What is the Vikings' worst NFL draft pick in recent memory?
The Minnesota Vikings have had many great draft picks this century, but they've also had their share of stinkers, including a starter in 2025.
The Minnesota Vikings have had some of the best draft picks in the NFL this century. Top selections include running back Adrian Peterson (seventh overall, 2007), Harrison Smith (29th overall, 2012), and wideout Justin Jefferson (22nd overall, 2020). Unfortunately, Minnesota has also had some catastrophic draft misses.
In 2005, they used the seventh overall pick (acquired in the Randy Moss trade) on speedy wide receiver Troy Williamson, who struggled mightily with drops. In 2011, they took quarterback Christian Ponder 12th overall, despite projections that Ponder would be a Day 2 selection. However, CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo believes no draft pick has flopped as badly for the Vikings as J.
J. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft. A year after drafting McCarthy (who missed his entire rookie season with an injury), the Vikings allowed Sam Darnold to test the open market, then watched as Darnold won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks.
McCarthy, meanwhile, delivered a forgettable 2025 season that saw him complete less than 58% of his passes with more interceptions (12) than touchdown passes (11). His struggles last season compelled the Vikings to go out and sign Kyler Murray. McCarthy is still only 23, and Darnold proved what can happen if you give up on a quarterback too early.