In the upcoming NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings hold only 4 total picks (24, 97. 139 and 187.) There is a high possibility that Minnesota ends up trading down to acquire some more draft capital in the middle rounds. On the other hand, if they decide to stick and pick at their 24 spot, there are five potential prospects that they should target.
Derrick Harmon – DL, Oregon
Derrick Harmon is a 6-foot-4, 315-pound defensive tackle out of the University of Oregon. The Ducks product puts versatility on tape, lining up at just about every position on the defensive line. Harmon displays the ability to clog up blocks and clear paths for other defenders. He has a toolkit for the pass rush as well, quick twitch with an effective swim move to get after the quarterback. Harmon could use work on finishing plays, as he does seem to leave sacks and TFLs on the field at times, but he could definitely learn behind a new pair of veteran defensive tackles.
Malaki Starks – DB, Georgia
A potential replacement for the recently departed Cam Bynum and heir to veteran Harrison Smith, Georgia standout Malaki Starks would be stepping into Minnesota with some big shoes to fill, but the 6-foot-1, 205-pound safety shows traits to be able to do so. Although Starks didn’t blow the doors off the combine with his testing numbers, putting up a 5.14 RAS score, his tape tells a different story. The Georgia safety shows great ball skills with some impressive acrobatic interceptions, and displays the high IQ needed to be in the right place at the right time consistently. Starks is also a plus in the run game, earning an 85.6 run defense grade in 2024 per PFF. Although he had a bit of a down year in 2024, Malaki Starks could bring another versatile weapon to Brian Flores’ defense.
Grey Zabel – OL, NDSU
While it is true that Minnesota has already made significant improvements to their offensive line for 2025, one question mark remains: the left guard position. That’s where 6-foot-6, 312-pound Grey Zabel out of NDSU steps in. Zabel has played just about every position down the offensive line throughout his time as a Bison and that skillset could come in handy for a retooled Vikings line. During the 2024 season, Zabel played mainly at the left tackle position and only gave up one sack and seven pressures on 453 pass blocking snaps. That type of efficiency netted him a 93.1 pass blocking grade per PFF—the highest grade for any offensive lineman across both FBS and FCS with at least 100 snaps. With slightly shorter arms than typically desired for an NFL tackle, Zabel has shown he has the ability to move inside and could prove a great fit at the guard position.
Walter Nolen – DL, Ole Miss
Continuing the theme of interior defenders, another prospect that could make an immediate impact for Minnesota is Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen. Standing at 6-foot-3, 305-pounds, Nolen is somewhat of an enigma among scouts. Some, like Trevor Sikkema, have him as high as their No. 7 overall prospect while others like Daniel Jeremiah rank him lower on their boards. One thing is certain: Nolen will need further development but the flashes are there. The defensive tackle shows great ability to shoot the gap in the pass rush with impressive physicality. In 2024, he also posted his best run defense grade—91.6 per PFF. Walter Nolen shows boom-or-bust potential, but it might be worth the risk at pick 24.
Luther Burden III – WR, Missouri
Now for a potential sleeper pick for the Vikings already loaded receiver room. With the price tag of top receivers only going up every season, it remains to be seen if Jordan Addison will still be in purple after his rookie contract is up due to his already impressive production alongside having the top paid Justin Jefferson on roster as well. A forward-thinking plan to develop a future replacement for Addison—while also adding another weapon for quarterback J.J. McCarthy—could be Missouri receiver Luther Burden III. The former five star recruit displays a Deebo Samuel-type playstyle that Kevin O’Connell’s offense could take huge advantage of. Burden shows exceptional short-area quickness and natural YAC playmaking ability. With his skill set, he could immediately contribute as a slot receiver and make McCarthy’s first year as a starter that much easier.
