ESPN Nominates Best Vikings Draft Pick
Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; April 25, 2025; A wide shot captures the stage video board displaying “The Pick Is In” for the Minnesota Vikings during the third round of the NFL Draft, as fans and team personnel await the announcement inside the draft theater in Green Bay. Mandatory Credit: Perry Knotts-Getty Images Minnesota’s haul in this year’s draft included nine new players. First-rounder Caleb Banks was a controversial selection, as he comes into the building with two significant foot injuries on his resume, but also with a ton of physical talent.
Seemingly less controversial was the Vikings’ addition of third-rounder Caleb Tiernan. The offensive lineman was ranked 34th on ESPN’s top 100 pick rankings, assembled by draft analyst Matt Miller. No Viking received a better ranking.
Though perhaps not an immediate contributor given the state of the offensive line, the Northwestern pickup might pay huge dividends in the future. Nov 23, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Cameron Brandt (91) rushes on defense at Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman Caleb Tiernan (72) in the second half t Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Miller wrote , “A value pickup at the end of Round 3, Tiernan should be viewed as the long-term plan at right tackle.
Brian O’Neill is still a very good player at 30 years old, but the team must make a decision on his expiring contract after this season. Drafting Tiernan might give us a hint about Minnesota’s long-term plans. ” O’Neill can still play, without a doubt, but he will turn 31 in September and has missed some time in recent years.
His contract is up and the Vikings either need to hand him a new one or say goodbye to their veteran next March. Furthermore, Christian Darrisaw’s knee issue remains a topic of conversation. His health was a huge problem in 2025, a year after suffering a torn ACL and it cannot be taken for granted moving forward.
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