In 4 weeks, the primary spherical of the 2025 NFL draft can be within the books, and we are going to know who the newest first-round draft choose is for the Minnesota Vikings — except Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has traded out of the primary spherical. This would be the first of a sequence of articles analyzing the choices at totally different positions for the Vikings’ first draft choose.
5 Choices at RB for the Vikings 1st Draft Choose
I’ll begin by operating backs. This place has been cold and hot per realism for Minnesota, and it is likely to be checked out early on this 12 months’s draft. Re-signing Aaron Jones and buying and selling for Jordan Mason meant operating again was now not a determined want for the Vikings. Nevertheless, contemplating Jones’ eventual successor has loads of benefit, it’s one thing Minnesota may do on this draft.
Drafting RBs within the first spherical went out of trend except it’s somebody thought-about actually particular. Ashton Jeanty is a type of this 12 months, however I don’t foresee him dropping to 24, so I’ve dominated him out. The Vikings proceed to search for an improved run recreation and spend closely on revamping their offensive line in free company.
Including a younger RB to the ranks is definitely an choice, and there are nonetheless loads of choices for Minnesota in what is taken into account a deep draft class at operating again — although they might solely be choices if the Vikings commerce again from 24.
Omarion Hampton
The one RB that I’d take into account drafting twenty fourth general is Omarion Hampton. He impressed throughout his time in North Carolina with 30 speeding touchdowns over the past two seasons when the staff’s starter — additionally speeding at a mean simply shy of six yards per carry.
Hampton is the perfect measurement at 6’0 and 220 lbs and is bodily gifted with nice explosiveness for a again of his measurement. Finest suited to a zone-blocking scheme and with the flexibility to drive missed tackles, he can be a great slot in Minnesota. Importantly, for Kevin O’Connell’s offense, he is an efficient choice out of the backfield as a receiver. Whereas additionally having the body to be a handful as a move blocker.
Quinshon Judkins
Quinshon Judkins was a star operating again at Ole Miss for 2 seasons earlier than transferring to Ohio State, the place he continued to impress. He rushed for over 1000 yards in three straight seasons with 45 speeding touchdowns over that span. Judkins is all about pace and energy, he goes via tackles slightly than evades them and wracks up the yards after contact.
That bodily play model additionally reveals up in move safety, the place he made some devastating blocks and spectacular performs in faculty. He has little expertise or success within the receiving recreation, which may very well be a purple flag for O’Connell. Judkins is the one participant I’d take into account if the Vikings traded again from 24 for picks on Day 2.
Kaleb Johnson
Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson is one other participant I feel can be a great match for Minnesota. He doesn’t have the amount of fine play on take that Hampton and Judkins have. Johnson broke out in 2024 with 1535 speeding yards and 21 touchdowns. Earlier than that, his report was first rate however not spectacular. At 6’0 and 225 lbs, Johnson is one other again on this draft with good measurement.
He has the pace and energy to interrupt tackles and achieve yards after contact, and he makes use of his surprisingly gentle and fast ft to learn line play and discover open house with spectacular build-up pace. Work is to be achieved concerning move blocking and receiving, which might make touchdown in Minnesota on Day 2 excellent news for Johnson, the place he can be given time to develop.
Cam Skattebo
It was fairly the season for Cam Skatebo at Arizona State as he eclipsed 2,000 whole yards and completed fifth within the Heisman voting. He was the whole lot for his or her offense and may do all of it, from speeding to receiving to Wildcat quarterbacking. O’Connell would benefit from the versatility Skattebo would carry to his offense. Skatebo’s success has been as a lot about want and battle because it has been about skill. At 5’11 and 215lbs, he leaves the whole lot out on the sector and fights for each yard.
That mentality will serve him properly. His skill as a move catcher may permit him to get some early appears with the staff that drafts him.
Dylan Sampson
Dylan Sampson’s recreation is all about pace and making defenders miss tackles as each a runner and a receiver. His footwork is fast and explosive, and he pairs that with good imaginative and prescient and persistence. The Tennessee product had restricted receiving manufacturing in faculty however nonetheless brings good traits in that space that ought to curiosity the Vikings.
He’s a smaller again at 5’11 and 201 lbs, along with his weight impacting his pass-blocking efficacy. One space of concern is a nasty behavior of fumbling the ball, which have to be tidied up.
