Heading into 2025, the Minnesota Vikings are coming off of a 14-win season that ultimately ended in disappointment, as they were eliminated in the Wild Card round of the playoffs by the Los Angeles Rams. In response, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Minnesota’s front office made it a priority to address their weaknesses in both free agency and the draft. Although they lost a few key contributors from the 2024 season, their new additions may put them in a position to make another playoff run this year. Here are five key players who could play a major role in that effort.
Theo Jackson
A 2022 sixth-round pick, Theo Jackson is poised to take the next step this season. With the departure of Cam Bynum, Jackson received a two-year, $12.61M contract extension back in March—seemingly solidifying his position next to veteran safety Harrison Smith. The Vikings’ decision not to draft a defensive back further indicates their confidence in the fourth-year safety. Jackson played more of a rotational role in his first three seasons but showed flashes in his limited play time, intercepting two passes throughout that time. In a Brian Flores defense that frequently uses multiple-safety formations, Jackson is a name to watch.
Jordan Mason
Acquired via trade, the undrafted running back out of Georgia Tech is stepping into a backfield next to veteran Aaron Jones. In 2024, Mason saw his largest workload yet after stepping in for the injured Christian McCaffrey to start the season and he seized the opportunity. The 5-foot-11 back put up three 100+ rushing yard games and 3 scores in the first five weeks. Although his season ended after week 13 due to a high ankle sprain, Mason had already posted a career sesaon. Minnesota expects that trend will continue this upcoming year as part of a likely split backfield between him and Jones, giving the veteran back some needed rest after he put up the most carries of his career in 2024. Jordan Mason figures to be a significant part of the Vikings’ offense this year.
T.J. Hockenson
After tearing his ACL in a late=season December game in 2023, T.J. Hockenson didn’t make his on field appearance until week 9 of the 2024 season. Following a slow first week back, the tight end found his rhythm against the Jaguars in week 10, racking up 72 yards on 8 receptions. Although Hockenson only scored one touchdown in 2025, look for him to establish a staple role for himself in the offense again in 2025 and a security blanket for first time starter, JJ McCarthy.
Mekhi Blackmon
Selected with the 103rd pick in the 2023 draft, Mekhi Blackmon had a promising rookie season on his 434 defensive snaps. The cornerback was a sure tackler, earning himself a 90.3 tackle grade per PFF and had a solid coverage grade of 71.8 as well. Unfortunately, Blackmon tore his ACL during the first practice in training camp before the 2024 season. In a secondary that could surely use him this season, Mekhi has the opportunity to build on his rookie campaign and make a big impact in 2025.
Dallas Turner
Thanks to the outstanding seasons of both Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard, 17th overall selection Dallas Turner saw a bit more of a limited role in his rookie season. The Alabama product put up some impressive plays on tape on those snaps, finishing the season with 3 sacks, 11 TFLs and even an interception. Turner is set to get even more playing time this season thanks to Patrick Jones II headed to Carolina in the offseason. Look for the second-year edge rusher to build on a promising rookie year and become a more central figure in the Vikings’ pass rush.
