The Minnesota Vikings had a mixed performance in the secondary last season, excelling in some areas while struggling in others. They led the NFL with 24 interceptions but also allowed the fourth-most passing yards. With limited draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, Minnesota will need to be strategic in addressing its roster needs.
ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid believes Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron could be a valuable addition to the Vikings’ defense. In his latest mock draft, posted Tuesday, Reid has Minnesota selecting Barron with the No. 24 pick.
“The Vikings are expected to be active in free agency, especially at defensive tackle,” Reid wrote. “With a league-low three draft picks, circle Minnesota as a team that could trade back to recoup more draft capital. If the Vikings add an interior defender in free agency, guard and cornerback immediately become their biggest needs.
“With all three of their starting corners (Byron Murphy Jr., Stephon Gilmore, and Shaquill Griffin) set to hit free agency, Barron would project as an immediate starter. There isn’t a secondary position that Barron hasn’t played, too.”
Barron spent five seasons at Texas, playing in 56 games with 38 starts. In 2024, he won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back and was a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy.
As for Minnesota’s current secondary, Gilmore, a former All-Pro, had one interception in 15 starts and could be on the move again. Murphy, a former Arizona Cardinal, had six interceptions last season and earned a Pro Bowl nod. His interception total tied him for third in the league alongside Baltimore’s Marlon Humphrey and Philadelphia’s C.J. Gardner-Johnson, while Detroit’s Kerby Joseph led the NFL with nine and Green Bay’s Xavier McKinney recorded eight.
