Minnesota Vikings projected to pair J.J. McCarthy with a former teammate

Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has a big task ahead: trying to improve a roster that’s projected to have just three picks (four if compensatory pick projections are accurate) in the 2025 NFL Draft.

While the Vikings are expected to have over $50 million in cap space, this is a team with a number of needs, particularly along the offensive line, the defensive interior, cornerback, safety, and running back. Free agency will help fill in as many of these areas as possible, yet since Minnesota boasts the 24th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they should still be able to add a Day 1 contributor.

Who will the Vikings draft in the first round? It’s too early to tell, but recently, they were pointed in the direction of one of J.J. McCarthy’s former teammates.

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Minnesota Vikings mock draft reunites guard Tyler Booker with J.J. McCarthy

Since the Minnesota Vikings only have four selections in the 2025 NFL Draft, the idea of trading down to tack on more picks could be enticing. Either way, the Vikings will know their needs once the first round of the draft starts on April 24.

The Vikings need at least one, if not two offensive guards. They could sign one in free agency and then use the draft to land another.

Recently, The Athletic’s Alec Lewis had the Vikings trading down and drafting Alabama guard Tyler Booker in the first round. Booker, is a former teammate of J.J. McCarthy’s during their days at IMG Academy in high school.

While Booker’s ties to McCarthy are notable, as they could help give the Vikings’ decision-makers some inside intel into the guard’s work ethic, he wouldn’t be getting drafted due to familiarity. It would be because he’s one of the best prospects available and happens to fill a key need.

After allowing nine sacks in the Wild Card loss to the Los Angeles Rams, it’s time the Vikings make heavier investments into fixing the rest of the offensive line, and Booker could be a good solution.