The 2025 NFL Draft quickly is creeping up on us.
Experts are refining their big boards, filing their newest, best mock drafts and profiling many players who starred in some capacity on Saturdays and are at the precipice of accomplishing their NFL dreams.
At this stage in the game, there's also an in-depth understanding of favorite small-school prospects and other lesser-known players, including guys who quietly outplayed their competition and strengthened their probability of getting drafted by shining in front of scouts during pro days and rounds of interviews.
"Sleeper" often is a term thrown around this time of draft season.
And so, it seems proper to dive into a list of 10 "sleeper" players, compiled Thursday by The Athletic's Alec Lewis, that the Vikings could target in the later rounds. Here's a rundown, with snippets from Lewis on a select few that piqued our curiosity for varying reasons; Lewis' complete article can be read [here](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6250878/2025/04/03/vikings-2025-nfl-draft-sleepers/).
**Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M**
_Turner offers traits but not much collegiate production. He only recorded two sacks in 2024, and his pressure rate was similarly disappointing, but he was navigating a stress fracture throughout the season that required an operation this winter. At 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds, he could be a player with a lot of potential for Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores and defensive line coach Marcus Dixon to mold._
One thought from us: There's an inherent reliance on forecasting when drafting traits over production. But with individualized plans for each player in the Vikings building, it's an acceptable and logical pursuit.