12 Draft Sleepers the Vikings Shouldn’t Let Slip Past Round 5
Every year, late-round gems shake up the league, and the Minnesota Vikings have a golden chance to snag some magic after Day 3. This list is about the under-the-radar talent flying beneath. If the Vikings play it right, these prospects might be the ones fans look back on thinking: “How did everyone miss that?”
Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
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Trey Amos might not be a household name, but he’s got all the ingredients NFL coaches love—size, instincts, and production. At 6’1″, 195 pounds, he broke up 10 passes and snagged three interceptions in 2024. He showed a knack for timing and ball tracking that fits Brian Flores’ aggressive coverage style.
Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M
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Shemar Turner, the 6-foot-3, 290-pound dynamo from Texas A&M, is a name that should be on every draft enthusiast’s radar. Turner amassed impressive stats: 10 sacks, 24 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles across 43 games over his four-year stint with the Aggies.
Tai Felton, WR, Maryland
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Tai Felton emerged as a standout wide receiver for the Maryland Terrapins. He set a school record with 96 receptions, totaling 1,124 yards and nine touchdowns in the 2024 season. His exceptional route-running and quick footwork allowed him to consistently create separation from defenders.
Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
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Kyle Williams has been productive everywhere he’s gone. He racked up 1,198 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2024 at Washington State while averaging a wild 17.1 yards per catch. Before that, he caught 117 passes at UNLV. He isn’t huge, but he separates with ease and makes clean breaks in his routes.
Jacob Bayer, C, Arkansas State
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After starting 22 games at Lamar University, Jacob Bayer transferred to Arkansas State, where he continued his streak with 24 consecutive starts. His dedication and talent have garnered attention from NFL teams and resulted in pre-draft visits with the Chargers, Packers, and Vikings.
Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas
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Having earned ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors at Clemson, Andrew Mukuba transferred to Texas and kept the momentum rolling with 69 tackles, five interceptions, and six pass breakups. Scouts love his anticipation and ball skills, and his ability to fit multiple schemes makes him a perfect target.
Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon
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Oregon lined him up to wreck run lanes, and he did just that—often with one arm. Jamaree Caldwell dominated at Oregon with 22 tackles and 4.5 TFL in 2024. If the Vikings want someone who can eat space and still pressure the pocket, he’s worth it.
Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State
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Before tearing his ACL in 2024, Kevin Winston Jr. looked like a lock for Day 2. He’s smart as hell and rarely misses a tackle. Across three seasons, he racked up 152 tackles and 10 pass breakups while earning a reputation as Penn State’s defensive glue. But even with the injury, teams are watching closely.
Jimmy Horn Jr., WR, Colorado
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Jimmy Horn Jr. started at USF before transferring to Colorado, where he hauled in 95 catches for 1,008 yards across two seasons. Horn ran a 4.38 at the combine, turned heads in punt return drills, and proved he’s more than just a slot guy.
T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina
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T.J. Sanders didn’t even start playing football until high school, but he quickly made up for lost time. In 2024, he posted 9.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks—impressive numbers for a guy still learning. He’s raw, sure, but that’s what Day 3 is for. Flores could turn Sanders into an enjoyable project.
Jordan Polk, DB, Texas State
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You won’t find Jordan Polk on many top 100 boards, but that’s what makes him intriguing. Polk started at Texas A&M-Commerce, transferred to Texas State, and quietly became one of the Sun Belt’s most reliable defensive backs. He doesn’t have elite size, but he reads quarterbacks well and closes with pop.
Oluwafemi “Femi” Oladejo, EDGE, UCLA
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Femi Oladejo has “developmental monster” written all over him. He was originally an inside linebacker but switched to EDGE at UCLA and didn’t miss a beat. Standing 6’3″, 250 pounds, he has the bend, range, and motor teams drool over. Across his college career, he flashed raw tools that coaches can shape.
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
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Jihaad Campbell runs a 4.52 and covers the ground like a safety. Nick Saban trusted him to handle coverage responsibilities and call out adjustments mid-play. That football IQ matters. With Jordan Hicks gone, Campbell could step into a rotation and eventually become a high-end starter.
CJ West, DT, Indiana
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CJ West brings old-school thump with new-school hustle. His low center of gravity helps him anchor against double teams, and he’s explosive enough to crash passing lanes. If the Vikings want to bolster the trenches without spending a premium pick, West is the kind of blue-collar defender they need.
Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
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He might not be the loudest corner in this class, but quarterbacks definitely remembered Quincy Riley. He’s one of those corners who doesn’t gamble but still finds the football. Minnesota’s defense thrives on witty, sticky coverage—and Riley feels like the kind of sleeper Flores would love to coach.