Mel Kiper - ESPN - NFL Draft
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The NFL Draft on April 26 is coming fast. For now, the league remains focused on free agency, where the Minnesota Vikings have been among the most active teams in the NFL, through the first week. That’s a good thing because general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had roster holes to fill and money to spend this offseason.
We can expect the MN Vikings to remain active from now until the draft, as they build out a 90-man training camp roster for July. With the higher-end free agents mostly picked through, it is about that time where we turn our focus from free agency to the draft.
When the 2025 offseason began, the Vikings had all sorts of salary cap space to work with, which helps explain the blaze of action, out of the free agency gates. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about Minnesota’s draft capital, even after they finally received their third round compensatory pick for Kirk Cousins (kind of).
Kiper Mock: Minnesota Vikings select top CB in 2025 NFL Draft
As things stand currently the Minnesota Vikings are armed with just four draft picks to spend in late-April. Their first selection is No. 24 overall (1st round). That will be the pick that garners most of the conversation between now and April 26.
Mel Kiper mocks Jahdae Barron (in picture shown) to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 24 overall.
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
One name that has become synonymous with NFL Draft season is the original draft expert, Mel Kiper (ESPN), who released the latest version of his 2025 mock draft Tuesday morning. There, he has the MN Vikings selecting Texas Longhorns cornerback, Jahdae Barron, at No. 24 overall.
“Minnesota made some big splashes in free agency as it tries to take the NFC North from the Lions. Among them were deals to re-sign Byron Murphy Jr. and bring in Isaiah Rodgers, but I’m not sure the Vikings should — or will — be done adding to the cornerback room.
Barron, meanwhile, picked off five passes last season, showing his ball skills. He ran a 4.39 at the combine, showing his speed. And he played more than 600 snaps at both slot corner and outside corner over the past two seasons, showing his versatility. I really like this fit.”
Mel Kiper – ESPN
Who is Jahdae Barron?
Barron spent five seasons with the Longhorns and worked into a starting role as a junior in 2022. Across 16 games last season he recorded a career-high 46 tackles including a sack. His five interceptions led the SEC and he was named an All-American. Barron also took home the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s best defensive back.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Land More Young Talent on Defense
Barron is 5’11” and weighed in at 194 pounds during the combine. He showed off great speed with a 4.39 second 40-yard dash. He has been playing at a high level throughout his college career, and should be expected to start out of the gate.
CFB Analyst Kirk Herbstreit just raved over Jahdae Barron on the Pat McAfee show
“He’s in run support, he’s blitzing, he’s playing space, he’s playing man. I mean the versatility is off the charts”
Former NFL DB Darius Butler compared Barron to All-Pro DB Malcolm Jenkins… pic.twitter.com/y5I9cr0BsY
— Cory Mose (@Cory_Mose) March 4, 2025
MN Vikings secondary must get stronger
The reality is that the Minnesota Vikings’ secondary still leaves a lot to be desired. They need another cornerback, and could use more proven talent at safety, after letting Cam Bynum walk in free agency. The organization is excited about Theo Jackson, but even so, Harrison Smith can’t put off his retirement forever.
On Tuesday, the Vikings signed veteran cornerback Jeff Okudah, who they hosted on Monday. Last season, Byron Murphy Jr. held down Minnesota’s CB1 spot, with Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin next to him as starters. In 2025, the two latter names are gone.
Okudah has five years of NFL experience, but lost much of three of those seasons due to injuries. The MN Vikings hope Okudah can be the latest buy-low free agent signing who turns their career around at TCO Performance Center, in hopes of resetting his market for another shot at free agency in 2026.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Fail to Find Trade Partner for Former 1st Round Pick
Brian Flores will look to work his magic again this season, but his ultimate goal remains landing another head coaching gig. The sooner that Minnesota’s defense can take a step forward, especially in the secondary, the better.
Mentioned in this article: Jahdae Barron Mel Kiper Jr NFL Draft More About:Minnesota Vikings