even if they trade back, there won’t be immediate impact players to plug into the lineup. Here are three areas they should focus on.
Running Back
 gestures after scoring a touchdown during the 4th quarter between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Colorado Buffaloes at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Devin-Neal-Kansas.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=623,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Devin-Neal-Kansas.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Devin-Neal-Kansas.jpg” alt><figcaption> Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>It’s great that Aaron Jones is back for the Minnesota Vikings. He came over from Green Bay and immediately put up the best season of his career. He was also healthy for all 17 games. What’s unlikely is for that to continue as he ages.</p>
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The Vikings probably can’t afford to run him as often as they did a year ago, and his track record suggests he won’t be on the field as much, either. Ty Chandler is the only other legitimate option on the roster, which isn’t good.
This draft is flush with running back talent, and Minnesota could utilize a first-round pick on the position or opt for a value play later. No matter what, they must and likely will draft a running back.
Safety
 warms up before the start of the NCAA Aflac Kickoff Game in Atlanta, on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. © Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/USATSI_24122826.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/USATSI_24122826.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/USATSI_24122826.jpg” alt><figcaption>Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks (24) warms up before the start of the NCAA Aflac Kickoff Game in Atlanta, on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. © Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>Cam Bynum <a href=)
decided to sign with the Indianapolis Colts, and that’s fine. Theo Jackson was extended and will play alongside Josh Metellus. Harrison Smith remains ageless and is returning for another season. The trio as a whole works.
That said, Smith isn’t getting any younger, and eventually, he’ll hang up his cleats. The Vikings could pay a safety in free agency, but this is a perfect time to take a swing on a late-round pick and hope they develop into something more, watching veteran leadership.
Linebacker
” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/flores3.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=661,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/flores3.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/flores3.jpg” alt=”vikings”>
Ivan Pace Jr. was the breakout player in 2023 but was hurt and exposed in 2024. Blake Cashman wound up being an incredible free-agent signing. He needs some help. There’s reason to suggest that Minnesota should use some of the remaining cap space on an established veteran.
If that isn’t going to happen, then drafting a young linebacker with upside makes sense. Adofo-Mensah identified Pace Jr. as an outlier previously. Do that again, or find someone you believe is capable of an eventual starting role.
It’s great that the Vikings don’t have glaring weaknesses necessary for draft success. They also need to start sustaining their future, and that will only happen through the draft.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
