The Vikings’ draft history over the last few years has been a mixed bag, but there’s real star power at the top of the list.
CBS Sports’ Mike Renner took on a big task: ranking every first-round pick since 2020, a total of 191 players, and Minnesota landed two names in the top 20. Justin Jefferson came in at No. 3 overall after being taken No. 22 in 2020, while Christian Darrisaw checked in at No. 13 after going No. 23 in 2021.
Jordan Addison gave the Vikings a third player in the top 100, landing at No. 89 after being selected No. 23 in 2023. Donovan Jackson, the No. 24 pick in 2025, slotted in at No. 103.
The back half of the rankings is where the picture gets murkier for Minnesota. Dallas Turner, taken No. 17 in 2024, was placed at No.
- J.J.
McCarthy, the No. 10 pick in 2024, landed at No. 176.
Jeff Gladney, the No. 31 pick in 2020, came in at No. 165, and Lewis Cine, selected No. 32 in 2022, was ranked No. 179.
For Vikings fans, the headline is pretty simple: two of the best first-round picks in the entire exercise belong to Minnesota. But the team also has three players near the bottom of the list, including one who is supposed to be the franchise quarterback. There’s still room for players like Turner and Jackson to climb if this ranking gets revisited next year, which could help soften the impact of the misses.
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