Vikings Mock Draft: What are the team's needs heading into training camp?

USA Today

3 hours ago

The Vikings will report back to Eden Prairie next week as they prepare for training camp ahead of the 2025 season. Last season did not end the way anyone did, especially after going 14-3 in the regular season with Sam Darnold leading the way.
Fast forward to the present day, the work of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah this offseason has this roster ready to compete for the ultimate prize in Santa Clara next year. But what holes are there within this roster looking ahead to next offseason?
The team has some free agents, the biggest of which are safeties Harrison Smith and Joshua Metellus. While the team is likely to extend Metellus, they are just as likely to see Smith retire from the NFL and have to look for his replacement.
So with the help of the Pro Football Focus Mock Draft Simulator, let's take a crack at addressing the Vikings' needs heading into training camp.
Round 1: Dillon Thieneman, SAF, Oregon
If Harrison Smith retires and the Vikings are looking for someone to run it back with in terms of playstyle and effort, Thieneman is a perfect fit. He is rangy, plays the run and pass well, can be a downhill attacker and physical the same way as Smith as well. Thieneman would work well alongside Metellus and while losing Smith is going to sting, drafting Thieneman would make the transition a little smoother.
Round 2: Iapani Laloulu, C, Oregon
Didn't the Vikings sign Ryan Kelly this offseason? Sure did, but his deal is rather team-friendly. In the last five seasons, Kelly has played in just one complete season during that stretch. If the injuries are an issue in 2025, or his performance dips for any reason, the team has an out in 2026 where they can move on and save $9 million from the salary cap. Laloulu is one of the top centers in this class, and pairing him with Donovan Jackson and Will Fries on the interior would give the Vikings a solid trio in the middle between their bookend tackles.
Round 3: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
C.J. Allen is a fun linebacker prospect in a class that has some surprising depth compared to recent years. The team is deep at this position, but, like Ryan Kelly above, Blake Cashman has a history of injuries, and Ivan Pace Jr. is somewhat inconsistent. Adding Allen to develop behind them wouldn't be the worst idea.
Round 3: Nico Iamaleava, QB, UCLA
The team traded for Sam Howell and has Brett Rypien on the roster as well, but what about a new, young, lively backup behind J.J. McCarthy? Iamaleava developing behind McCarthy and being coached up by Wes Phillips and Kevin O'Connell would be very interesting. And not for nothing, we have seen a recent trend of backup quarterbacks flashing in late-season games or preseason games turning into draft capital down the road, so in the worst case, he is a long-term investment for the team.
Round 4: Desmond Reid, RB, Pittsburgh
The team is set with running backs Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, but I wanted to give the Vikings offense another weapon. I'm all in on Desmond Reid. For his size (5-8, 174 lbs.), Reid is as tough as anyone who is his size or bigger in college football. He does not shy away from contact; he will pick up blitzers and fight for every play. He also boasts dual-threat ability, being a reliable runner and receiver, and that is something I think Kevin O'Connell could have some fun scheming with.
Round 5: Justin Joly, TE, NC State
The Vikings like having depth at the tight end position, and they have that in T.J. Hockenson, their established star, and backups Gavin Bartholomew and Nick Muse. Neither Bartholomew nor Muse has the playmaking ability of Joly, so that is why he gets shoed in here as the pick. Joly can stretch the field vertically from the tight end position and he would present a new dynamic to the Vikings passing attack if they want to have him work alongside Hockenson.
Round 5: D.J. McKinney, CB, Colorado
The cornerback group is expected to be led by Isaiah Rodgers and Bryon Murphy Jr. for the next year or two, but they need to start developing more youth behind them. D.J. McKinney is a lengthy cornerback with good ball skills, making him someone that Brian Flores can develop into a player to terrify opposing offenses.