Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. releases first NFL Mock Draft and sends the Vikings an intriguing, yet controversial prospect

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Tyler Forness | Last updated Jan 22, 2025 6:26 PM ET

The NFL Draft is getting closer and closer and mock drafts have been more and more prevalent over the last few week.

In my mock draft tracker that I do each week, the Minnesota Vikings have been sent 24 unique players across 63 mock drafts. The two most popular positions are offensive line (8) and cornerback (7). It makes sense, especially with how weak the interior of the offensive line is and also the cornerback position is currently depleted.

As we continue to go through the the NFL Draft process, seeing how the they evolve throughout the entire four month process gives us some fascinating data, especially when the big wigs release mock drafts.

Mel Kiper Jr. sends Vikings a cornerback in first 2025 NFL mock draft

The godfather of mock drafts is ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. He's been covering the NFL Draft for over 50 years and is one of the most respected analysts in the field. He wrote his first mock draft on Wednesday and sent the Vikings cornerback Benjamin Morrison.

Minnesota has big-time cornerback questions. All three starters -- Stephon Gilmore, Shaquill Griffin and slot guy Byron Murphy Jr. -- are free agents, along with backup Fabian Moreau. So, even though the Vikings led the NFL in interceptions by quite a bit (24, five more than second best), they might have to restock their CB room in the draft. Morrison missed all but six games in 2024 with a hip injury, but he's a top-tier cover man. He has sound technique, and he h as the ball skills to keep Minnesota's INT total high. Morrison had nine picks and 21 pass breakups over his career.

Morrison is a very interesting prospect. He does have the size and ball skills to thrive on the outside. The biggest concern is the hip injury that ended his 2024 season. How severe is it and what is it? That remains to be seen, as having fluid hips are incredibly important.

If Morrison checks out, that's a huge win for the Vikings, as they can build out their cornerback room with Morrison as the cornerstone.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: