The 2025 NFL Draft is right on our doorstep, which means we are starting to see more of the crazy stuff we see during draft season. No, we aren't talking about the new stories about players that may or may not push them down draft boards. We are talking about the seven-round mock draft exercise that can easily make any draft analyst go crazy.
ESPN's Matt Miller is the latest analyst to dive into the deep end and give us a mock draft that includes all 256 picks.
We want to grade each of his picks and give a quick breakdown of them. For the Vikings, this draft class is going to be pivotal, as the team is in a win-now window. With the right draft class, this team could be the best in the NFC sooner rather than later.
Here is how they faired in Matt Miller's latest mock draft.
Round 1: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Grade: B+
Maxwell Hairston may have tested himself into the first round during the Scouting Combine earlier this month. For the Vikings, he would be a starting outside corner opposite Byron Murphy Jr. and be a potential playmaker on defense. His ability to close on the ball in coverage will have him generating a good amount of turnovers and batted balls, but it may also allow opposing defenses to make big plays.
Round 3: Jalen Rivers, G, Miami (FL)
Grade: C+
This pick doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me, if I am being honest. The team has signed its swing tackle and brought in two massive free agents to start at guard and center. Rivers would likely compete with Blake Brandel for a starting spot, but I'm not sure he can beat him out.
Round 5: Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami (FL)
Grade: B
The Vikings have three top receivers, but we know they like to keep an arsenal of them. Restrepo separates well, has a good route tree, and could be a fun long-term play for the team at receiver.
Round 6: Aeneas Peebles, DL, Virginia Tech
Grade: D+
Peebles is a space eater on the defensive line and would be a rotational piece. I have a low grade on him from scouting but in the sixth round he is worth a flyer at this point.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: NFL Mock Draft: Matt Miller's picks for the Vikings through 7 rounds
