Top Defensive Tackle Targets for the Minnesota Vikings in the 2025 NFL Draft

With the NFL’s pre-draft process heating up, it’s time to examine some of the top prospects the Minnesota Vikings could target with their first-round pick in April. The Vikings, holding the 24th overall selection, have several needs to address, but one glaring weakness stands out: defensive tackle.

Minnesota’s defensive interior lacks a consistent pass-rush presence, making it crucial for them to bolster this position early in the draft. Even if the team secures a top-tier free agent, adding another powerful lineman to the mix remains a smart strategy. While Michigan’s Mason Graham is expected to be a top-ten pick and out of reach, there are still several talented defensive tackles who could make an immediate impact. Here are five names that make perfect sense for the Vikings at 24 or after a slight trade down.

Walter Nolen (Ole Miss)

Walter Nolen would be a dream scenario for the Vikings if he falls to 24, though his impressive Senior Bowl showing makes that increasingly unlikely. At 6’4″ and 290 pounds, Nolen possesses rare agility and explosiveness for his size.

After transferring from Texas A&M to Ole Miss, he took his game to another level in 2024, racking up 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. His ability to collapse the pocket from the interior makes him a dynamic addition to any defensive line. If Nolen is available when Minnesota is on the clock, they should waste no time making the selection.

Derrick Harmon (Oregon)

Another name frequently linked to the Vikings is Derrick Harmon, who had a breakout 2024 season after transferring from Michigan State to Oregon. He recorded five sacks, 11 tackles for loss, four pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

Standing at 6’5″ and 330 pounds, Harmon brings an ideal blend of size and athleticism. He led all interior defensive linemen in quarterback pressures last season with 43, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). While his run-stopping ability is solid, his potential as a disruptive pass rusher makes him an exciting option for Minnesota.

Kenneth Grant (Michigan)

While the Vikings won’t have a shot at Mason Graham, they might land his Michigan teammate, Kenneth Grant. Listed at 340 pounds, Grant defies expectations with his rare combination of size, speed, and power.

Grant’s explosiveness allows him to chase down ball carriers at the second level, a rare trait for a player of his stature. His bull rush is devastating, and he has shown an ability to disrupt both the run and pass. Over the past two seasons, Grant recorded 6.5 sacks and ten batted passes, demonstrating his effectiveness in multiple facets of the game.

Tyleik Williams (Ohio State)

Tyleik Williams is regarded as one of the best run defenders in this defensive tackle class, but he also has room to grow as a pass rusher. Despite being known for his ability to clog running lanes, he still managed to rack up 11.5 sacks over his four-year career at Ohio State.

At 6’3″ and 320 pounds, Williams possesses excellent hand technique and quickness, allowing him to shed blocks and make plays in the backfield. His 28 career tackles for loss illustrate his disruptive nature, and if he continues developing as a pass rusher, he could become an elite interior defender at the next level.

T.J. Sanders (South Carolina)

The final spot on this list could have gone to several players, including Alfred Collins (Texas), Aeneas Peebles (Virginia Tech), and Deone Walker (Kentucky). However, T.J. Sanders stands out as a particularly intriguing option for the Vikings.

At 6’4″ and 284 pounds, Sanders is a natural pass rusher who recorded 8.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss over the past two seasons at South Carolina. His explosive ability was on full display at the Senior Bowl, where he bulldozed an offensive lineman in a one-on-one drill. While his run defense can be inconsistent, he would be an excellent target for Minnesota if they trade down slightly from 24.

Final Thoughts

The Vikings must address their defensive tackle situation, whether in free agency or through the draft. With no interior lineman currently providing a dominant pass-rushing presence, adding one of these top-tier prospects could significantly bolster their defensive front.

Walter Nolen remains the dream pick, but if he’s off the board, the Vikings will have strong alternatives in Derrick Harmon, Kenneth Grant, Tyleik Williams, and T.J. Sanders. Each of these players brings unique strengths to the table, and securing one of them could help Minnesota solidify its defensive line for years to come.

As the pre-draft process unfolds, keep an eye on these prospects—they might just be wearing purple and gold come next season.