With it being just hours until the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off, anticipation is at a fever pitch for Minnesota Vikings fans. On the latest episode of The Real Forno Show, hosted by Tyler Forness with producer Dave Stefano, the duo delivers a comprehensive pre-draft primer that dissects the Vikings’ strategy under General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Airing on Vikings 1st & SKOL in partnership with the Fans First Sports Network, this episode is a treasure trove of insights, featuring a detailed seven-round mock draft, trade rumors, and analysis of draft trends based on 51 mock drafts Forness collected in the past 60 hours.

“We are one day away. One day away from the Minnesota Vikings changing everything on their franchise,” Forness declares at the episode’s outset, capturing the stakes. From potential blockbuster trades to sleeper picks, the show navigates the chaos of draft eve, offering fans a roadmap to what could be a pivotal weekend for Minnesota.

Vikings’ Draft Philosophy: Impact Over Need

Forness emphasizes Adofo-Mensah’s draft philosophy, which prioritizes “impact-focused” players over immediate needs. Drawing from the GM’s recent press conference, Forness interprets Adofo-Mensah’s comments as a signal to target premium positions unavailable in free agency, such as defensive tackle, edge rusher, or wide receiver.

“The whole point of Kwesi’s comments was finding players in the draft that you can’t find in free agency,” Forness explains. “You can’t find an elite-level defensive tackle in free agency or an elite-level edge rusher. You have to get them when you can.”

This approach shapes Forness’s mock draft, which avoids positions like interior offensive line in the first round, despite local buzz around prospects like Grey Zabel. Instead, he focuses on game-changers who align with defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ aggressive scheme, setting the stage for a transformative draft haul.

The First-Round Pivot: Trading Down for Walter Nolen

The centerpiece of Forness’s mock draft is a strategic trade-down from pick 24 to 27 with the Baltimore Ravens, acquiring picks 129 and 203. This move, Forness argues, addresses the Vikings’ limited draft capital (only four picks) while still landing a high-impact player: Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen.

“Walter Nolen gives you that elite pass-rush profile that you want, that you can develop,” Forness says. “He’s great at slanting and stunting, which we’ve seen the Vikings love to do.”

Nolen, the top recruit in the 2022 class, brings size, athleticism, and pass-rushing prowess to Minnesota’s defensive line. Despite past concerns about maturity at Texas A&M, Forness notes that Nolen’s pre-draft meetings impressed teams, suggesting he’s ready to thrive under Flores. The trade-down, while a slight loss on the Jimmy Johnson chart, is a win on analytical models, giving the Vikings flexibility to build depth later.

Day Two and Three Gems: Building Depth

Forness’s mock draft doesn’t stop at Nolen. He projects a balanced approach to address multiple needs, particularly in the secondary, offensive line, and skill positions. Here’s a breakdown of his selections:

• • • Round 3, Pick 97: Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas Bryant, a physical cornerback despite his 180-pound frame, fits Flores’ scheme with his ball skills and ability to stay in receivers’ hip pockets. “He’s able to read and react and come downhill quickly,” Forness says, comparing him to Mekhi Blackmon, a successful Vikings pick in 2023.
    • Round 4, Pick 129: Miles Frazier, OG, LSU Acquired in the Ravens trade, Frazier adds depth to the interior offensive line. While not an immediate starter, Forness sees potential for growth, noting, “If he can work through those [balance] things, I think you’re in a really good spot with what Frazier is.”
    • Round 5, Pick 139: Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia Forness is bullish on Etienne, ranking him 49th on his big board. At 5’8”, 200 pounds, Etienne’s speed (4.43 40-yard dash) and vision make him a dynamic fit. “I think he can be a really solid player for a while,” Forness predicts.
    • Round 6, Pick 187: Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse A top-30 visit for Minnesota, Gadsden addresses the Vikings’ need for a third tight end. His receiving skills stand out, with Forness suggesting, “You can design some pass plays for him… Year two, year three, I think you could really start to see him emerge.”
    • Round 6, Pick 203: Chimere Dike, WR, Florida Dike, linked to the Vikings since the Senior Bowl, offers special teams value and potential as a WR4. “He could compete for wide receiver four right now, and you can develop him,” Forness says, highlighting his grit and crossing-route prowess.

  Trade Rumors and Dark Horses: Jihaad Campbell and More

  Beyond the mock draft, Forness shares intriguing rumors, including the Vikings’ interest in Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell if he slides to the late first round. Despite injury concerns (two shoulder surgeries and a knee issue), Campbell’s playmaking ability could tempt Minnesota, given their history of trusting their medical staff with players like Blake Cashman and Aaron Jones.

