the 2025 NFL Draft.
One Man Continues to Pop Up in Vikings Mock Drafts
The franchise has long-term roster needs in a few areas: cornerback, interior defensive line, interior offensive line, and running back.
 and defensive back Shavon Revel Jr. (28) stops the run by Appalachian State Mountaineers running back Anderson Castle (1) during the first half at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_24234091.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=763,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_24234091.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_24234091.jpg” alt ><figcaption> James Guillory-Imagn Images<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>And with mock draft season firmly underway, one defender’s name continues to emerge: cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. of East Carolina.</p>
<p><em>CBS </em><span><em>Sports</em>‘</span> Ryan Wilson posted a mock draft this week, and Revel Jr. got the nod for the purple team. “Revel tore his ACL in October and missed the rest of the season. But his tape is a lot of fun; his track background shows up when you watch him, as does his length. He’ll play with physicality at the line in man coverage and is a fluid mover in space,” <a href=)
Wilson wrote.
, but he’s a nice mix of both in terms of size and play style.”</p>
<p>On paper, cornerback is probably Minnesota’s top need this offseason. These players are under contract at CB in 2025:</p>
<ul>
<li>Mekhi Blackmon</li>
<li>Dwight McGlothern</li>
<li>NaJee Thompson</li>
<li>Reddy Steward</li>
<li>Kahlef Hailassie</li>
<li>Nahshon Wright</li>
<li>Ambry Thomas</li>
</ul>
<p>Only Blackmon and McGlothern could be interpreted as possible playable starters of that group. Minnesota may re-sign Pro Bowler Byron Murphy, which will ease the pain, but the team will need one more starter, either from the draft, like Revel Jr., or free agency. D.J. Reed is a popular target in Vikings fan circles.</p>
<p>In December, ESPN’s Field Yates published a mock draft and connected Revel Jr. to the purple team, too.</p>
<p>“A torn ACL cut Revel’s final season short in September. If not for that, we’d be talking about him much closer to the top 10. Revel has terrific size, speed, acceleration and ball skills, as he snagged two interceptions in three games this season,” <a href=)
Yates wrote two months ago.
, but it’s worth noting that Minnesota dials up pressure and relies on its corners a lot. And with Stephon Gilmore, Byron Murphy Jr. and Shaquill Griffin set to be free agents in March, the Vikings need cover guys like Revel.”</p>
<p><em>The Draft </em><span><em>Network</em>‘s</span> <a href=)
Ryan Fowler summarized Revel Jr.’s draft profile a few weeks ago: “Revel’s size, length, competitiveness, and instincts showcase a versatile playmaker. Medicals during the pre-draft process will remain paramount for teams when it comes to finalizing Revel’s evaluation, and potential impact.”
It’s worth noting that Revel (6’2,” 190 pounds) Jr. tore his ACL in September, so the Vikings would carry a little risk with the draft pick.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
