The Minnesota Vikings may have spent the last few years taking heat for their draft results, but ESPN’s latest look at under-25 talent says the roster is still in decent shape. In the network’s leaguewide rankings, the Vikings land at No. 13, a solid jump from No. 21 a year ago.
ESPN’s list gives Minnesota two blue-chip players: guard Donovan Jackson and edge Dallas Turner. Jackson, who is 23, has already become one of the team’s top players, while Turner, also 23, is set to take over full-time in the starting lineup this season. The group also includes first-round rookie defensive tackle Caleb Banks and second-round rookie linebacker Jake Golday, both of whom are 23.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy is also 23, though ESPN noted that he is in a battle with Kyler Murray for the starting job and said, “I wouldn’t really call quarterback J.J.
McCarthy a top Vikings player.” Jordan Addison, who ESPN called “one of the best No. 2 receivers in the NFL,” is 24 and still part of the mix for now.
There’s also a clear path for the Vikings to climb higher on this kind of list. If Banks develops the way the team hopes, Minnesota could move up significantly next year.
The catch, of course, is that he has to stay on the field for that to happen. Jackson and Turner getting the nod is a good sign, too, while Addison is set to age off the list next season.
Around the NFC North, the Bears sit far ahead of the pack at No. 3.
The Lions, who were No. 6 last year, drop to No. 23, and the Packers come in at No. 30.
For all the criticism aimed at Minnesota’s recent draft work, ESPN’s ranking suggests the cupboard wasn’t left empty. It wasn’t packed to the brim, either, and the next wave of young talent will be a big test for the Nolan Teasley era.
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