With the NFL Draft less than a month away, the Minnesota Vikings are searching for a game-changer to propel them to the Super Bowl. After a 14-3 regular season ended with a Wild Card loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the Vikings invested nearly $300 million in free agency to bolster their offense and defense. One of the most significant moves involved letting Sam Darnold join the Seattle Seahawks, showing confidence in second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Now, as the NFL Draft approaches in three weeks, Minnesota is looking to strengthen their secondary, defensive line, and offensive line.
Athlon Sports’ Luke Easterling released his first-round mock draft, projecting the Vikings to select South Carolina safety with the 24th overall pick. His exceptional athleticism sets him apart from other options late in the first round. “For months now, this has been one of my absolute favorite team/player fits,” Easterling writes. “He is a rare athlete with the size, athleticism, range, and playmaking ability to make a huge impact, and there’s no better coach to maximize his talents than one of the league’s top defensive minds, Brian Flores.”
Emmanwori had a standout 2024 season, recording career highs in tackles (88), interceptions (4), tackles for loss (3), and interception touchdowns (2). He impressed at the NFL Combine, running a 4.38 40-yard dash, jumping 43 inches vertically, broad jumping 11 feet, 6 inches, and bench pressing 20 reps. His versatility makes him a perfect fit for Flores’ defensive schemes, able to contribute in both coverage and run support. Emmanwori could eventually replace Harrison Smith when he retires. If the Vikings can secure Emmanwori, they could have one of the draft’s biggest steals and potentially develop him into a starter in his first or second year.