As the NFL Draft looms just days away, set for April 24-26, 2025, in Green Bay, Minnesota Vikings fans are buzzing with anticipation. In the latest episode of Two Old Bloggers, a Vikings 1st & SKOL production partnered with the Fans First Sports Network, hosts Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano deliver a masterclass in draft analysis, quarterback optimism, and franchise history. Titled “Vikings Focusing In On Draft Week—Who Will They Pick?”, this episode is a must-listen for fans eager to decode GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s strategy, cheer for J.J. McCarthy’s ascent, and revisit the Vikings’ storied draft legacy. From trade rumors to cornerback needs and a nostalgic dive into the 1967 draft, Campbell and Stefano blend seasoned insight with infectious enthusiasm, making this episode a touchdown for Vikings faithful.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s Draft Philosophy: Proactive and Impact-Focused

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s pre-draft press conference, held on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Campbell sets the stage, noting the significance of hearing from the Vikings’ general manager just days before the franchise’s 64th draft. Adofo-Mensah’s opening remarks were a bombshell, signaling a bold approach for 2025.

“The first thing that really stuck out to me… is that Kwesi said right off the top in his opening remarks, the Vikings want to be proactive, not reactive. In this draft, they want to be impact-focused, not needs-focused.” — Darren Campbell

This philosophy challenges conventional draft wisdom, especially for a team with only four picks. Campbell, who admits to hoping for a trade-down to acquire more draft capital, interprets Adofo-Mensah’s stance as a commitment to quality over quantity. “If they feel that a trade down is going to cause them to not get a player or players that they really like, then they’re not gonna make that trade,” Campbell explains. This approach could mean the Vikings stay put at #24 to snag a game-changer, even if fans crave more dart throws.

Adofo-Mensah’s confidence in the roster, built through aggressive free agency moves (e.g., signing Isaiah Rodgers, re-signing Byron Murphy Jr.) and trades (e.g., T.J. Hockenson, Jordan Mason), underpins his calm demeanor. Stefano highlights Adofo-Mensah’s “three buckets” for roster-building—draft, free agency, and trades—suggesting the GM views trades as a distinct tool, potentially hinting at draft-day deals.

“He said it’s more of a decision matrix that they use. How impactful is the guy? How long-term is he?… I would love to see a copy of it.” — Dave Stefano

The Vikings’ proprietary draft value chart, distinct from public models like the Jimmy Johnson or Rich Hill charts, adds intrigue. Campbell warns fans against judging trades based on outdated metrics, recalling the Dallas Turner trade in 2024, which seemed costly but paid dividends. “If the Vikings make a trade and some people feel that they lost it… Kwesi has got his own chart, and he made that decision for a reason,” Campbell says.

Trade-Down Scenarios: Who Could Partner with the Vikings?

With only four picks—#24, a third-round compensatory pick (#97), and two late-rounders—the Vikings face pressure to maximize value. Campbell expects a trade-down from #24 to gain picks in rounds 2-4, but acknowledges it requires a willing partner offering fair compensation. He identifies eight teams drafting after #24—Houston Texans, Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Philadelphia Eagles—as potential trade-up candidates. Additionally, early second-round teams like the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans could jump into the late first round for a coveted prospect.

“You need a willing trade partner… There’s eight teams that are drafting after the Vikings are set to draft at 24… And then there might be some teams in the second round early on like Cleveland, the Giants, Tennessee, who might be looking to jump back into the bottom end of the first round.” — Darren Campbell

Campbell highlights teams with surplus draft capital as prime trade partners:

• Baltimore Ravens: 11 picks, including two fourth-rounders and three sixth-rounders.
• Buffalo Bills: 10 picks, with two in the second round and two in the fourth.
• Jacksonville Jaguars: 10 picks, including two in the third and fourth rounds.
• San Francisco 49ers: 11 picks, with two in the third and fourth rounds.
• Cleveland Browns: 10 picks, with two in the third and four in the sixth.

These teams, Campbell notes, “have a lot of extra draft picks on day two and three… they can play with if they wanna move up and target a prospect they really like, just like the Vikings did with Dallas Turner last April.” Stefano adds a wrinkle, speculating that the 49ers, reeling from a 2024 injury-plagued season and free agency losses, might trade up for a cornerstone or conserve picks for a rebuild. “San Francisco, they have absolutely destroyed their team this year… It makes you wonder if they’re trying to expedite a rebuild,” Stefano muses.

