The 2025 NFL Draft is months away, and the Vikings are surprising everyone by looking like they could be one of the best teams in the entire NFC, not just the North. Despite that, they do have some positions that will need some depth pieces added.
The team's positional needs heading into the season include a defensive line, cornerback, and maybe a wide receiver or running back.
For this mock draft, we went with something outside the box. The team has a dominant defense, but maybe they need one more playmaker. What we decided to do was explore a trade for a roster. This is very much in its win-now mode as they head into Week 17.
Let the fun begin as we build this roster to get it closer to securing it's first Super Bowl title.
The Vikings acquire Marlon Humphrey from the Baltimore Ravens
Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of a Baltimore Ravens helmet against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Vikings send:
97th overall pick in 2025 NFL Draft 3rd round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
Ravens send:
Marlon Humphrey
Getting a defensive playmaker in the secondary has to be a priority for the Vikings this offseason. At cornerback especially, they have struggled to find someone who can be a lockdown corner who can take away a side of the field, Marlon Humphrey does that for a pretty cheap price.
Picks the Vikings have after the proposed Marlon Humphrey trade in the 2025 NFL Draft
Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
30th overall 141st overall 165th overall 239th overall Round 1, Pick 30: Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
Oct 12, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Walter Nolen (2) reaches to knock the ball loose from LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Getting Marlon Humphrey is one thing for the secondary, adding a game-wrecker like Walter Nolen is a cherry on top of it all if you are the Vikings. Nolen is a perfect blend of size and speed who can get in the backfield consistently. Having him taking some snaps from Jerry Tillery and working alongside Jalen Redmond and Harrison Phillips would make this defense even nastier.
Round 5, Pick 141: Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State
Dec 7, 2024; Arlington, TX, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo (4) scores a rushing touchdown against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Vikings need a power back out of the backfield to go with a potentially returning Aaron Jones. Cam Akers has provided some life backing up Jones, but Skattebo would give this offense some much-needed attitude and bonafide homerun threat and goal-line option at the same time. Jones is a pivotal piece to this offense. They should bring him back, but they cannot keep using his as much as they have and not have the wheels fall off.
Round 5, Pick 165: Seth McLaughlin, iOL, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin (56) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. Ohio State won 20-13.
The team has Garrett Bradbury who is a solidified starter and centerpiece to the offensive line. The pick of Seth McLaughlin is one where he will be coming off a torn Achilles, and it could serve as a long-term investment piece for the offensive line. When healthy, McLaughlin is a top 100 player in this class. If the Vikings hold onto McLaughlin while he recovers, his return could coincide with a potential Bradbury farewell tour.
Round 7, Pick 239: Nick Martin, LB, Oklahoma State
Dec 27, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys linebacker Nickolas Martin (4) attempts to tackle Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed (10) during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Blake Cashman has shown his value to be priceless to the Vikings' defense, so getting consistent linebacker play is pivotal to their success. Martin could be apart of the rotation while also contributing to the team on special teams as well.