With limited draft pick options in 2025, each Minnesota Vikings selection becomes much more critical for the future.
Minnesota only had four picks in this year's NFL Draft, and most analysts predict the Vikings will pick a defensive player. Most mock drafts have the Vikings going after a defensive back or an interior defensive lineman in the first round.
With rookies going on their 30 visits before the draft commences on April 24, the Vikings have one coming in that could do it all on defense.
Kentucky defensive back Zion Childress
Scott Utterback/Courier Journal/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
On Monday, a source told The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler that Kentucky defensive back Zion Childress has scheduled 30 visits with the Vikings. He is also expected to visit the Houston Texans.
"Versatile secondary piece totaled over 850 snaps at nickel, in the box, and at free safety during his collegiate career."
Childress spent his first two seasons in college at Texas State before transferring to the Wildcats in his last three years. Last season at Kentucky, he made 55 tackles, a career-high six tackles for loss, two pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one sack in 12 games.
Draft projections have Childress as a day-three selection. The best part of his game is his ability to switch between linebacker and safety. His time playing quarterback in high school helped him develop a high football IQ, allowing him to understand what quarterbacks think.
Minnesota's defense is about finding versatile players to fit into defensive coordinator Brian Flores' defensive system so that Childress can fit as a safety or outside linebacker. Childress would have to make it on the team as a special teams player on kickoff coverage.
The Vikings' picks on day three are more important, with two of the four picks on that day. While the team could be busy making trades, finding sleepers in the draft will be just as essential.
