The Minnesota Vikings' 2025 NFL Draft was not as memorable as other teams, but it did provide better talent than most experts think.
The Vikings' first-round pick, Ohio State Buckeyes guard Donovan Jackson, led the way as he will be a Day 1 starter for Minnesota as left guard. Minnesota would make four other selections in the draft, with three coming on Day 3.
While most might not be looking at those late-round selections as impactful players, there is one who could generate some surprising buzz in 2025.
Which Minnesota Vikings Day 3 rookie is ready to help the team in 2025?
Recently, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Field Yates ranked the top rookies who can make an immediate impact on their teams next season, separating them by offense and defense. Vikings' fifth-round selection Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins missed the top 10, but was an honorable mention as he can help add depth to the defensive line.
"Minnesota overhauled its defensive line this offseason with a pair of big-ticket veteran additions in Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, so Ingram-Dawkins does not have a clear path to a large role. But his versatility is key.
Georgia played him in multiple spots along the defensive front, and while his sack production was not robust, he was a havoc wreaker with his length, burst, and strength.
Coordinator Brian Flores is among the most innovative defensive minds in the league and will throw out some wonky fronts that can confuse quarterbacks. Ingram-Dawkins has the traits to be a movable chess piece along the D-line as depth in Minnesota."
Ingram-Dawkins became a starter for the first time last season with Georgia as he racked up 17 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, two pass breakups, and one forced fumble in 14 games. He previously played just 23 games as a backup.
Minnesota has been focused on building the defensive line up this offseason, as the Vikings added Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. They lost guys like Jerry Tillery and Jonathan Bullard to free agency.
One training camp position battle to watch is the second-string jobs at defensive line behind Allen and Hargrave. Ingram-Dawkins must beat out Jalen Redmond and Levi Drake Rodriguez to earn playing time.
There is a lot of upside potential with Ingram-Dawkins with his ability to stop the run, and he could make a great developmental player the next two seasons before Allen and Hargrave start to hit their ceilings.