MINNEAPOLIS, MN – As the Minnesota Vikings continue to bolster their defensive front, analysts are recommending they turn to the NFL Draft to add more size and power to the interior defensive line.
This offseason, the Vikings have already invested in veteran defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, both signing two-year contracts. However, depth remains a concern, prompting many mock drafts to project Minnesota selecting a defensive lineman early in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently analyzed potential draft picks for each NFL team, identifying Oregon standout Derrick Harmon as a prime candidate for the Vikings.
Why Derrick Harmon is a Perfect Fit for Minnesota
In an article published Thursday, PFF analyst Jordan Plocher highlighted Harmon as a top first-round option for Minnesota, citing his exceptional performance in 2024.
“Harmon is a versatile defensive tackle who excelled against both the run and pass, earning an 80.5 run-defense grade and an 86.3 pass-rush grade last season,” Plocher wrote.
At 313 pounds, Harmon not only proved to be a dominant run-stopper but also led the FBS in quarterback pressures with 55, recording five sacks for the Oregon Ducks. His impressive 4.95-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine further solidified his status as one of the most explosive interior linemen in this year’s draft class.
Why the Vikings Need to Target Defensive Line Help
Last season, Minnesota ranked among the league’s best in sacks with 49, yet their interior defensive linemen contributed just three. Given the depth of defensive line talent available in the 2025 draft, this could be the perfect opportunity for the Vikings to address that weakness and add a disruptive force like Harmon.
With the draft quickly approaching, Minnesota has a chance to make a significant investment in its defensive future—one that could pay off for years to come.