  “I’ve heard that [the Vikings] are a team to watch when it comes to Jihaad Campbell,” Forness reveals. “Sometimes when a difference-maker’s there, you just take him.”

  Other names, like safety Malachi Starks and offensive lineman Grey Zabel, surface in local mock drafts, with Forness noting the unpredictability of this class. “This draft is gonna be wild,” he warns. “It’s going to be a park-your-butt-and-watch because something’s gonna happen.”

  Navigating the Draft Landscape: Trends and Smoke Screens

  Forness’s analysis extends beyond the Vikings, offering a first-round mock draft that highlights key turning points. He predicts Cam Hunter (QB) and Travis Hunter (CB/WR) going 1-2, with Ashton Jeanty (RB) landing at No. 5 with the Jaguars. The Vikings’ pick at 24 (or 27 post-trade) is shaped by early runs on defensive tackles and offensive linemen, potentially pushing talents like Nolen or Kenneth Grant into their range.

  However, Forness cautions fans about draft noise. “There are gonna be a lot of things that are gonna be smoke screens,” he says, recalling how Will Levis was a betting favorite to go fourth overall in 2023 but fell. With teams like the Bills, Chiefs, and Saints as potential trade-up partners, the Vikings’ flexibility could lead to unexpected moves.

  Fan Engagement: Questions and Hot Takes

  The episode thrives on fan interaction, with Forness and Stefano fielding questions from the chat. Fans ask about blue-chip prospects, trade scenarios, and even a humorous query about trading for Kirk Cousins, which Forness swiftly shuts down: “No… It invites outside noise.”

  One fan, Jeremy, asks if a blue-chip wide receiver like Emeka Egbuka could be available at 24. Forness believes it’s possible but defines “blue chip” conservatively, noting, “Blue chip to me is they usually go in the top 10 and they’re Pro Bowlers off the start.” Stefano agrees, arguing the term is overused in a draft with few can’t-miss prospects.

  Another fan, Jason, inquires about trading players like Ty Chandler or Ivan Pace Jr. Forness doubts major moves, saying, “I’m leaning no towards all of that,” but acknowledges Chandler could be cut. The engagement underscores the show’s community-driven appeal, making it a hub for Vikings fans.

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  The Bigger Picture: Adofo-Mensah’s Draft Legacy

  The episode contextualizes the 2025 draft within Adofo-Mensah’s tenure. His 2022 draft class is widely criticized, but 2023 and 2024 show improvement, with hits like Jordan Addison and J.J. McCarthy. Forness sees this draft as a chance to cement Adofo-Mensah’s vision, especially with Flores’ defense needing disruptors like Nolen.

  “The first-round pick from 2023 and 2024 looks significantly better, as does the process to get those players,” Forness notes. By targeting high-upside talents and leveraging trades, Adofo-Mensah aims to build a roster that competes now and in the future.

  Why This Episode Matters

  The Real Forno Show excels in blending expert analysis with fan passion, and this draft-eve episode is no exception. Forness’s deep dive into the Vikings’ strategy, paired with Stefano’s grounded perspective, offers a balanced view of a critical moment for Minnesota. Whether it’s the bold prediction of Nolen, the intrigue of Campbell, or the depth picks like Etienne and Dike, the episode paints a vivid picture of the Vikings’ draft possibilities.

  For fans, the show is a call to action. “Make sure you subscribe and ring the bell,” Forness urges, promising live coverage throughout draft weekend. From Thursday’s first round to Sunday’s Two Old Bloggers, Vikings 1st & SKOL is the go-to source for draft insights.

  Final Thoughts: A Draft to Define the Vikings’ Future

  As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, The Real Forno Show delivers a masterclass in draft preparation. Forness and Stefano navigate the complexities of Adofo-Mensah’s strategy, offering fans hope that players like Walter Nolen and Cobee Bryant could elevate Minnesota’s roster. With trade rumors swirling and the draft board unpredictable, this episode captures the excitement and uncertainty of draft eve.

  “Skol Vikings, Skol,” Forness and Stefano chant, rallying fans for what could be a franchise-altering weekend. Whether the Vikings stick at 24, trade down, or surprise with a dark horse like Jihaad Campbell, one thing is clear: The Real Forno Show is the ultimate companion for every twist and turn. Stream now, subscribe, and join the Skol Nation as the Vikings chase their next great era.

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  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.