With only three picks in the final four rounds, there was a good chance of the Minnesota Vikings missing out on a dynamite prospect on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday.
So, it was disappointing when the New York Jets took former Alabama safety Malachi Moore off the board in the fourth round, but the fact that a former Detroit Lions coach helped make the decision made it even more aggravating for the Vikings.
Moore is a player who lined up at multiple positions in the secondary during his college career at Alabama, and his versatility would have been perfect for Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores to utilize. Instead, the talented safety wound up with a former rival coach of the Vikings.
So, Minnesota didn't end up landing Moore, and, in fact, they didn't draft a single cornerback or safety this year. The Vikings clearly have enough confidence in the guys that currently make up their secondary as they continue to prepare for the 2025 season.
Minnesota Vikings should be thrilled that Aaron Glenn is no longer with the Detroit Lions
As much as Minnesota probably doesn't want to admit it, they have to be happy that Glenn is no longer the Lions' defensive coordinator.
He ran Detroit's defense from 2021 to 2024, and during some of the most recent matchups between the two NFC North rivals, the Lions defense gave the Vikings a bunch of problems.
Thankfully, Glenn is out of the division and now attempting to turn around the Jets (way easier said than done). It's possible that Detroit could still have a solid defense in 2025, but most would assume they'll probably take a step back or two with someone new running the defense next season.
Beating the Lions and establishing themselves as the leader of the NFC North is likely among Minnesota's top priorities for the 2025 campaign. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell hasn't led the team to a win over Detroit since Week 3 of the 2022 season, and that is something that absolutely has to change in 2025.