As the NFL Draft looms just 13 days away, the anticipation among Minnesota Vikings fans is palpable. The purple faithful are eager to see how their team will bolster an already promising roster, headlined by stars like Justin Jefferson and quarterback J.J. McCarthy. On the latest episode of The Real Forno Show, host Tyler Forness, a Minnesota Vikings reporter and NFL analyst, feeds that excitement with a full first-round mock draft for the 2025 NFL Draft. Joined by producer Dave Stefano, Tyler steps into the general manager’s chair for all 32 teams, offering a unique perspective on what he’d do to shape each franchise’s future—most crucially, the Vikings’. Produced by Vikings 1st & SKOL in partnership with the Fans First Sports Network, this episode is a masterclass in draft strategy, blending bold predictions, detailed prospect breakdowns, and a passion for football that resonates with every SKOL chant.

Tyler sets the stage with a clear mission: this isn’t about predicting what teams will do but what he would do if he held the reins. “I’m putting myself in the GM chair for all 32 teams, and I’m gonna tell you how I would draft for all of them,” Tyler declares, his enthusiasm infectious. “There’ll be plenty of picks you don’t agree with, plenty you do, but that’s what makes this fun. It’s an art form.” With Dave providing witty banter and technical support—fresh off a cross-country move that Tyler jokingly blames on colleague Darren Campbell—the duo dives into a draft scenario that’s equal parts analytical and entertaining.

The Art of the Mock Draft

Before unveiling his picks, Tyler takes a moment to unpack the philosophy behind mock drafts, a topic he feels doesn’t get enough attention. “There are so many ways to do a mock draft,” he explains. “You could do it predictive, what you think will happen. You could do what you think should happen. Or you can explore scenarios—what if the Vikings trade up, trade down, go running back in the first round, ignore defensive tackle?” For Tyler, the goal is preparation. By gaming out every possibility, he ensures he’s ready to deliver sharp analysis when the real draft unfolds on the Purple Daily stage.

This episode’s mock draft is personal, rooted in Tyler’s top-100 big board, which ranks players based on his evaluation of their talent, not draft projections. “It’s completely my opinion,” he says, acknowledging the subjectivity of scouting. His top two players, Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter, are consensus elites, but his third-ranked prospect, Shamar Stewart, raises eyebrows. “I’m obsessed. I love him. He’s incredible,” Tyler admits, defending his hot take. “Some guys don’t finish, but if you penetrate and create havoc, I can teach you to finish. Teaching havoc? That’s harder.” Other surprises include East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. at sixth and three wide receivers in his top 12, a nod to his admitted bias for the position’s importance.

Dave chimes in, noting their frequent disagreements on prospects. “We can watch the same tape and come away with two completely different conclusions,” he says, to which Tyler laughs, “That’s what makes this fun!” The exchange underscores the episode’s charm: a blend of conviction and humility, with Tyler balancing confidence—“If I don’t sound like I believe in what I’m saying, why would you listen?”—with an openness to being wrong. “I’m not always right, and neither will you,” he adds, setting a relatable tone for fans and analysts alike.

Kicking Off the Draft: Blockbuster Picks

Tyler wastes no time shaking things up, starting with the Tennessee Titans at number one. In a stunner, he bypasses consensus top quarterback Cam Ward for Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. “I’m taking Sanders for two reasons,” Tyler explains. “One, I think he’s slightly better. Two, he’s a significantly better fit for how Brian Callahan wants to run an offense.” Comparing Sanders to being similar in ways to Joe Burrow, Tyler praises his pocket presence and precision, arguing that fit is as critical as talent at quarterback. He acknowledges the Deion Sanders spotlight but sees it as a strength: “He’s not gonna be phased by anything media. He’s Deion’s kid.”

At number two, the Cleveland Browns snag Travis Hunter, the draft’s premier talent. “They need a weapon, and he’s the best player in the draft,” Tyler says, envisioning Hunter as a wide receiver who moonlights at cornerback in nickel packages. The New York Giants land Cam Ward at three, a nod to coach Brian Daboll’s success developing Josh Allen. “Ward’s not Allen, but spiritually, he’s got that big arm and needs refinement,” Tyler notes. Dave agrees, recalling Allen’s raw college days: “He couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn, but had a Howitzer for a gun.”

