By Sunday 
Three Prospects Who Could Haunt Minnesota for Years to Come
As the 2025 NFL Draft inches closer, the Minnesota Vikings are preparing to make a pivotal selection at No. 24. But while Vikings fans are laser-focused on their own war room, it’s just as important to keep an eye on the enemy.
The NFC North is brimming with potential, and if the division rivals make the right picks, Minnesota could be staring down a tougher road to the playoffs. There are a few names the Vikings should be praying don’t land within the division—and each one has the potential to shift the power dynamic for years.
Chicago Bears: Ashton Jeanty Could Supercharge the Windy City
If the Bears get their hands on Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, it might be game over.
The 2024 Heisman runner-up, Jeanty isn’t just another backfield threat—he’s electric. A do-it-all weapon who can burst between the tackles, break into the open field, and line up as a receiver if needed. He brings the kind of explosiveness that defensive coordinators lose sleep over.
Pairing him with D’Andre Swift under Ben Johnson’s creative play-calling would give rookie quarterback Caleb Williams a dangerous safety valve. That’s a scary combo for any defense, especially one that’s still searching for its identity like the Vikings.
Minnesota fans should hope the Raiders scoop Jeanty early. Because if he slips to Chicago at No. 10, the Bears’ backfield could instantly become the most dangerous in the NFC North.
Green Bay Packers: Tetairoa McMillan Is a Future No. 1 WR
The Packers haven’t taken a wide receiver in the first round since 2002. If they break that streak with Tetairoa McMillan, it could be the start of a long-term nightmare for Minnesota.
McMillan has it all—size, elite body control, and a knack for making tough catches look routine. With 2,700 yards and 18 touchdowns over his last 25 games at Arizona, he’s already proven himself as a reliable game-changer.
There’s a real chance he slips to the Packers at No. 23, thanks to the rise of other wideouts in the draft class. If that happens, Green Bay gets its WR1, and Jordan Love gets a true alpha target to build around. That’s bad news for the Vikings, who already struggle to defend downfield.
“McMillan feels like a prospect that teams might regret overthinking,” analysts have noted—and if Gutekunst is bold enough to pull the trigger, the Vikings’ secondary could be facing an uphill battle for years.
Detroit Lions: Shemar Stewart Could Anchor a Fearsome Front
Detroit already boasts one of the best young defenses in the league. But if they add Shemar Stewart to the mix at No. 28, things could spiral fast for opposing quarterbacks—including whoever lines up under center for Minnesota.
Though his college stats—just 4.5 sacks in three seasons—don’t jump off the page, Stewart’s raw athleticism and ceiling are impossible to ignore. He’s a moldable monster, and Detroit’s defensive coaching staff is more than capable of helping him unlock his potential.
Imagine trying to block Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, and Shemar Stewart. That’s the kind of D-line that breaks pockets and confidence. If he lands in Detroit, the Vikings’ offensive line better get ready for battle.
The Bottom Line: Beware of the Draft Day Dominoes
The Vikings have a lot riding on their own pick at No. 24—but their draft success could be undercut if any of these three players land in the wrong hands. Jeanty in Chicago. McMillan in Green Bay. Stewart in Detroit.
Each is a difference-maker in the making. Each has the potential to shift the NFC North into even more dangerous territory.
Minnesota might not be able to stop the draft-day chaos. But they can certainly hope that fate—and a few smart front offices—keep these nightmare scenarios from becoming reality.