Vikings Explore Trades Ahead of NFL Draft After Busy Free Agency Week

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2025 offseason with significant concerns regarding their interior offensive and defensive lines, secondary, and running back positions. Following a flurry of activity during the first week of free agency, the team has aggressively addressed these needs.

This proactive approach provides the Vikings with flexibility heading into next month’s NFL Draft, despite having only four selections. While they still need to consider various positions, the urgency surrounding each requirement has diminished.

Currently slated to pick 24th overall, the Vikings may be inclined to trade down when their turn arrives, possibly moving out of the first round. Such a strategy could yield additional draft capital, particularly beneficial as their other current picks reside in the third round (97), fifth round (139), and sixth round (187).

In a draft that could define their 2025 season, this maneuvering could add valuable young depth to a roster aspiring for a deep playoff run. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is expected to pursue extra picks, potentially executing multiple trade-backs throughout the three-day event.

The Kansas City Chiefs, keen to progress ahead of AFC rivals, have made moves to trade up in this mock draft scenario, assisting the Vikings in the process. Although facing limited choices, acquiring an additional pick in round three could bolster Minnesota’s strategy.

Darius Alexander is among the prospects entering the fold, needing further development but presenting a promising fit. “Being alongside the likes of Harrison Phillips, Javon Hargrave, and Jonathan Allen will put him in a perfect spot to flourish,” a source close to the team commented.

This mock draft scenario has allowed the Vikings to acquire an extra third-round pick, enhancing their selection power significantly. Their initial two picks within the first 97 have now increased to three in the top 89, a beneficial boost for a team seeking to address its shortcomings.

Kevin Winston Jr. received positive updates regarding his health but his draft stock remains unstable. Though they will miss Camryn Bynum‘s playmaking abilities, Winston Jr. is considered a suitable replacement capable of making impactful plays.

On the offensive line, Blake Brandel‘s position continues to raise questions. Yet analysts remain optimistic about prospects like Warren Ratledge, who is believed to have a strong chance at securing a starting role, becoming a crucial building block for the Vikings moving forward.

Additionally, Quincy Riley, a physical cornerback, aligns with the vision that Head Coach Brian Flores has for infusing youth into the secondary. With mentorship from veterans like Byron Murphy Jr., Riley could develop into a dependable option by year two.

As the Vikings anticipate a recap of all selections post-draft, Adofo-Mensah is reminded of the importance of versatility in dealing and amassing future picks. The 2025 Vikings team is shaping up to be one of the most complete in the league.

While substantial draft resources have already been allocated for immediate needs, the 2026 draft is poised to play a pivotal role in the team’s roster construction moving forward. Securing additional picks now could provide advantages in the future.

In this context, selecting Darius Alexander in round one while signing Hargrave and Allen provides Minnesota with luxury selections that may prove advantageous long-term. Stashing potential talents like Levi Drake Rodriguez and Jalen Redmond alongside developing athletes like Alexander could strengthen their defensive front.

As the Vikings continue to refine their roster, analysts remain optimistic about the young talent being assembled. The team’s defensive front is progressively transforming into one of the more robust groups, relying on a blend of experience and exuberance.