The Minnesota Vikings are facing a major offseason overhaul after a disappointing conclusion to their season. With several key free agents, including almost their entire starting secondary, the Vikings need to reload ahead of next year.
One of their top priorities will be to have a more successful draft than they have in recent seasons. However, the challenge ahead is that their draft capital is limited, with very few picks to work with.
Here’s a breakdown of the Vikings’ current 2025 draft situation.
What picks do the Vikings have in the 2025 NFL Draft?
At the moment, the Vikings hold only three picks for April’s draft: a first-round pick and two fifth-round selections. Their first-round pick is set at 24th overall, but the exact placement of their other picks will be determined once the NFL announces compensatory picks.
Will the Vikings get any compensatory picks?
Compensatory picks are awarded based on a team’s qualifying free agent additions and losses from the previous offseason. According to NFL.com, the Vikings are in line to receive a third-round compensatory pick, having lost six qualifying free agents while only signing five in return. However, the NFL has yet to announce these compensatory picks or the date they will be revealed. In recent years, these announcements have typically occurred by mid-March.
What happened to the Vikings’ other picks? Can they get more?
Last year, the Vikings made moves to advance in the first round, sending several mid-round draft picks to the New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars. This included trading up to the 10th pick to select quarterback J.J. McCarthy and the 17th pick to choose edge rusher Dallas Turner. Additionally, they traded their sixth- and seventh-round 2025 picks to the Cleveland Browns as part of a deal for pass rusher Za’Darius Smith.
The Vikings could still acquire more picks through trades, either before or during the draft. A likely scenario would involve moving down from their 24th overall pick.
When is the 2025 NFL Draft?
The 2025 draft kicks off on Thursday, April 24, with the first round. Rounds two and three will follow on Friday, April 25, and the final rounds will be held on Saturday, April 26. This year’s draft will take place in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
With much work to do this offseason, the Vikings’ draft strategy will be crucial for their chances of bouncing back. Stay tuned as more details unfold.