The New England Patriots secure Abdul Carter at four, a Micah Parsons-esque edge rusher who Tyler calls “a no-brainer.” Then, at five, the Jacksonville Jaguars make waves with running back Ashton Jeanty. “He’s special, a LaDainian Tomlinson type,” Tyler enthuses, shrugging off Jeanty’s Boise State pedigree. “He torched Oregon, ran for five yards a carry against Penn State’s buzzsaw. He’s a game-changer.”

Mid-Round Surprises and Strategic Fits

As the draft progresses, Tyler’s picks reflect a keen eye for team needs and player potential. The Las Vegas Raiders grab wide receiver Ro McMillan at six, filling the void left by Davante Adams’ trade. “He’s got Mike Evans’ size with graceful movement—rare for a big guy,” Tyler says, dismissing concerns about McMillan’s slightly short arms. The New York Jets opt for tight end Tyler Warren at seven, a versatile weapon likened to T.J. Hockenson. “You can use him everywhere—up the seam, outside, power slot,” Tyler explains.

The Carolina Panthers select edge rusher Shamar Stewart at eight, Tyler’s third-ranked player. “He’s explosive, physical, powerful,” he says, noting Stewart’s ability to create havoc despite needing to refine his finishing. The New Orleans Saints follow with edge rusher Mykel Williams at nine, a Jadeveon Clowney-like force who fits Dennis Allen’s mold. “He’s almost 6’5”, 265 pounds, with 34-inch arms. He handles double teams at that size,” Tyler marvels.

At 10, the Chicago Bears bolster their defensive line with Kenneth Grant, a 340-pound tackle who complements Gervon Dexter. The San Francisco 49ers, surprisingly without an offensive lineman thus far, take tackle Will Campbell at 11, despite his inconsistent arm measurements. “Scouts are scratching their heads,” Tyler admits, while Dave quips, “Get a tailor to measure arms!” The Dallas Cowboys continue their offensive line tradition with Kelvin Banks Jr. at 12, projecting as a guard in the Zach Martin mold.

The Vikings’ Moment: A Pick for J.J. McCarthy

The draft reaches a fever pitch as Tyler arrives at the Minnesota Vikings’ pick at 24. With names like Jahdae Barron, Luther Burden, and Walter Nolan on the board, the choice is far from straightforward. Tyler briefly considers Nolan, a defensive tackle he ranks 26th, noting his potential as a one-gap three-tech in Brian Flores’ stunt-heavy scheme. “He’s a hyper-athlete, very young, with rave reviews this draft process,” Tyler says. But he pivots to offense, prioritizing a complement for J.J. McCarthy.

Enter Emeka Egbuka, the Ohio State wide receiver Tyler selects to round out the Vikings’ receiving corps. “Kevin O’Connell loves versatile receivers,” he explains. “Justin Jefferson blocks well enough, Jordan Addison tries but struggles. Egbuka’s a great blocker and plays like Cooper Kupp conceptually—think Terry McLaurin’s polish and explosiveness.” Tyler envisions Egbuka as a WR3 with WR2 upside, creating a “three-deep” room to maximize McCarthy’s potential. “He’s a well-rounded football player, a route-running savant who creates after the catch,” Tyler adds.

Dave offers a counterpoint, admitting he’d prefer a offensive lineman like Grey Zabel, “I love my big round bellies on the O and D-lines,” he jokes, but concedes Egbuka’s logic. “It’s not like we’re drafting the number-one punter,” he laughs, referencing an earlier gag about Green Bay’s pick. “Fans won’t riot—it’s a solid route.” Tyler nods, emphasizing the pick’s fit: “This is how you build around J.J..”

Closing the Draft: Late-Round Gems

The draft’s final stretch sees Tyler navigate tricky spots with finesse. The Houston Texans reinforce their offensive line with Josh Conerly Jr. at 25, a wide-zone tackle Tyler corrects himself to prioritize over an earlier slip. The Los Angeles Rams snag cornerback Jahdae Barron at 26, adding upside to their secondary. Baltimore grabs linebacker/edge rusher Jalen Walker at 27, a versatile fit despite Tyler’s tempered view of his elite status.

