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Vikings Projected for Odd Position in First Big Mock Draft
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- Vikings Projected for Odd Position in First Big Mock Draft
Stan Szeto-Imagn Images Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
This season has not gone according to plan for the Minnesota Vikings . Kwesi Adofo-Mensah allocated a significant amount of money to the trenches , and Kevin O'Connell's team expected to win now. Of course that was all predicated on J.J. McCarthy being ready, and clearly he isn't .
Rather than focus on a Super Bowl, Minnesota could be focusing on what they'll be able to add next offseason. They opted against dealing a haul of picks and still have their first rounder. That should come near the top ten, and one of the most prominent insiders has already suggested a direction.
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Running back Jeremiyah Love to MN Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings roster should have plenty of holes to fill this offseason. Plenty of veterans were signed on one-year deals, and they will likely not be asked back. Among the positions of need, running back is an interesting one to suggest. That's where NFL Draft Analyst Dan Brugler sees them going though.
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Like Downs, Love is one of the best players in the draft but positional value will limit his landing spots in the top half of Round 1. Here, that just means the Vikings get value by adding the draft's most explosive offensive weapon — a versatile back who'd help both the run and pass games.
At 11th overall, Love is projected as the first running back to be taken. The Notre Dame product has had an exceptional career , and bested an already strong 2024 with a stellar 2025. Last season the sophomore rushed for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns. This season he has 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns in four less games.
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There's no question that Love is the country's best back, but it is a bit odd that the Minnesota Vikings would be seen as a fit. Kevin O'Connell was handed Jordan Mason this offseason via trade, and he has still opted against leaning into the running game.
Running game isn't Minnesota Vikings fancy
Minnesota is one of just eight teams averaging less than 100 yards per game this season. Aaron Jones was brought back on another one-year deal, but the aging veteran is on his way out. Mason has shown well, but his 48.2 yards per game are a step backwards from the 65.8 yards per game last season.
The quarterback position has been a mess all year and yet the head coach has not altered his game planning strategy. Last week against the Seahawks , he opted to have immobile pocket passer Max Brosmer roll out on 4th and 1 rather than pounding it up the middle.
well that was not ideal pic.twitter.com/qzLerp3NeU
— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) November 30, 2025
Until the Vikings commit to the run game, wasting a first round pick on that aspect of the team makes little sense. The Vikings will need more talent for the room next season, but exploring a low-wattage free agency move seems more in line with where they should look.
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