove it. Former San Francisco 49ers third-round pick Ambry Thomas will challenge him. So will undrafted rookie Zemaiah Vaughn. At 6’3”, he has the size that none of the Vikings other corners have. Elijah Williams, Tyler Batty, and Vaughn have already emerged as the longshot rookies I’m most excited to watch. 

Offensive Line

Logan Brown is the most heralded of the Vikings undrafted free agents. He was considered by many to be the best available players after the close of the draft. The Vikings starting offensive line is set and should finally be a team strength rather than a serious weakness. The depth looks improved as well. If the Vikings keep 10 offensive linemen, Brown should have a clear path to the roster. If they keep nine, Brown will be in the thick of the competition. 

Running Back

Undrafted Tre Stewart will compete with Ty Chandler and Zavier Scott for RB3. Chandler has the lead as a roster fixture for a couple seasons. Making it to a third season is in serious question. Tre Stewart has his shot. 

Tight End

After an aggressive offseason, the Vikings entered the draft with few roster holes. One of those was TE3. Sixth-round pick Gavin Bartholemew has the edge. Undrafted Ben Yurosek and Bryson Nesbit will compete with him. 

My too-early favorites among the Vikings longshots to make the roster:

Logan Brown

Elijah Williams

Tyler Batty

Zemaiah Vaughn

First Round Signing Tracker

The 2025 NFL Draft was just over three weeks ago. Teams have approached the signings of their drafted players with varying degrees of urgency. The only signing urgency that really matters is that of the Minnesota Vikings and they finally got to this procedural work. The Vikings signed Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson last Wednesday. Here’s a look at the signing progress of the players selected in the first round. 

1.   Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

2.   Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

3.   New York Giants: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

4.   New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU 

5.   Cleveland Browns: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

6.   Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State - Signed

7.   New York Jets: Amand Membou, OT, Missouri - Signed

8.   Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona - Signed

9.   New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas - Signed

10. Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan - Signed

11. San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia - Signed

12. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama - Signed

13. Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan - Signed

14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State - Signed

15. Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia - Signed

16. Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

18. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State - Signed

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State - Signed

20. Denver Broncos: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

23. Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

24. Minnesota Vikings: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State - Signed

25. New York Giants (from Texans): Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi

26. Atlanta Falcons (from Rams): James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee - Signed

27. Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

28. Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

29. Washington Commanders: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

30. Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

31. Philadelphia Eagles(from Chiefs): Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

32. Kansas City Chiefs(from Eagles): Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State - Signed

***

It’s been three weeks since the completion of the 2025 NFL Draft. 15 of the 32 players selected in the first round have singed their first NFL contract. 

Minnesota Vikings Roster: By Age

The Minnesota Vikings roster includes 91 players. Here’s a breakdown of that roster by age.

21

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

22

Gavin Bartholemew

Chaz Chambliss

Tai Felton

Donovan Jackson

Kobe King

J.J. McCarthy

Bryson Nesbit

Tre Stewart

Dallas Turner

Elijiah Williams

23

Jordan Addison

Dontae Fleming

Joe Huber

Austin Keys

Dwight McGlothern

Dorian Mausi

Myles Price

Zemaiah Vaughn

Ben Yurosek

24

Max Brosmer

Logan Brown

Keenan Garber

Kahlef Hailassie

Sam Howell

Rondale Moore

Gabriel Murphy

Ivan Pace Jr.

Will Reichard

Bo Richter

Levi Drake-Rodriguez

Walter Rouse

Reddy Steward

Jay Ward

Ryan Wright

25

Brian Asamoah II

Tyler Batty

Bubba Bolden

Henry Byrd

Christian Darrisaw

Matt Harmon

Justin Jefferson

Marcellus Johnson

Jeshaun Johnson

Michael Jurgens

Jordan Mason

Zavier Scott

Taki Taimani

Ambry Thomas

Alexander Williams

26

Travis Bell

Mekhi Blackmon

Oscar Chapman

Theo Jackson

Jalen Nailor

Jeff Okudah

Jalen Redmond

Thayer Thomas

Leroy Watson IV

27

Ty Chandler

Will Fries

Jonathan Greenard 

T.J.Hockenson

Lucky Jackson

Tim Jones

Joshua Metellus

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

Max Tooley

28

Blake Brandel

Jonathan Harris

Josh Oliver

Brett Rypien

Justin Skule

29

Blake Cashman

Brian O’Neill

Harrison Phillips

Tavierre Thomas

Andrew Van Ginkel

30

Jonathan Allen

Aaron Jones Sr.

Eric Wilson

31

C.J. Ham

Ryan Kelly

32

Javon Hargrave

36

Harrison Smith

37

Andrew DePaola

Vikings Draft Class Signed

Lost in the excitement of the NFL Schedule Release on Wednesday was the news that the Minnesota Vikings signed first round pick Donovan Jackson. The team’s entire 2025 Draft Class is now under contract and ready to focus on their first season of professional football. 