Vikings’ Draft Targets: Cornerbacks, Linemen, and Running Backs

Unlike 2024, when the Vikings’ quarterback need screamed for J.J. McCarthy, 2025’s draft priorities are less obvious. Adofo-Mensah’s free agency spree has filled many roster holes, but he admitted a need for “a body or two” at tight end, though not necessarily via the draft. Campbell points to pre-draft visits as a stronger indicator of intent, revealing heavy interest in cornerbacks, interior offensive and defensive linemen, and running backs.

“If you look at all the lists… there’s a lot of offensive linemen on that list, particularly interior guys. There’s a lot of interior defensive linemen… a lot of running backs, a lot of corners.” — Darren Campbell

The cornerback position emerges as a focal point, with Campbell arguing it’s less robust than some believe. Despite re-signing Byron Murphy Jr., the depth chart raises concerns:

• Isaiah Rodgers: Expected to start but has only 13 starts in 60 career games, limited by a 2023 gambling suspension and injuries.
• Mekhi Blackmon: Showed promise as a 2024 rookie (38% of defensive snaps) but missed all of 2025 with an ACL tear, casting doubt on his readiness.
• Jeff Okudah: A failed 2020 top-five pick signed to a one-year flyer, unproven as a starter.
• Dwight McGlothern and Tavierre Thomas: An undrafted rookie and a special teams contributor, respectively, offering little defensive upside.

“I really feel like corner is where I’m feeling where they’re gonna go… The cornerback position, I don’t think it’s quite as robust as maybe some others feel… You need a young, really talented guy to develop there.” — Darren Campbell

Stefano agrees but leans toward interior linemen for their immediate impact, naming Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon and North Dakota State offensive guard Grey Zabel as dream picks. “Derrick Harmon… was the second most sacks and pressures outta college… Gray Zabel, who’s the second-ranked offensive lineman behind the tackle,” Stefano says, citing their ability to disrupt or protect against pressures. He acknowledges the Vikings’ multiple meetings with Harmon might be a smokescreen, but their interest is undeniable.

“I would select Grey Zabel if he’s available… He can move to center if he has to, but I think he could start over [Blake] Brandel and be better than Brandel.” — Dave Stefano

The running back visits intrigue Campbell, given Aaron Jones’ presence, suggesting a long-term succession plan as Jones, 30, nears the end of his contract. This positional focus aligns with Brian Flores’ aggressive defense and Kevin O’Connell’s balanced offense, setting the stage for a draft that prioritizes versatility and impact.

J.J. McCarthy’s Moment: The Vikings’ Quarterback Future

The episode’s second theme, “This Week in Vikingsland,” tackles persistent Aaron Rodgers rumors and contrasts them with J.J. McCarthy’s readiness to lead. Campbell addresses Ian Rapoport’s report that Rodgers pitched himself as a mentor to McCarthy, only for Rodgers to refute it on The Pat McAfee Show. Diana Russini’s insistence that Rodgers-to-Minnesota remains possible is dismissed, as O’Connell’s faith in McCarthy is unwavering.

“The reason Rodgers isn’t going to play with the Vikings in 2025… is because Kevin O’Connell believes that J.J. McCarthy is ready to be the number one guy in Minnesota.” — Darren Campbell

McCarthy’s 2024 training camp performance, where he challenged veteran Sam Darnold for the starting job, fuels this confidence. Darnold’s career-best 2024 season under O’Connell—projected at ~3,200 yards and 20+ touchdowns at the beginning of the season, he went for 4,329 yards and 35 TDs—setting a high bar, but Campbell sees McCarthy’s athleticism and coaching as a recipe for success. “If Darnold, who had done pretty much nothing as a pro… can have that kind of year, why can’t J.J. McCarthy?” Campbell asks.

Stefano emphasizes McCarthy’s preparation, noting his year-long mentorship, film study, and recovery from a knee injury. “I have not seen a quarterback get more prepared for a season than I have with J.J. McCarthy… He looked that good,” Stefano says, recalling debates about McCarthy starting in 2024’s preseason.

“I bet he’s absolutely ready… He will be gunning it this spring and then through the season.” — Dave Stefano

The hosts contrast McCarthy’s poise with Christian Ponder’s struggles, highlighted by Ponder’s recent podcast appearance. Drafted 12th overall in 2011, Ponder admitted a shoulder injury and the perception of being overdrafted fueled anxiety, undermining his mental toughness. “He always looked jumpy in the pocket… He never looked calm in the eye of the storm,” Campbell says, noting Ponder’s physical tools were sufficient but his mental game faltered.

