The Minnesota Vikings are at a crossroads. After a stellar 14-3 season in 2024, head coach Kevin O’Connell (KOC) faces a daunting challenge: can he transform the Vikings into an NFL elite team, consistently contending for Super Bowls? On the latest episode of Two Old Bloggers, hosts Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano dive into this question, exploring O’Connell’s path to achieving back-to-back playoff appearances—a feat the Vikings haven’t accomplished since 2008-2009. With a revamped roster, a promising young quarterback in J.J. McCarthy, and a competitive NFC North matchup against the Detroit Lions looming, the stakes are high. The hosts also analyze historical draft trends and the latest Vikingsland news, offering fans a comprehensive look at what’s next for the Purple and Gold.

“This is about taking the Vikings to the next level,” Campbell said. “KOC’s laid a great foundation, but now it’s about being mentioned with the Chiefs, Bills, and Eagles as perennial contenders.”

Theme 1: Can KOC Make the Vikings Elite?

Kevin O’Connell’s tenure as Vikings head coach has been nothing short of impressive. With a 34-17 regular-season record, one NFC North title, and two playoff appearances in three years, he’s earned widespread praise. Players rave about his player-centric culture, which has made Minnesota a desirable destination for NFL talent. Yet, as Campbell pointed out, the Vikings haven’t been considered among the NFL’s elite in nearly two decades.

“The Vikings have been solid, but they haven’t been consistently elite like the Chiefs, who’ve made the playoffs 10 years in a row, or the Eagles, who’ve hit seven of the last eight,” Campbell noted. “KOC needs to get us there.”

To achieve this, O’Connell must secure a second consecutive playoff berth, a milestone last reached under Brad Childress in 2008-2009. The hosts identified four critical factors that will determine whether the Vikings can take this leap in 2025.

Factor 1: Staying Healthy

Health is a non-negotiable for any championship-caliber team, and the Vikings were fortunate in 2024. Despite losing left tackle Christian Darrisaw for the season and tight end T.J. Hockenson for seven games, the team avoided widespread injuries to key players. Campbell highlighted the Detroit Lions’ 2024 playoff collapse as a cautionary tale, where defensive injuries derailed a dream season.

“If we get that kind of injury luck in 2025, it’ll be tough to make the playoffs, even with our depth,” Campbell warned. “But KOC and Terrell Williams have managed injuries well so far.”

Factor 2: Fixing the Run Game

The Vikings’ running game has been a persistent weakness under O’Connell, ranking 29th, 25th, and 22nd in expected points added (EPA) per rush over his three seasons. In 2024, they finished 19th in total rushing yards, with 75% of low red-zone runs yielding zero yards before contact. To address this, the Vikings made significant offseason moves, signing center Ryan Kelly, right guard Will Fries, and drafting left guard Donovan Jackson at No. 24 overall. They also traded for running back Jordan Mason to complement Aaron Jones.

“A better run game means fewer three-and-outs, less reliance on big passes, and a fresher defense,” Campbell explained. “It’ll also help McCarthy settle in as a starter.”

Factor 3: Shoring Up the Defense

Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has transformed the Vikings’ defense from one of the NFL’s worst in 2022 to a top-five unit by 2025. However, a recurring issue has been second-half collapses, allowing opponents to erase leads in games like those against Green Bay and Cincinnati in 2023. The Vikings bolstered their defense with signings like Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, Isaiah Rodgers, and re-signing Byron Murphy Jr.

“If Flores can fix those third- and fourth-quarter lapses, this defense could be the best in the NFL,” Campbell said. “That’s a game-changer for our playoff hopes.”

Factor 4: J.J. McCarthy’s Emergence

The X-factor for the Vikings’ elite aspirations is second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Drafted 10th overall in 2024, McCarthy sat out his rookie season but is poised to take the reins in 2025. Campbell drew parallels to elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, who have driven consistent playoff runs for the Chiefs and Bills.

“I’m not expecting McCarthy to be Mahomes in year one, but he needs to play at a high level and establish himself as a top QB,” Campbell emphasized. “If he doesn’t, it’s hard to see us becoming elite, no matter how good KOC is.”

Stefano echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of the offensive line in supporting McCarthy. “With Kelly, Fries, and Jackson, we’ve built the trenches to protect him. Now it’s on J.J. to deliver.”

Theme 2: This Week in Vikingsland

The hosts also covered the latest developments in Vikingsland, offering fans a pulse on the team’s offseason activities.

Rookie Minicamp Buzz

The 2025 rookie minicamp, held at the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center, featured 51 participants, including all five 2025 draftees (e.g., Donovan Jackson, Tai Felton), 20 undrafted free agents (UDFAs), 20 tryout players, and six second-year players. Notably, J.J. McCarthy did not attend, which Campbell interpreted as a positive sign.

“If McCarthy looked rusty in offseason work, they might’ve had him out there,” Campbell speculated. “His absence suggests he’s on track.”

One standout was UDFA quarterback Max Brosmer, a former Golden Gopher who impressed on Friday’s media-open session. Brosmer, who excelled at New Hampshire and had a solid 2024 in the Big Ten, drew praise from O’Connell. “He’s smart, has a strong arm, and could challenge Brett Rypien for the QB3 spot,” Campbell said, comparing him to former Viking Taylor Heinicke.

