In this 2025 NFL Mock Draft, the Minnesota Vikings take the next step in ensuring the security of their new era with J.J. McCarthy under center. What can Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah do to attain success post-Kirk Cousins? The Cousins era in Minnesota was productive — but playoff success was in short supply. That’s unfortunately a characteristic that has underscored nearly the entirety of the Vikings’ existence in the NFL. McCarthy is the latest beacon of hope, that things might change. In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Vikings managed to add McCarthy and blue-chip edge rusher Dallas Turner in Round 1. And with cornerstones such as Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, Christian Darrisaw, and Harrison Smith still in-house, Minnesota should be able to stay afloat. Nevertheless, another strong NFL Draft performance is needed before the Vikings can enter the contending crowd again. And in a surging NFC North, they’ll need all the help they can get.
Michigan
Ohio State
Oregon
Michigan State