SKOL Search 2025: Unveiling the Best NFL Draft Prospects for the Minnesota Vikings

Welcome to SKOL Search 2025! This marks my fifth year scouting for the Minnesota Vikings, and the mission remains as clear as ever: identify the perfect NFL Draft prospects to help elevate the team. This year’s guide will be the most comprehensive yet, with a sharp focus on how each prospect could potentially fit into the Vikings’ future plans.

A New Era Under Kwesi Adofo-Mensah

With this being General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s fourth NFL Draft, we’ve come to recognize the traits he values most in a player. The 2025 offseason will be crucial for the Vikings, especially as they enter the draft with only three official selections, plus a potential compensatory pick in the third round. With limited resources, the Vikings must make every pick count.

Prospect Spotlight: DJ Giddens – Kansas State

One player that stands out in this year’s draft pool is DJ Giddens, a dynamic running back from Kansas State. At 6’1″ and weighing 212 pounds, Giddens may not have been highly recruited (ranked as a 0-star recruit by 247 Sports in 2021), but he has made an impressive impact on the field. His college stats are telling: 3,087 yards on 517 attempts, 23 touchdowns, and a solid 6.0 yards per carry. In addition to his rushing ability, he has 58 receptions for 679 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 11.7 yards per catch.

Strengths: A Multi-Dimensional Threat

Giddens brings a number of strengths to the table, making him an intriguing prospect for the Vikings. His footwork is exceptional—always keeping his feet moving, he maneuvers around defenders and through holes with sharp cuts and excellent balance. Whether it’s bouncing off tackles or maintaining agility in zone runs, Giddens thrives in maintaining balance even in tough situations. His burst through the hole is another strength, allowing him to gain solid yards in short bursts. Though he lacks breakaway speed, his quick acceleration and ability to churn out yards make him an asset in critical moments.

Areas for Improvement: Breaking Through the Second Level

However, no player is without flaws. Giddens’ pass blocking is still a work in progress. He puts in the effort but lacks the technique needed to be a reliable third-down back in the NFL. His speed, while solid, lacks the elite breakaway component, and defenders are able to track him down once he reaches the second and third levels. Additionally, his upright running style leaves him vulnerable to big hits, which could be a concern at the professional level.

A Balanced and Durable Prospect

Looking at Giddens’ overall traits, he rates highly in several key areas. His vision, cutback ability, and contact balance are solid, but his long speed and pass blocking need improvement. Durability and ball security are also strong points, suggesting that Giddens has the potential to be a reliable player for years to come. He’s a player that can do a little bit of everything, especially in the receiving game, where he averaged a highly efficient 11.7 yards per reception in college.

Should the Vikings Target DJ Giddens?

Given the Vikings’ current roster needs and limited draft resources, DJ Giddens would be a fantastic selection, especially if they land a compensatory third-round pick. He brings versatility and reliability to the table as a well-rounded running back, particularly as a change-of-pace back who can make an immediate impact. Pairing him with a faster, lightning-style back could give the Vikings a dynamic one-two punch in the backfield, with Giddens serving as a solid 1B option.

In conclusion, Giddens is an exciting prospect who could bring much-needed depth and balance to the Vikings’ offense. His all-around skill set and potential as a dual-threat back make him a prime candidate to help elevate Minnesota in the coming seasons.