The Vikings Turned 4 Picks Into These 6 Players

Apr 27, 2025 - 15:30

NCAA Football: Mississippi State at Georgia — Oct 12, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (93) leads the team through the banner before a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Entering the 2025 NFL Draft, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had only four picks, which would’ve been the smallest draft class in franchise history. He finished with six new players, five selected and one acquired via trade.

The Vikings Turned 4 Picks Into These 6 Players

Adofo-Mensah is one of the most frequent traders in the league, and it surely paid off, at least in the number of new players. Welcome the six new Vikings.

OG Donovan Jackson

vikings — Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.

It was the final puzzle piece for having a potentially dominant offensive line for the first time in years. Blake Brandel will likely be overtaken by rookie 24th overall pick Donovan Jackson.

The Ohio State rookie collected a ton of experience in the BIG 10 and in the playoffs, playing both tackle and guard. He is pretty much a pro-ready player and is balanced between the running and passing game.

Jackson possesses a great mix of power and quickness and should be a quick contributor for the Vikings.

WR Tai Felton

Maryland’s Tai Felton, right, runs away from Oregon’s Brandon Johnson, left, during the third quarter at Autzen Stadium.

A speedy receiver, Tai Felton, starred at the University of Maryland. He needs some polish at the wideout fundamentals, like route running, and isn’t the most physical guy who can play through contact, but the Vikings now have four years to work on that.

Felton was productive at Maryland with over 2,200 yards and 17 touchdowns, and possesses 4.37 speed. Early in his career, he is a candidate for special teams work as a return man and gunner.

DL Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Oct 28, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (93) forces a fumble by Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) during the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

The Georgia Bulldog barely put up big numbers on a stacked defensive line, but he is an intriguing prospect. Ingram-Dawkins is undersized for an interior defender and oversized for an edge-rusher. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores can use him in different ways and probably has a plan for him.

Similarly to Felton, Ingram-Dawkins possesses some excellent physical ability and excelled at the scouting combine.

QB Sam Howell

Nov 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings desperately needed a backup quarterback, and he arrived in the draft. Well, not as a draft pick, but by swapping draft picks with Seattle.

Sam Howell started for an entire season in 2023 and brings some traits to the mix that Kevin O’Connell is looking for. The 24-year-old is unafraid to throw into tight windows, and he has the arm and the legs to operate his offense.

LB Kobe King

Dec 21, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Kobe King (41) in action during the second half against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Kobe King is a throwback linebacker who weighs close to 250 pounds. That helps stop the run, which is something he is elite at.

Most viewed King as a third-round or fourth-round player, Adofo-Mensah got him in the sixth. He’s unlikely to be a full-time starter because he doesn’t have the moving skills to be a three-down linebacker, but he can disrupt plays up front in a rotational role.

TE Gavin Bartholomew

Oct 12, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; California Golden Bears defensive back Miles Williams (left) and defensive back Craig Woodson (2) tackle Pittsburgh Panthers tight end Gavin Bartholomew (86) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh won 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Just like at the quarterback spot, the Vikes needed depth at tight end. Bartholomew has the size and the athleticism to be a long-time depth tight end for the Vikings, especially if he can get a little stronger.

A willing and capable blocker, Bartholomew is a solid yards-after-catch player, too.

Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference CFB helped with this article.