Daniel Jones Contract Drama

The Vikings’ pursuit of Daniel Jones as a 2025 backup quarterback took a dramatic turn. Initially, the team offered Jones a contract to compete with McCarthy, but they pulled it after sensing his lack of commitment. Jones signed a one-year, $14 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts, where he has a clearer path to starting behind Anthony Richardson.

“From Jones’ perspective, it makes sense,” Campbell said. “He’s 28, always been a starter, and sees no path to playing in Minnesota unless McCarthy flops or gets hurt.”

Stefano agreed, calling it a “business decision.” “He took less money to chase a starting job. I wish him luck, but this is J.J.’s team.”

Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason Workload

O’Connell’s plan to improve the run game includes reducing Aaron Jones’ workload, which hit a career-high 306 touches in 2024. The trade for Jordan Mason aims to create a dynamic backfield tandem, with Mason handling short-yardage, goal-line, and pass-catching roles.

“Jones only had 20-plus carries in three games last year, not exactly Adrian Peterson numbers,” Campbell noted. “But when he was out, the offense struggled. Mason’s a battering ram who can earn more carries.”

Stefano highlighted O’Connell’s running back rotation pattern: “RB1 gets the first two series, RB2 comes in for the third. Mason’s an upgrade over Ty Chandler and Cam Akers, but he needs more than six or seven carries to make an impact.”

The hosts speculated on a 60-70% (Jones) to 30-40% (Mason) snap split, bolstered by the improved offensive line. “If Mason plays like he did in San Francisco, we’ll see longer drives and a better offense,” Campbell predicted.

Theme 3: NFL Draft Reality Check

With the 2025 NFL Draft two weeks in the rearview, Campbell conducted a reality check by analyzing Vikings drafts from 2012-2021 under former GM Rick Spielman. His goal: set realistic expectations for the 2025 class of five draftees—Donovan Jackson, Tai Felton, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Kobe King, and Gavin Bartholomew.

“I’m a glass-half-full guy with draft picks, dreaming of Hall of Famers,” Campbell admitted. “But most drafts only produce one or two starters, and even fewer get second contracts.”

Draft Trends: 2012-2021

Over the 10-year period, the Vikings drafted 104 players, averaging 10 per draft. Spielman’s philosophy was quantity, often selecting eight or more players, including a league-high 25 seventh-rounders. By contrast, current GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah prioritizes quality over quantity.

Of the 104 draftees, 39 (38%) became starters, defined as players named starters at the season’s start or who earned the role through competition, not injury. This included punter Jeff Locke and kicker Blair Walsh. Notably, 56% of starters (22 players) came from Rounds 1-3, despite these rounds accounting for only 28% of picks (29 selections). Rounds 4-7 produced 17 starters (44%), but with 75 picks, only 23% of these later-round selections started.

“First and second rounders almost always started—12 of 14 first-rounders and five of six second-rounders,” Campbell said. “The exceptions were Laquon Treadwell, Jeff Gladney, and Mackensie Alexander [who played a lot as a nickel corner] but never started.”

Only 18 players (17%) signed second contracts with the Vikings, mostly from Rounds 1-2. The lone seventh-round success was defensive tackle Shamar Stephen, a starter who earned a second deal.

Implications for 2025

For the 2025 draft class, Campbell’s analysis suggests Donovan Jackson (Round 1) and Tai Felton (Round 3) have the best chance to become starters and potentially earn second contracts. Day-three picks Ingram-Dawkins, King, and Bartholomew face longer odds, though positive buzz surrounds them.

“The odds of day-three guys having the impact of Jackson or Felton are remote,” Campbell cautioned. “But look at Stefon Diggs, a fifth-rounder who became an All-Pro. It’s possible.”

Stefano agreed, noting the draft’s ski-jump curve: “First-rounders have a 50-60% chance of making it, second-rounders 20%, and it drops from there. Two starters from this class would be solid.”

Looking Ahead: Accountability and ExpectationsThe episode closed with a discussion on O’Connell’s accountability, prompted by commenter “Tbass.” After a blowout playoff loss to the Rams in 2024, the honeymoon period may be over. Campbell suggested that another early playoff exit in 2025 could raise questions about O’Connell’s postseason prowess.

“If we get thumped again, people will ask if KOC’s style works in the playoffs,” Campbell said. “He’s had excuses—Kirk Cousins, injuries, Sam Darnold—but now it’s his hand-picked QB and a stacked roster.”

Stefano referenced a study he conducted during Mike Zimmer’s tenure: “Most Super Bowl-winning coaches do it within five years. KOC’s on the clock, but a second-year QB gives him some leeway.”

As the Vikings prepare for their 2025 opener against the Detroit Lions, the expectations are clear: a playoff berth, a deep postseason run, and a step toward elite status. With McCarthy at the helm, a fortified roster, and O’Connell’s leadership, the pieces are in place. The question remains: can KOC deliver?

“We’ve addressed every major weakness,” Stefano said. “Now it’s put-up-or-shut-up time. SKOL Vikings!”

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Join the SKOL ChantThe Two Old Bloggers episode offers a compelling roadmap for the Vikings’ 2025 season, blending optimism with pragmatism. From O’Connell’s elite aspirations to McCarthy’s potential and the draft’s realities, Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano provide fans with a passionate, insightful analysis. As the Vikings gear up to face the Lions, this episode is a must-watch for anyone invested in the Purple and Gold’s journey.

Tune in to Vikings 1st & SKOL on YouTube, subscribe, and join the SKOL chant in the comments. Will 2025 be the year the Vikings become NFL elite? Let Darren and Dave guide you through the quest!

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