Vikings 2025 NFL Draft Preview: Grey Zabel or a Bold Trade?

The Real Forno Show dives into draft rumors, prospect analysis, and the team’s focus on impactful players, offering fans a detailed look at potential game-changers like Grey Zable, Jihaad Campbell, Walter Nolan, and more.

On this episode of The Real Forno Show, a Vikings 1st & SKOL production with Fans First Sports Network, hosts Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano analyze the Minnesota Vikings’ approach to the 2025 NFL Draft, just two days away on April 24 in Green Bay. With only four picks, including No. 24 in the first round, the Vikings are weighing whether to bolster their offensive line with a prospect like Grey Zabel or trade down for more selections, potentially targeting defensive talents like Jihaad Campbell or Walter Nolan. Forness introduces his horizontal draft board, a tool categorizing prospects by position and draft range, while confirming J.J. McCarthy’s full recovery, setting the stage for an exciting draft week filled with live coverage and fan engagement.

Key Points of the Episode:

• Horizontal Board Unveiled: Forness’ board organizes prospects by position (e.g., QB, WR, EDGE) and draft range (e.g., Pick at 24, Trade Down 30-50), identifying nine players he’d take at No. 24, including Mykel Williams and Jihaad Campbell.
• Grey Zabel Debate: Beat writers predict Zabel at No. 24 to fix the interior offensive line, but Forness doubts his immediate impact, leaning toward a smokescreen; Stefano disagrees and sees Zabel as a long-term fit next to Christian Darrisaw.
• Defensive Targets: Forness projects a trade-down to No. 27 with the Ravens to draft Walter Nolan, a pass-rushing defensive tackle, while highlighting Campbell’s versatility despite injury concerns.
• J.J. McCarthy Update: McCarthy is “full steam ahead” post-injury, allowing the Vikings to focus on building around his cost-effective rookie contract with strategic draft picks.
• Draft Week Plans: The show promises live coverage from Thursday through Saturday, including a post-Round 1 midnight show, encouraging fans to subscribe for updates.

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Gear up for the 2025 NFL Draft with The Real Forno Show! Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano bring you insider takes, draft strategies, and SKOL passion that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. Will the Vikings land a star like Jihad Campbell or trade for more picks? Subscribe to Vikings 1st & SKOL on YouTube, ring the bell for live draft coverage, and join the ultimate Vikings fan community as they chase Super Bowl glory!

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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.