With just three days until the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on April 24 in Green Bay, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves at a crossroads. Holding the No. 24 pick in the first round and only four total selections, the team must decide whether to bolster their roster with a Day 1 impact player or trade down for more draft capital. On the latest episode of The Real Forno Show, hosted by Tyler Forness with producer Dave Stefano, the duo breaks down the Vikings’ draft strategy, introduces Tyler’s innovative horizontal board, and debates the buzz around prospects like interior offensive lineman Grey Zabel. Aired on April 21, 2025, as part of the Vikings 1st & SKOL production and Fans First Sports Network, this episode offers fans a deep dive into the team’s potential moves, from fortifying the trenches to targeting defensive playmakers for Brian Flores’ scheme.

Tyler Forness, a Minnesota Vikings reporter for A to Z Sports, contributor to SKOR North’s Purple Daily, and a founding member of Vikings 1st & SKOL, brings his extensive draft expertise to the table. “Three long days until the NFL draft in Minnesota Vikings will hopefully improve their roster significantly,” Forness opens the show, setting the stage for a detailed discussion. Joined by Dave Stefano, the episode explores the latest rumors, including beat writer mock drafts from Alec Lewis of The Athletic and Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune, both of whom predict the Vikings will select Grey Zabel to strengthen the interior offensive line. However, Forness questions whether this aligns with GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s stated goal of finding “impactful players,” sparking a lively debate about the team’s true direction.

Decoding the Horizontal Board: A Strategic Draft Tool

A centerpiece of this episode is Tyler Forness’ introduction of his horizontal draft board, a strategic tool designed to help fans and analysts visualize draft prospects by position and draft range. Unlike a traditional big board that simply ranks players from best to worst, the horizontal board categorizes players into positional groups (e.g., QB, RB, WR for offense; DT, EDGE, LB for defense) and assigns them to specific draft ranges, such as “Pick at 24,” “Trade Down 30-50,” or “Pick at 97.” Forness explains, “The way you build a horizontal board is you have it by position and you list where you would take players… It accounts for multiple things. How do I see this player? Does he fit, and do the Vikings have a need?”

For the Vikings, who have clear needs at interior offensive line, safety, and cornerback, the horizontal board provides a clear framework for decision-making. On the offensive side, Forness lists players like running backs Omarion Hampton and TreVeyon Henderson as potential trade-down targets between picks 30-50, while wide receiver Tory Horton falls into the 50-90 range. However, he excludes quarterbacks from early rounds, noting, “I did not include quarterbacks because they’re all day three guys… Who cares?” Defensively, Forness is more aggressive, identifying nine players he’d take at No. 24, including Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams, whom he compares to Jadeveon Clowney for his run defense and untapped pass-rush potential. “I have nine players that I would feel comfortable taking right at 24 in that range… If all nine are there, I can trade back to 32 and still get one guaranteed,” Forness says, highlighting the flexibility this approach offers.

Grey Zabel Buzz: Impactful or Smokescreen?

Much of the episode focuses on the buzz surrounding Grey Zabel, an interior offensive lineman projected by beat writers Alec Lewis and Ben Goessling as the Vikings’ first-round pick at No. 24. Zabel, who dominated at the FCS level with the second-lowest pressure rate among linemen and impressed at the Senior Bowl, is seen as a potential solution for the Vikings’ left guard position, currently held by Blake Brandel. The team has already invested in its offensive line this offseason, signing center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries, but a wildcard loss to the Rams—where they allowed nine sacks—exposed lingering weaknesses. Dave Stefano argues Zabel could be the “impactful player” Adofo-Mensah seeks, stating, “If he averages a 65 on PFF grading… he’s already done better than Blake Brandel did. He will have the benefit also of having Christian Darrisaw to his left and a brand-new All-Pro center to his right to guide and groom him.”

Forness, however, is skeptical. He sees Zabel as a third-round talent, citing concerns about his play strength and hand usage when transitioning to the NFL level. “I don’t see how improving a left guard from Blake Brandel to what Grey Zabel or Tyler Booker is as a rookie is going to be that impactful,” Forness argues, suggesting the focus on Zabel might be a smokescreen. He rates the likelihood of the Vikings taking an interior offensive lineman at “six and a half” on a scale of 1 to 10, leaning toward it being a diversion. Forness also notes that other teams, like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, have Zabel “extremely high on their board,” potentially taking him before the Vikings’ pick. This debate underscores the uncertainty surrounding the team’s draft intentions, a theme echoed by Stefano: “Will Kwesi and Kevin do that? Will they go defense for B-Flo? I still don’t know.”

