Inside the Vikings’ Draft Dilemma: Run-Stuffers or Pass-Rushers?
As the 2025 NFL Draft creeps closer, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves staring down one of the trickiest questions in team-building: how much should they invest in a defensive tackle at pick No. 18? It’s a debate that goes beyond just picking a name off the board - it’s about identity, scheme fit, and how Brian Flores wants this defense to evolve.
On a recent episode of The Real Forno Show, draft analyst Tyler Forness sat down with CBS Sports’ JP Acosta to unpack the Vikings’ defensive tackle conundrum. The conversation zeroed in on a critical balancing act: Do you draft for a high-floor run defender, or swing for the ceiling with a potential pass-rushing disruptor?
Run Defense Sets the Floor, Pass Rush Sets the Ceiling
Acosta laid out the core of the evaluation philosophy: “Run defense will set your floor, but I do think pass rush sets the ceiling.” In other words, a stout nose tackle can anchor a defense, but if you want to elevate it to the next level, you need someone who can collapse the pocket.
That framing is especially relevant for a Vikings team that finished 13th in run defense last season - and did it without a traditional nose tackle. Flores’ scheme isn’t about plugging gaps with brute strength; it’s about attacking them with movement and quickness. The Vikings don’t ask their edge players to just hold the line - they want penetration, disruption, and chaos.
Caleb Banks: The Prototype
Enter Caleb Banks. At 6'6" and 335 pounds with 35-inch arms, Banks is the rare big man who brings both size and athleticism.
He’s not just a space-eater - he’s a mover. In a class loaded with intriguing options, Banks stands out as the most complete defensive tackle prospect.
He can anchor against the run and push the pocket, making him a potential scheme-changer for Minnesota.
If the Vikings go defensive tackle at 18, Banks is the name to watch.
Value vs. Depth: The Draft-Day Dilemma
But Forness raised a key question about draft value: “The difference between 18 and 97 is significantly higher than you would get from McDonald to [Tim] Keenan. Where do you land on that?”
Translation: If you can get a solid run-stopper later in the draft, is it worth spending a first-round pick on a defensive tackle at all?
It’s a fair point, especially in a draft class that mirrors the running back market from a few years ago - deep, undervalued, and potentially full of day-two gems. Guys like Kayden McDonald and Lee Hunter could be available later, and each brings something unique to the table.
Rising Stocks and Red Flags
McDonald, for example, is already climbing mock drafts despite limited pass-rush numbers. His stock is rising because teams see the potential - and maybe because the league is tilting back toward run-heavy offenses.
Then there’s Peter Woods. Once viewed as a top-tier prospect, his 2025 tape has raised some eyebrows.
After a standout performance early in the season, his effort seemed to dip - particularly after the LSU game. That’s the kind of red flag that can shift a player’s draft trajectory quickly.
Meanwhile, Lee Hunter might be the best pass-rushing nose tackle in the class. He’s drawn comparisons to Vikings legend Pat Williams - and not just for his ability to clog running lanes. Hunter brings a little extra juice as a rusher, which could be exactly what Flores wants in the middle of his front.
Scheme Fit Still Reigns Supreme
Acosta offered some critical insight into how Minnesota’s defense functions under Flores. When the Vikings faced heavier personnel - think 12 or 13 personnel with multiple tight ends - that’s when the cracks started to show.
It wasn’t about individual effort as much as it was about fit. The system thrives on quickness and disruption, not just size and strength.
So while traditional nose tackles might not be a perfect match for every team, they could be more valuable to Minnesota than conventional wisdom suggests - especially if the league keeps leaning into power run games and two-high safety shells.
A Safety to Watch: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
One name that also came up in the conversation: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, a safety out of Toledo. At 6'3", with strong ball production and the ability to play multiple roles, he’s a fascinating fit for the Harrison Smith role in Flores’ defense. He’s long, rangy, and versatile - all traits Minnesota covets in its secondary.
What It All Means for Draft Day
The Vikings have options - and that’s both a blessing and a challenge. Whether they go with a top-tier talent like Caleb Banks at No. 18 or wait for a value pick like Tim Keenan later in the draft, the key will be alignment with Flores’ vision.
This isn’t just about plugging a hole. It’s about finding the right piece to elevate a defense that already finished top five in the league - but still has room to grow, especially against power-run teams.
The 2025 defensive tackle class is deep, versatile, and quietly critical to this year’s draft. For Minnesota, it could be the difference between a good defense and a great one.
Stay tuned. The trenches are about to take center stage.