The Minnesota Vikings' approach to the NFL Draft could be any number of different scenarios. One of the main reasons why the Vikings could go any number of different directions is due to the work general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did in free agency.
Not having a dire need going into the NFL Draft is huge for the Vikings, meaning they can do a better job of playing the board and maximizing the market. With the major variance we have seen in projecting the first round, there are a lot of directions that make a ton of sense at 24th overall, including trading down.
If the Vikings do keep pick 97, there are a few different players who make a lot of sense.
Minnesota Vikings best NFL Draft fits at 97th overall
DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State
Scouting Report
The nice part about the Vikings' running back room is they don't need to fortify the position. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason can hold down the fort for the next two years without much of an issue. However, they should consider using this running back class to get their back of the future.
Giddens profiles similar to Jones in regard to play style. They both have good size with Giddens 6' and over 210 lbs. They see things well in zone concepts and slash well with cutbacks. He also provides something in the passing game from both a pass catching and blocking perspective. While Giddens isn't a burner, he did run a 4.43 40-yard dash which tells you he likely has a little bit more juice than his film showed.
Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon
Scouting Report
The defensive line for the Vikings is in a really good spot...for the next year or two. The problem is they don't have a lot of youth and upside. Jonathan Allen, Harrison Phillips, and Javon Hargrave will start the 2025 season at least 29 years old with Phillpis joining the others at 30 next January.
Getting some youth should be a priority and Caldwell is a very good nose tackle prospect. He is big at 340 lbs, has surprising agility for his size, and offers more pass rush juice than a standard nose tackle. Getting him here would be a nice addition for the Vikings.
Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
Scouting Report
There aren't many players I like more in this class than Bryant. When it comes to the cornerback position, I like the smaller players who are feisty and will punch you in the mouth all the way down the field.
He doesn't have burning speed, nor is he very big at just 170 lbs, but what he lacks in size and speed he makes up for in ball skills and physicality. That will translate well to Brian Flores' defense, especially the ability to attack the ball in the air.
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