Defensive Playmakers in Focus: Jihaad Campbell and Walter Nolan

While the offensive line garners significant attention, Forness and Stefano also highlight defensive prospects who could align with Adofo-Mensah’s goal of adding impactful players, particularly for Brian Flores’ aggressive defensive scheme. One name that excites Forness is Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, a potential first-round steal despite injury concerns. “According to [Destiny Adams at A to Z Sports], the Vikings are a team to keep an eye out for Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell if he ends up falling into their laps,” Forness reveals. Campbell, who made Forness’ All-Forno team as the only first-round player, is a versatile defender capable of playing off-ball linebacker, rushing the passer, and covering receivers. “I love the player… He could be a game-changer on defense because he can do so much,” Forness enthuses, though he notes Campbell’s medical red flags, including a torn labrum, a rough shoulder, and a bad knee.

Another defensive prospect Forness projects as a potential Vikings pick is Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolan, whom he predicts the team could select after trading down to No. 27 with the Baltimore Ravens. “I have them trading down three spots with Baltimore Ravens, and I have them taking Walter Nolan, the defensive tackle… His ability to maneuver, his ability to slant, stunt, rush the passer—they haven’t had a guy like that since Sharrif Floyd,” Forness explains. Nolan’s fit in Flores’ scheme, which emphasizes stunts and pass-rush creativity, makes him an intriguing option, though his draft range is volatile, potentially sliding from No. 11 to No. 32. Stefano adds that the draft’s depth from picks 10 to 50 could encourage trading down: “If we’re gonna trade down, you’ve gotta have somebody that wants to trade up… Maybe one of the quarterbacks drops, and say, Cleveland or New York Giants wanna move up.”

J.J. McCarthy’s Health and the Vikings’ Long-Term Vision

Amid the draft speculation, Forness delivers a positive update on quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings’ 2024 first-round pick who suffered a torn meniscus as a rookie. “McCarthy is full steam ahead, so that rocks,” Forness confirms, easing fan concerns about the young quarterback’s recovery. This update ties into the team’s broader strategy of building around McCarthy’s rookie contract, which Forness defends as an “economics mentality” rather than a “loser’s mentality.” He explains, “If you have J.J. McCarthy who’s an eight out of 10… you have to pay J.J. McCarthy average annual value nine times less than Kirk Cousins. That’s not playing with the loser’s mentality. That’s just being smart with your dollars.” Stefano agrees, noting that the cost savings allow the team to invest in key positions like edge rushers and offensive linemen.

This long-term vision also influences the Vikings’ draft approach, as they aim to build a roster capable of contending in 2025 and beyond. Forness emphasizes the importance of Day 3 picks for depth and special teams, highlighting prospects like UNLV wide receiver Ricky White, who blocked nine punts in college and could be an elite special teamer. “Drafting on day three isn’t just about trying to find a guy like Stefon Diggs… You need to find the special teamers. You need to find the depth guys. Those win Super Bowls more often than stars do,” Forness asserts, underscoring the importance of a well-rounded roster.

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Draft Week Excitement and Fan Engagement

As draft week approaches, The Real Forno Show positions itself as the go-to hub for Vikings fans, with a packed schedule of live coverage. Forness outlines the plan: “Thursday night, night after I get back from the Purple Daily draft party, we’ll be going live around midnight… Friday night, we will be live all throughout the second and third round. Saturday, we’ll be live fourth through the seventh rounds.” The team also plans a bonus show on Thursday morning and a final pre-draft episode on Wednesday night, ensuring comprehensive coverage. “We are going to be your hub on draft weekend,” Forness promises, encouraging fans to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for notifications.

The episode also features fan interaction, with Forness and Stefano addressing questions from the chat. One fan asks about the draft’s randomness, to which Forness responds, “It’s not like the lottery… It’s about trying to figure out what this data means. Everybody has the same data, essentially. How do you interpret it?” Another fan inquires about UNLV wide receiver Ricky White, whom Forness praises as a potential late-round gem: “Do you want a guy who blocked nine punts in college? Because that’s Ricky White. I think he’ll be an average wide receiver, but could be an elite special teamer.” This engagement highlights the show’s commitment to its audience, fostering a sense of community among Vikings fans.

Looking Ahead: A Draft That Could Shape the Vikings’ Future

As the 2025 NFL Draft nears, the Minnesota Vikings stand at a pivotal moment. Will they select Grey Zabel to solidify their offensive line, trade down for a defensive playmaker like Walter Nolan or Jihaad Campbell, or shock fans with an unexpected move? The Real Forno Show leaves fans with more questions than answers, but that’s the beauty of draft season. Forness’ horizontal board offers a structured lens through which to view the team’s options, while his debates with Stefano reveal the complexity of predicting the Vikings’ moves in what he calls “peak lying season.”

For Vikings fans, the episode is a must-listen, blending insider insights, prospect analysis, and passionate fandom. Whether you’re rooting for an offensive lineman to protect J.J. McCarthy or a defensive star to elevate Brian Flores’ unit, The Real Forno Show delivers the ultimate draft preview. As Forness signs off, “SKOL Vikings, everybody,” the anticipation for draft weekend is palpable. Tune in to Vikings 1st & SKOL for live coverage and join the conversation as the Vikings aim to build a roster capable of ending their Super Bowl drought.

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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.