“The great ones… have the physical abilities, but they also have the mental abilities. They keep calm… Ponder just didn’t have the stuff upstairs to be the franchise guy.” — Darren Campbell

McCarthy, with his national championship pedigree and O’Connell’s coaching, appears poised to avoid Ponder’s fate, positioning him as the Vikings’ best hope for a franchise quarterback since Fran Tarkenton.

The Greatest Vikings Draft: Why 1967 Reigns Supreme

The episode’s final theme, a “Vikings Vault” segment, ranks the greatest draft in franchise history, a fitting capstone as the Vikings approach their 64th draft. Campbell identifies seven standout drafts—1961, 1967, 1974, 1977, 1995, 2015, and 2020—but crowns 1967 as the greatest, driven by Hall of Famer Alan Page and underrated corner Bobby Bryant.

“1967, the greatest Vikings draft of all time… When you get Page and Bryant along with Clint Jones, Gene Washington, and Bob Grim… that is what puts this draft over the top.” — Darren Campbell

The 1967 draft, with 17 selections, yielded five impact players:

• Alan Page: NFL MVP in 1971, nine-time All-Pro, four-time NFC Defensive Player of the Year, and a top-100 NFL player. “Probably the greatest defensive tackle of all time,” Campbell says.
• Bobby Bryant: 51 interceptions (second in team history), two-time Pro Bowler, and Ring of Honor member. “Criminally underrated… so many big plays,” Campbell notes.
• Clint Jones: Solid running back for six seasons.
• Gene Washington: Two-time Pro Bowler, deep-threat receiver averaging 26.3 yards per catch one season.
• Bob Grim: Big-play receiver who complemented Washington.

“What can you say about Alan Page? NFL MVP in 1971… You could make a strong argument for him being the greatest defensive tackle of all time.” — Darren Campbell

The 1961 draft, featuring Fran Tarkenton (Hall of Famer), Ed Sharockman (40 interceptions), and Tommy Mason, is a close contender but falls short due to fewer starters and the loss of Jerry Mays to the AFL. “If we had signed Jerry Mays… it might have been considered the number one,” Campbell laments. The 2015 draft, with Eric Kendricks, Danielle Hunter, and Stefon Diggs, impresses in the seven-round era, but its stars’ Hall of Fame paths are uncertain. “Depending on how their careers go… one or both [Hunter and Diggs] might end up going to Canton,” Campbell says.

The 2020 draft, with Justin Jefferson, Josh Metellus, and four other starters, is notable but too recent to top 1967. Stefano credits GM Jim Finks and coach Bud Grant for 1967’s success, noting Finks’ Hall of Fame executive tenure. “There was really one class that stood out… 1967 was it… because of Jim Finks and Bud Grant,” Stefano says.

“Jim Finks was the man who hired Bud Grant… The two of them working together produced the greatest draft Minnesota has ever had.” — Dave Stefano

Looking Ahead: A Draft Week Packed with Vikings Content

As the episode wraps, Campbell and Stefano tease a jam-packed draft week on Vikings 1st & SKOL. Daily shows include The Real Forno Show, Skoldiers & Spice, live mock drafts, and post-draft recaps, ensuring fans stay plugged into every move. “We’re gonna be nonstop every day now, probably for the next two weeks,” Stefano promises, highlighting Thursday’s last-minute news updates and Friday’s live coverage of rounds two and three.

“Thursday night after the draft… Tyler and I will go live to recap round one… Hopefully it won’t be, ‘Vikings traded out of round one.’” — Dave Stefano

The hosts’ infectious passion and deep knowledge make Two Old Bloggers a cornerstone of Vikings fandom. Their blend of draft analysis, quarterback optimism, and historical reverence offers something for every fan, from youngsters learning about Alan Page to veterans reminiscing about Fran Tarkenton.

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As the Minnesota Vikings gear up for the 2025 NFL Draft, Two Old Bloggers delivers a masterclass in anticipation and reflection. Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano’s insights into Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s strategy, J.J. McCarthy’s potential, and the 1967 draft’s legacy are a love letter to Vikings fans. Will Minnesota trade down, nab a corner, or shock the NFL with an unexpected pick? Tune into Vikings 1st & SKOL’s YouTube channel or podcast platforms to join the SKOL chant and follow the draft journey. Subscribe, comment your draft predictions, and let’s celebrate Vikings football together!

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