After a 14-win season and a disappointing first-round playoff exit, the Minnesota Vikings entered the offseason with some tough decisions. One year after letting veteran QB Kirk Cousins walk in free agency, the Vikings once again found themselves with questions under center. They answered decisively, rolling with 1st round selection J.J. McCarthy and moving on from Sam Darnold.
Minnesota also focused on the trenches, aggressively revamping both lines. With a win-now mindset and an aging roster, combined with a few underwhelming drafts in recent memory, the Vikings need to hit on their limited picks this year having just four.
With the 24th overall pick and added flexibility from free agency signings, the Vikings can go in multiple directions. Whether they stick and pick or trade back to gain more draft capital, here are five prospects Minnesota should have on their radar:
1. Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Harmon is a 6’4″, 313-pound interior force with elite versatility. Known for his explosive get-off and bull-rushing power, he dominates one-on-ones and can split gaps with quickness while being big enough to handle double teams. While he led the FBS with 55 pressures last season, he managed just 5 sacks suggesting he needs to develop more refined pass-rushing moves. The physical tools are all there, and with the right coaching as well as learning behind Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, Harmon could develop into one of the league’s premier interior disruptors.
2. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Starks is the prototype for a modern NFL safety. At 6’1″, 200 pounds, he’s capable of lining up anywhere on the field. His elite ball skills and physical tackling make him a playmaker in both man and zone coverage. Though he can be overaggressive and susceptible to biting on fakes or sharp route runners, he comes in with one of the most polished skill sets in the draft. Under Brian Flores—paired with veterans Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus—Starks could be a dynamic weapon in the Vikings’ defense.
3. Chimere Dike, WR, Florida
Dike is a veteran wideout with over 50 college games under his belt. He’s a speedster who averaged over 17 yards per catch the past two seasons and thrives at dissecting zone defenses. His ball tracking and route timing are NFL-ready, and he adds value as a return man—leading the SEC with 16.5 yards per punt return last season. While his after-the-catch ability is limited and he’s had issues with concentration drops, Dike fits well in Minnesota’s play-action and motion-heavy offense.
4. Grey Zabel, OL, NDSU
The Vikings’ wildcard loss to the Rams was a trench disaster—Sam Darnold was sacked 9 times. Minnesota responded by signing veteran linemen Ryan Kelly and Will Fries from the Colts, but they could cap off their rebuild by drafting Grey Zabel. The 6’6″, 315-pound lineman has experience at every offensive line position and was dominant at the Senior Bowl, quieting concerns about his FCS background. He’s arguably the best run blocker in the class and would bring the physical edge the Vikings are looking for.
5. Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
Porter is a raw but exciting prospect, having only played one full season at corner after converting from wide receiver. At 6’3″, 195 pounds with 4.30 speed, he’s an athletic freak. His elite recovery speed and fluid hips give him strong upside, and his ball skills—along with 5 career blocked punts—make him a special teams asset right away. The Vikings need corner depth, and Porter has the physical tools and versatility that Brian Flores would love to mold.
Final Thoughts
With only four picks, the Vikings must play their cards right but with the flexibility from free agency gives them the freedom to chase high-upside talent or plug key roster gaps. Nailing this draft could be the difference between another playoff disappointment or a legitimate postseason run.
