Last season, the Minnesota Vikings’ secondary had both strong and awful performances. Adding a defensive back in the 2025 NFL Draft may help them identify with the former.
Kevin O’Connell’s defense led the NFL in interceptions (24) but allowed the fourth most yards through the air. This April, the Vikings will have a limited number of draft picks, so they must make the most of them.
ESPN draft expert Jordan Reid says Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron can assist Minnesota’s back half. The Vikings chose Barron with the 24th choice in Reid’s most recent mock draft, which was unveiled Tuesday.
“The Vikings are expected to be active in free agency, especially at defensive tackle,” Reid said. “With a league-low three draft picks, Minnesota should be considered a team that may trade back to recuperate additional draft capital. If the Vikings sign an interior defender in free agency, guard and cornerback will immediately become their top priorities.
“With all three of their starting corners (Byron Murphy Jr., Stephon Gilmore, and Shaquill Griffin) set to become free agents, Barron is expected to be an immediate starter.”
Gilmore, a two-time first-team Associated Press All-Pro in New England, made one pick in 15 starts for Minnesota. He may be playing for his sixth squad in as many seasons next fall.
Murphy, an Arizona Cardinals retread, was named to the Pro Bowl after recording six interceptions last season. He matched with Baltimore’s Marlon Humphrey and Philadelphia’s C.J. Gardner-Johnson for the third-most picks in the NFL. Detroit’s Kerby Joseph led the pack with nine, while Green Bay’s Xavier McKinney had eight.
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