Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah faces a challenging task: working to enhance a roster that is expected to have only three draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft (or four if compensatory picks hold true).
Despite the Vikings having more than $50 million in cap space, the team has several areas of need, especially on the offensive line, defensive interior, cornerback, safety, and running back positions. Free agency will address as many of these gaps as possible, but with the 24th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Minnesota should still be in a position to select a player who can contribute right away.
Who will the Vikings choose in the first round? It’s still too soon to say, but recently, they’ve been linked to one of J.J. McCarthy’s former teammates.
With only four picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings may find the option of trading down to acquire more selections appealing. Regardless, the Vikings will have a clear understanding of their needs when the first round kicks off on April 24.
The Vikings are in need of at least one, if not two, offensive guards. They could address one of these needs in free agency and then target another in the draft.
Recently, Alec Lewis from The Athletic suggested the Vikings might trade down and select Alabama guard Tyler Booker in the first round. Booker was a former high school teammate of J.J. McCarthy at IMG Academy.
“Booker is likely the most reliable choice. Recruited by Nick Saban from IMG Academy, where he played a season alongside Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Booker stayed with Alabama even after Saban’s retirement. This past season, he was recognized as one of the top pass protectors in college football. Brugler referred to him as a ‘plug-and-play guard who should have a long NFL career.’ Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer praised Booker as ‘one of the best leaders I’ve ever been around,’ while NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah compared Booker’s leadership qualities to those of Will Anderson Jr. from the Houston Texans. Booker would be a great fit if the Vikings are truly focused on transforming their offensive line’s style and identity. Pairing him with additional upgrades in the interior could make Minnesota’s offense look very different.
Although Booker’s connection to McCarthy could provide the Vikings’ decision-makers with valuable insight into his work ethic, he wouldn’t be drafted just because of that. He would be selected because he’s one of the top prospects available and addresses a crucial need.
After allowing nine sacks in their Wild Card loss to the Los Angeles Rams, it’s clear the Vikings need to invest more in improving their offensive line, and Booker could be an ideal solution.
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