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ORIGINAL: David Levine

Execs unfiltered thoughts on NFL Draft for every NFC team:

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings’ quarterback situation has dominated this offseason, complete with some Aaron Rodgers intrigue, but after Minnesota acquired Sam Howell from Seattle to back up 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, all is finally settled, right?

“You know what is going to happen?” an exec who wasn’t high on McCarthy asked. “J.J. is going to get banged up, and Howell is going to walk in there and become the next Sam Darnold.”

Really?

“Stop,” another exec said. “There’s no comparison. J.J. will be really good, and the coach (Kevin O’Connell) will make sure he is good.”

As for the draft itself, the Vikings continued to bolster their offensive line, taking Donovan Jackson, the third of three guards selected in the first round, after Tyler Booker and Grey Zabel.

“I would probably pick Jackson first of the three,” an exec said. “He has played left tackle. He may be a better guard. The versatility and athleticism gives them options up front. He can probably play anywhere.”

The Vikings also got the 14th receiver in the draft, taking Tai Felton in the third round. Felton, seen by some as the top special teams gunner in the class, might be best known for clocking 4.37 seconds in the 40.

“He doesn’t look that fast running routes,” an exec said. “He runs down inside and takes hits, and then when he gets the ball in his hands, he looks 4.37.”

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6327490/2025/05/02/nfl-draft-2025-nfc-teams-giants-bears/?campaign=13414962&source=athletic_targeted_email&userId=114953