The Minnesota Vikings may have quietly pulled off one of the most underrated NFL Draft classes of 2025—one that could make their NFC North rivals, particularly the Chicago Bears, nervous for seasons to come. With significant transitions at quarterback and a strategic overhaul of key positions, the Vikings made sure to address both immediate depth needs and future starter potential in this year’s draft.
This marks the second straight offseason the Vikings are turning the page at quarterback. After letting veteran Kirk Cousins walk last year, they drafted J.J. McCarthy to be the franchise’s next signal-caller while bringing in Sam Darnold to bridge the gap. Darnold delivered big, guiding the team to a remarkable 14-3 record in 2024 while McCarthy recovered from a torn meniscus. Now healthy, McCarthy is slated to start in 2025, while Darnold took his talents to Seattle, where he’ll lead the Seahawks after they traded Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders.
In a savvy Day 3 move, the Vikings acquired quarterback Sam Howell from the Seahawks to serve as McCarthy’s backup. Given Howell’s starting experience in Washington and raw upside, he may end up being the biggest steal of Minnesota’s draft weekend—a potential difference-maker if McCarthy falters or suffers another injury.
But it wasn’t just about quarterbacks for Minnesota. In the first round, the Vikings selected offensive lineman Donovan Jackson out of Ohio State at No. 24 overall. Jackson, a versatile and athletic lineman, shined last season when he stepped in for the injured Josh Simmons (selected 31st overall by Kansas City). Jackson’s ability to play multiple positions along the line, including left tackle, makes him a valuable insurance policy in 2025 and a projected starter by 2026.
Minnesota also bolstered its offense by grabbing Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton in the third round. Felton is fresh off a record-setting season—96 catches, 1,124 yards, and 9 touchdowns. A fast, crisp route runner with elite separation skills, Felton is the ideal slot or movement Z receiver. He lands in the perfect situation alongside superstar Justin Jefferson, who will command double coverage most games. With Felton likely to face single coverage often, he could become a dangerous weapon and a major headache for teams like the Bears, who struggled against the Vikings’ aerial attack last season.
In later rounds, the Vikings picked up defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (Georgia), linebacker Kobe King (Penn State), and tight end Gavin Bartholomew (Pittsburgh)—all quality depth additions who could develop into key contributors.
While Donovan Jackson and Tai Felton may headline the draft class on paper, it’s the addition of Sam Howell that might prove to be Minnesota’s ultimate sleeper move. If he steps into action at any point in 2025, he could make a bigger impact than any rookie they selected. Bears fans hoping for a regression in Minnesota’s rise may be in for a rude awakening.