The Detroit Lions, in a tough spot, select wide receiver Luther Burden III at 28 for depth behind Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown. “He’s a short-area dynamo who can go over the top,” Tyler says, lamenting the Lions’ limited options. Washington’s Dan Quinn gets cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. at 29, a cover-one and cover-three standout. The Buffalo Bills take edge rusher Mike Green at 30, pairing his speed with Greg Rousseau’s power.

The Kansas City Chiefs, ever the draft juggernaut, land defensive tackle Walter Nolan at 31. “Learning from Chris Jones could take him to another level,” Tyler predicts, while Dave sighs, “The rich get richer.” Finally, the Philadelphia Eagles close with defensive tackle Derrick Harmon at 32, a trench warrior who fits their fortify-forever ethos. “He’s a really good football player who can do a lot,” Tyler concludes.

Full First-Round Recap

Here’s the complete mock draft:

1. Tennessee Titans: Shedeur Sanders, QB
2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR/CB
3. New York Giants: Cam Ward, QB
4. New England Patriots: Abdul Carter, EDGE
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ashton Jeanty, RB
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ro McMillan, WR
7. New York Jets: Tyler Warren, TE
8. Carolina Panthers: Shamar Stewart, EDGE
9. New Orleans Saints: Mykel Williams, EDGE
10. Chicago Bears: Kenneth Grant, DT
11. San Francisco 49ers: Will Campbell, OT
12. Dallas Cowboys: Kelvin Banks Jr., OL
13. Miami Dolphins: Malachi Starks, S
14. Indianapolis Colts: Jihad Campbell, LB
15. Atlanta Falcons: Nic Scourton, EDGE
16. Arizona Cardinals: Mason Graham, DT
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Aireontae Ersery, OT
18. Seattle Seahawks: Donovan Jackson, OG
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Donovan Rako, EDGE
20. Denver Broncos: TreVeyon Henderson, RB
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jalen Milroe, QB
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton, RB
23. Green Bay Packers: Will Johnson, CB
24. Minnesota Vikings: Emeka Egbuka, WR
25. Houston Texans: Josh Conerly Jr., OT
26. Los Angeles Rams: Jahdae Barron, CB
27. Baltimore Ravens: Jalen Walker, LB/EDGE
28. Detroit Lions: Luther Burden III, WR
29. Washington Commanders: Shavon Revel Jr., CB
30. Buffalo Bills: Mike Green, EDGE
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Walter Nolan, DT
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Derrick Harmon, DT

Why This Episode Resonates

What makes this episode of The Real Forno Show stand out is Tyler’s ability to blend deep scouting knowledge with an approachable, fan-friendly delivery. His mock draft isn’t just a list of names—it’s a narrative of team-building, rooted in an understanding of each franchise’s identity. For Vikings fans, the Egbuka pick sparks excitement about McCarthy’s growth under O’Connell, while Tyler’s broader draft offers a glimpse into the NFL’s evolving landscape.

The chemistry between Tyler and Dave adds levity, from jabs about Dave’s move to playful debates over prospects. “I take this very seriously, but in the end, it’s not very serious,” Tyler reflects, capturing the joy of draft season. His transparency about biases—like his love for wide receivers—and willingness to admit uncertainties make the analysis relatable, inviting fans to join the conversation.

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A Call to SKOL Nation

As Tyler wraps up, he’s already looking ahead. “We’re back next week to wrap up this draft class and zoom in on the Vikings,” he promises. “We’ll break down prospects, dive into my big board, maybe have a guest.” A pre-draft mock draft is planned for the night before the real thing, potentially featuring industry insiders. Despite a chaotic week—thanks to Dave’s move, which Tyler pins on Darren Campbell—the show’s passion for Vikings football shines through.

For Minnesota Vikings fans, The Real Forno Show is more than a podcast—it’s a rallying cry. Whether you’re hyped for Emeka Egbuka, intrigued by Tyler’s bold calls like Shedeur Sanders at one, or just craving draft buzz, this episode delivers. “Hit that subscribe button, ring the bell, and join the Vikings 1st & SKOL community,” Tyler urges. With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, there’s no better time to dive into the SKOL spirit. As Tyler and Dave sign off, their chant echoes: “SKOL Vikings!”

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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.