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Latest NFL Mock Draft sends Minnesota Vikings fascinating defender who won major awards

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Tyler Forness | Last updated Feb 3, 2025 5:32 PM ET

What the Minnesota Vikings will do during the offeseason is a fascinating discussion.

With free agency coming in less than five weeks, there will be a lot of changes in what the Vikings need in the NFL Draft. With over $58 million in salary cap space, the Vikings can do a lot of damage and improve the team significantly.

They did just that last season with the additions of quarterback Sam Darnold, edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel, inside linebacker Blake Cashman, and running back Aaron Jones. If they do that this March, the NFL Draft will be a little bit more interesting.

Vikings take star CB in latest mock draft

As things currently sit, the biggest need for the Vikings is in the secondary. They have to fill four of their six starting defensive back spots, potentially five if Harrison Smith chooses to retire.

NFL.com's Lance Zierlein released his first mock draft and sent the Vikings a cornerback from Texas in Jahdae Barron.

With the Vikings currently holding just three picks in the 2025 draft -- a first-rounder and two fifth-rounders -- they need to hit in Round 1. With terrific instincts and ball production, Barron could step in quickly if necessary.

Barron won the Thorpe Award for his performance this past season and he was a versatile weapon for the Longhorns. He was mostly used at outside cornerback, but he also can play deep safety, in the box, and kick inside to the slot.

That type of versatility is huge for what the Vikings do on defense. Brian Flores loves to have players who can do more than one thing and that's epitomized by players like Van Ginkel, who can play both on and off the ball.

Barron could be a valuable asset at cornerback from day one in whatever way the Vikings choose to play him.

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

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