The road to the 2025 NFL Draft continues, and with every passing day, new insights, predictions, and speculations emerge. What’s on the agenda today? Another mock draft, of course! But hold on—this one has an added layer of intrigue, making it stand out from the usual projections. If you’re an NFL fan who thrives on draft discussions, then Chad Reuter’s latest four-round mock draft is something you’ll want to analyze in detail.
Published on Friday by NFL Media, Reuter’s mock draft gives us plenty to talk about, and with a new week ahead, what better time to dive into his picks? This particular draft scenario holds special significance for the Minnesota Vikings, as they gear up for what could be a crucial year in shaping their roster for a potential Super Bowl run.
The Vikings’ 2025 Draft Outlook: High Stakes, Big Moves
Looking back at the 2024 draft, it’s clear that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the Vikings’ front office did an outstanding job. Now, as they step into the 2025 draft, the stakes remain just as high. The team is on the cusp of contention, and a few key additions could make all the difference in pushing them toward that elusive championship.
Reuter’s mock draft presents an interesting scenario, particularly for the Vikings, who currently hold only four picks. That’s not an ideal situation for a team looking to bolster its depth, which is why the tradeback strategy in this mock is an exciting move. Let’s break down the selections and see how they might impact the team’s future.
Vikings’ Picks in Chad Reuter’s Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 30 (Projected Trade with Buffalo Bills): Nick Emmanwori, SAF, South Carolina
Round 3, Pick 97: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
Round 4, Pick 109: Mitchell Evans, TE, Notre Dame
Round 4, Pick 132 (via BUF): Joshua Gray, G, Oregon State
The Tradeback Strategy: Smart Move or Missed Opportunity?
With only four draft picks at their disposal, the Vikings had to get creative. Trading back and securing additional assets is a strategic move that allows them to maximize value, rather than being stuck with limited options. Dropping to pick 30 in the first round in exchange for extra selections might not sound like a blockbuster deal, but it’s the kind of subtle move that can pay long-term dividends.
Nick Emmanwori being the first-round pick makes the trade even more compelling. The South Carolina safety is an absolute playmaker—his athletic ability is off the charts, and he fits perfectly in a Brian Flores-led defense. He’s got that hybrid, do-it-all style that modern defensive coordinators crave, and he could step in as an immediate difference-maker for the Vikings. If they were going to trade back, this is the type of player who makes it worthwhile.
A Closer Look at the Rest of the Picks
While the first-round selection makes a lot of sense, the other three picks in Reuter’s mock draft leave room for debate.
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Denzel Burke (CB, Ohio State) – Round 3, Pick 97
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The Vikings certainly need help at cornerback, but Burke isn’t necessarily the most exciting option in a class full of high-upside prospects. He’s solid, but there are arguably better corners still on the board at this point. If they’re looking for a true lockdown defender, they may need to consider a different direction.
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Mitchell Evans (TE, Notre Dame) – Round 4, Pick 109
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Tight end is not exactly a pressing need for the Vikings, especially in a draft class that offers considerable depth at the position. While Evans has intriguing potential, spending an early fourth-round pick on him feels like more of a luxury selection rather than a necessity. Would it be wiser to use this pick on a more immediate need? Probably.
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Joshua Gray (G, Oregon State) – Round 4, Pick 132 (via BUF)
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Gray is an older guard prospect, and while he brings depth to the offensive line, he’s not someone who jumps off the page as a long-term starter. The Vikings do need reinforcements up front, but there might be more dynamic, high-upside options available at this stage of the draft.
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What’s Missing?
For a team as close to contention as the Vikings, hitting on their draft picks is crucial. While Reuter’s mock has some solid selections, it also leaves a few lingering questions:
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Quarterback of the Future?
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The Vikings still need to think about their long-term plan at quarterback. Is there a late-round gem they could take a swing on? Or are they content riding with their current options?
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Defensive Line Reinforcements?
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Adding depth to the defensive front should also be a priority. A high-upside edge rusher or interior disruptor could bring significant value.
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Offensive Playmaker?
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While they have weapons, another dynamic wide receiver or running back could give their offense an extra layer of explosiveness.
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Final Thoughts: Did This Mock Draft Hit the Mark?
Chad Reuter’s four-round mock draft certainly brings up some interesting talking points. The tradeback strategy is a wise approach given the Vikings’ current draft capital, and landing a playmaker like Nick Emmanwori is a move most fans should be thrilled about.
However, the later picks leave something to be desired. While there’s value in securing depth, the Vikings need impact players—especially in the later rounds—to maximize their shot at making a deep playoff run. Could they have taken a more aggressive approach in targeting high-upside prospects? Possibly.
Ultimately, draft season is all about speculation, and every mock draft is an opportunity to debate, discuss, and imagine different scenarios. As we inch closer to the 2025 NFL Draft, one thing is certain—there will be plenty more shake-ups, surprises, and strategic decisions to analyze. Stay tuned, because this journey is just getting started!
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