Donovan Jackson was selected with the 24th pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Ohio State guard is the final piece of a complete overhaul of the Vikings interior offensive line. While it’s expected that he’ll initially “compete” with incumbent Blake Brandel at left guard, Jackson is probably penciled in as the team’s starter. The writing may already be in ink. The Vikings wouldn’t have ignored a variety of trade offers for the 24th pick if they hadn’t targeted Jackson and didn’t have immediate plans for him.

Minnesota Vikings 2025 Draft Class

1. Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State

3. Tai Felton, WR, Maryland

5. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DL

6. Kobe King, LB, Penn State

6. Gavin Bartholemew, TE, Pittsburgh

The Vikings signed the other four members of the 2025 Draft Class last week. Those signings were completed in advance of last weekend’s Rookie Minicamp. As a fan with little patience, it never ceases to frustrate me when the Vikings show no urgency in completing the procedural work of signing draft picks. Since the installation of the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement, rookie contracts are pretty much scripted. There really isn’t much negotiation required. Why wait in getting the rookie deals done? I should just relax and let the process play. Every year, all of the Vikings rookies are signed long before they assemble for training camp. That’s the real deadline for this process. Right? I should just relax on this but I can’t. I believe there was one year during the Mike Zimmer-Rick Spielman days when the entire Draft Class was signed in advance of the rookie minicamp. That was a wonderful time and that was a year when the minicamp was the weekend following the draft. This year is close to that beautiful year. Granted, the Vikings had only five players to sign. Four signed two weeks after they were drafted. Donovan Jackson just under three weeks after he was drafted. 

The schedule has finally been released. The Vikings have signed their entire draft class. The roster is at the  limit. Now, the football focus is finally on the on-field work and preparation for the 2025 season. 

Minnesota Vikings 2025 Schedule

The NFL has been releasing 2025 schedule teasers for a while now. The entire thing was released yesterday. 

Minnesota Vikings 2025 Schedule

Week	Day	Date	Opponent	Time (PT)
1	Monday	Sept. 8	@Chicago Bears	5:15 PM
2	Sunday	Sept. 14	Atlanta Falcons	5:20 PM
3	Sunday	Sept. 21	Cincinnati Bengals	10:00 AM
4	Sunday	Sept. 28	@Pittsburgh Steelers (Dublin)	6:30 AM
5	Sunday	Oct. 5	@Cleveland Browns (London)	6:30 AM
6	Sunday	Oct. 12	BYE
7	Sunday	Oct. 19	Philadelphia Eagles	10:00 AM
8	Thursday	Oct. 23	@Los Angeles Chargers	5:15 PM
9	Sunday	Nov. 2	@Detroit Lions	10:00 AM
10	Sunday	Nov. 9	Baltimore Ravens	10:00 AM
11	Sunday	Nov. 16	Chicago Bears	10:00 AM
12	Sunday	Nov. 23	@Green Bay Packers	10:00 AM
13	Sunday	Nov. 30	@Seattle Seahawks	1:05 PM
14	Sunday	Dec. 7	Washington Commanders	10:00 AM
15	Sunday	Dec. 14	@Dallas Cowboys	5:20 PM
16	Sunday	Dec. 21	@New York Giants	10:00 AM
17	Thursday	Dec. 25	Detroit Lions	1:30 PM
18	TBD	TBD	Green Bay Packers	TBD

Some Thoughts:

It sure looks like the NFL believes that the 2025 Minnesota Vikings will be an entertaining team. 

4 Prime Time Games

2 International Games

1 Christmas Day Game

The Vikings will have seven nationally televised games. Only the Kansas City Chiefs have more. It would seem that the NFL sees the Vikings as an entertaining and successful led by an intriguing young quarterback. J.J. McCarthy has won at every level of football. Why should that stop with the NFL?

I’ve heard some of the media’s talking heads rattle on about the international “away” games in Weeks #4 and #5 being a  competitive advantage for the Vikings. There’s nothing advantageous about packing up and moving an entire team to the UK for two weeks. These damn international games, no matter the duration, are the worst. I wish that the league would just bag the whole idea but that’s never going to happen. It’s all about the money. Plus, the games start at 6:30 in the damn morning.

I’d rather the Vikings not have to play on Christmas. That gives them two Thursday games and two short weeks. Those short weeks and and a two week international trip make for a challenging schedule even before you take a glance at the 17 matchups. 

Week 6 is a bit early for a BYE but it works this year because it comes off their international trip. 

I’ll be at the first Thursday game. At the Los Angeles Chargers on October 23. That should be fun.

A couple schedule curiosities:

-from Weeks 3-5, the Vikings play three consecutive AFC North teams

-from Weeks 14-16, the Vikings play three consecutive NFC East teams

Perhaps the best thing about the Vikings schedule is that they close the season with home games against the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers.