With the 2025 NFL Draft looming just six days away, anticipation is building for Minnesota Vikings fans eager to see how their team will bolster its roster. On a lively episode of The Real Forno Show, host Tyler Forness, joined by SB Nation’s JP Acosta and producer Dave Stefano, delivered a passionate breakdown of their favorite draft prospects. The result? The unveiling of the “All-Forno” and “All-JP” teams—collections of hidden gems and high-upside players who could make waves in the NFL, particularly for the Vikings. From explosive running backs to tenacious cornerbacks, this episode offered a masterclass in draft scouting, infused with humor, bold comparisons, and Vikings-centric optimism.

Setting the Stage: A Draft Preview with Flair

As the NFL Draft approaches, The Real Forno Show—a proud Vikings 1st & SKOL production partnered with the Fans First Sports Network—continues to be a go-to for fans craving insightful analysis. Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports’ Minnesota Vikings reporter and a contributor to SKOR North’s Purple Daily, kicked off the episode with infectious enthusiasm. “Six days away. Yes, we are six days away from the NFL draft in Minnesota, Vikings making the team better,” Forness declared, setting the tone for a fun, football-nerd extravaganza.

Joining him was JP Acosta, a rising star in football media known for his sharp insights at SB Nation. Acosta’s presence added a layer of tactical depth, as he shared a creative play design inspired by “belly” and “counter” concepts, sparking an early discussion about the beauty of gap schemes. “We need more trap, wham, belly,” Forness chimed in, lamenting the NFL’s shift away from classic run plays. Producer Dave Stefano, the voice behind the show’s polished intros, kept the energy high, hyping Forness as “the one and only” Vikings analyst.

The episode’s mission was clear: introduce fans to the “All-Forno” and “All-JP” teams—prospects who embody the hosts’ scouting philosophies and could fit the Vikings’ needs under head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores. What followed was an hour of spirited debate, bold player comps, and a shared love for “fun ass football players.”

The All-Forno & All-JP Teams: A Showcase of Sleepers

The heart of the episode was the unveiling of the All-Forno and All-JP teams, each reflecting the hosts’ unique scouting lenses. Forness leaned toward aggressive, versatile defensive backs and powerful runners, while Acosta gravitated toward explosive athletes and physical blockers. Their selections highlighted players who may not dominate mock drafts but possess the traits to thrive in the NFL.

Running Backs: RJ Harvey and DJ Giddens Steal the Show

The running back position, dubbed the draft’s strongest class by Acosta, took center stage early. Both hosts gushed over UCF’s RJ Harvey, a 5’7” dynamo who defies his size with power and speed. “He’s Maurice Jones-Drew reincarnate,” Forness said, praising Harvey’s tackle-breaking ability and surprising long speed. Acosta, who turned Forness onto Harvey, added, “He’s short, but he’s got huge legs. He bounces off people and he’s explosive.”

Harvey, a former quarterback turned UCF’s career touchdown leader, brings a compact frame and a 4.4-second 40-yard dash. Despite concerns about his age and pass-protection limitations, both hosts see him as a potential Day 2 steal. “I’m begging for RJ Harvey in round three,” Acosta pleaded, envisioning him as a Jaguars fit in the mold of Bucky Irving.

Equally compelling was Kansas State’s DJ Giddens, another shared favorite. Acosta highlighted Giddens’ footwork and agility, noting, “His footwork is really what stands out… He’s able to make guys miss, despite being a bigger back.” Forness, who’s been high on Giddens since 2023, recalled his monster 2023 game against UCF: “30 carries, 208 yards, four touchdowns, eight catches for 88 yards.” With Aaron Jones-like cutting ability and burst, Giddens could be a starter for a gap or zone-run team, though his receiving skills remain a question mark.

Defensive Backs: A Vikings-Friendly Focus

Given Brian Flores’ aggressive, blitz-heavy defensive scheme, it’s no surprise that cornerbacks dominated the All-Forno team. Forness, who admitted, “I love corners,” spotlighted three defensive backs: Minnesota’s Justin Walley, Louisville’s Quincy Riley, and Kansas’ Cobee Bryant. Each embodies the physicality and ball skills Flores covets.

Walley, a Minnesota product, didn’t make the official All-Forno team due to Forness’ two-player-per-position rule, but his aggressive style left an impression. “He’s undersized, but he’s gonna punch you in the mouth,” Forness said, praising Walley’s tackling and versatility. Despite a consensus ranking in the 190s, Forness sees him as a top-100 talent who could excel on special teams or as a nickel.

Quincy Riley, the All-Forno team’s captain, drew the loudest praise. Forness ranked him 28th overall, calling him “a really, really good pro” with elite ball production (13 interceptions, 34 passes defended). “His ability to stay in phase and stick with the receiver in the hip pocket is incredible,” Forness said. Acosta echoed the sentiment, noting Riley’s “dog in him levels” and closing speed, making him a fit for nickel or outside roles.

Cobee Bryant, not to be confused with the NBA legend, rounded out Forness’ cornerback trio. “This dude has every ounce of dog you can imagine,” Forness said, highlighting Bryant’s ability to collapse on passes and score off turnovers. Despite a 4.53-second 40, Bryant’s film shows no speed deficiencies, and his fit in Flores’ off-coverage scheme is undeniable. “If Bryant slips to Day 3, I’d be honestly surprised,” Forness added.

Acosta countered with Kansas State’s Jacob Parrish, a nickel with a “hatin’-ass brand of football.” “He hates when the other team has the ball,” Acosta said, comparing Parrish to Buffalo’s Taron Johnson. Parrish’s willingness to throw his 5’10” frame at bigger opponents makes him a perfect fit for teams needing a feisty slot defender.

Linebackers and Defensive Linemen: Modern Warriors

Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell emerged as a consensus favorite, with both hosts envisioning him as a Brian Flores dream. “He’s like Derrick Brooks with more of a Brian Urlacher mentality,” Forness said, ranking Campbell seventh overall. Acosta, who tweeted about Campbell after a standout Wisconsin game, marveled at his range: “He’s 250 pounds, running step-for-step 40 yards downfield.” Despite medical concerns, Campbell’s instincts, physicality, and coverage skills make him a top-15 talent.

On the defensive line, Forness championed Oregon’s Jamaree Caldwell, a 340-pound nose tackle with “hips that don’t lie” (a Shakira comp). “He can torque and hold his ground,” Forness said, seeing Caldwell as a Round 4 run-stuffer with three-technique potential. Acosta, meanwhile, raved about Tennessee’s Omarr Norman-Lott, a 6’2”, 290-pound pass-rushing specialist. “He’s so quick across the face of a guard,” Acosta said, though Forness expressed skepticism about Norman-Lott’s run defense.

Acosta also highlighted UCLA edge rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo, a former linebacker with freakish athleticism (82.5-inch wingspan, 36.5-inch vertical). “He’s still learning how to play edge, but the athleticism pops,” Acosta said, projecting him as a Day 2 pick with star potential. Forness, while intrigued, noted Oladejo’s rawness, preferring a Round 3 selection.

The Wild Card: Willie Lampkin’s Undersized Grit

No player sparked more passion than North Carolina’s Willie Lampkin, Acosta’s parody-worthy pick. At 5’10”, 270 pounds, Lampkin is a positional outlier, but his film is undeniable. “If he was 6’3”, we’d be talking about him as the best interior offensive lineman,” Acosta insisted, praising Lampkin’s grip strength and wrestling background. Forness agreed, suggesting Lampkin could thrive as a sixth offensive lineman or fullback in Round 5. “Gimme the good football player,” Forness said, unbothered by Lampkin’s size.

Vikings Fit: Building Around Flores’ Vision

Throughout the episode, Forness and Acosta tied their picks to the Vikings’ needs. With Brian Flores’ defense evolving yearly, players like Campbell, Riley, and Bryant align perfectly with his aggressive, versatile approach. “The crossfire blitzes with Cashman and Campbell would be disgusting,” Forness said, dreaming of a linebacker duo shutting down the middle. Running backs like Harvey and Giddens could complement Aaron Jones, providing depth and explosiveness in O’Connell’s offense.

The hosts also hinted at upcoming draft coverage, including live streams for Days 2 and 3, a mock draft tracker, and a Sunday episode of Two Old Bloggers debating the greatest Vikings draft in history. “Hit like, subscribe, and ring the bell,” Forness urged, emphasizing the community-driven nature of Vikings 1st & SKOL.

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Final Thoughts: A Love Letter to Draft Season

This episode of The Real Forno Show was a celebration of scouting, camaraderie, and the thrill of discovering the NFL’s next stars. Forness and Acosta’s chemistry, combined with Stefano’s production, created a vibrant hour of football talk that resonated with Vikings fans and draft enthusiasts alike. From RJ Harvey’s bowling-ball style to Jihaad Campbell’s throwback tenacity, the All-Forno and All-JP teams showcased players who embody the grit and upside NFL teams crave.

As Forness signed off, “I’m Tyler, he’s JP, producer Dave, SKOL Vikings,” the message was clear: the 2025 NFL Draft is a chance for the Vikings to find their next difference-makers. With prospects like these, the future looks bright in Minnesota.

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Guest JP Acosta @acosta32_jp of SBNation @SBNation joins Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow. Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and its NFL feed @FFSN_NFL.