2025 NFL Mock Draft: Vikings make splash by trading away a 2024 first-round pick
We are now just 10 days away from the 2025 NFL Draft. Compared to most years, we have no idea what could happen for teams. While that brings excitement for fans, it makes the jobs of analysts a bit tougher, as well as tougher for teams having to make their selections.
In our final mock draft Monday on Vikings Wire, we wanted to make a splash. Whether the Vikings could actually do it remains to be seen. We decided, though, that if the team didn't want to make a splash, we would make one for them.
The Cincinnati Bengals have their All-Pro edge rusher Trewy Hendrickson unhappy at the moment. While they remain steadfast in not trading him, perhaps the Vikings could make an offer they would find hard to pass up. We did our best attempt at that and made selections with the remaining picks.
Vikings trade for Bengals All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson
Trade: Vikings send Dallas Turner and the 24th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to the Bengals for Trey Hendrickson, as well as the 49th and 153rd overall picks in the 2025 NFL Draft
Dallas Turner, for whatever reason, could not earn the trust of coordinator Brian Flores to play meaningful snaps in 2024. Perhaps it had to do with the emergence of Pat Jones II, who left in free agency, as well as some others. Regardless, the Vikings have the cap space to make a splash, and they can do it by using their top draft pick and last year's first-round pick to get the All-Pro Trey Hendrickson.
The idea of having Jonathan Greenard on one edge with Hendrickson on the other would be nightmare fuel for the NFL.
Round 2, Pick 49: Kevin Winston Jr., SAF, Penn State
The Vikings lost Camryn Bynum in free agency to the Indianapolis Colts, so they need to replace his playmaking. Kevin Winston Jr. can do that with his instincts and ability to find the ball in the air or on the ground. He also has decent coverage skills to wrap it all up, so Brian Flores and his staff should appreciate his versatility.
Round 3, Pick 97: Cameron Williams, OT, Texas
Cameron Williams could have gone back to Texas and be in consideration of being the top tackle in 2026 with a good year of development under him. However, he declared for the draft, which means he will have to finish developing in the NFL. I think the Vikings are a perfect fit for the former Longhorn as a safety valve option for Brian O'Oneill, who will be 30 years old this year and has just two years left on his deal. If the Vikings decide not to extend their then 32-year-old right tackle, Williams will be fully developed and ready to take over and protect J.J. McCarthy opposite Christian Darrisaw.
Round 5, Pick 139: Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
Quincy Riley would be a fun depth piece for the Vikings cornerback class, with long-term potential for some upside. Riley plays big, uses his length to break up passes and stick with defenders while in man coverage. The former Louisville Cardinal has a chance to be a starter for the Vikings in a year or two with the right coaching and development.
Round 5, Pick 153: Ty Robinson, DL, Nebraska
Ty Robinson is a massive interior defensive lineman for the Nebraska Cornhuskers who plays like the offensive linemen insulted his mother. Robinson has decent pass rush skills for his size, thanks to his hand usage to get leverage and rip away from blockers. I like Robinson as a rotational piece for the Vikings' defensive line.
Round 6, Pick 187: Dylan Fairchild, G, Georgia
Dylan Fairchild is a security option for the Vikings as they seemingly give Blake Brandel one more year to show what he has for the team. He signed a two-year extension last offseason so if he struggles, the team isn't tied to him for any large amount of time or money. Fairchild is a good run blocker and decent in pass protection. I like him as a sit and wait option behind Brandel for this year or next.
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