Dive into the NFL Draft’s toughest debate: The Minnesota Vikings face a critical defensive tackle decision in the 2025 NFL Draft. On this episode of The Real Forno Show, Tyler Forness and CBS Sports analyst JP Acosta break down how to evaluate defensive linemen, weighing pass rush upside against run-stopping ability for Brian Flores’ defense.
Expert Insights on Vikings’ Defensive Needs
The Vikings’ defensive tackle situation presents an intriguing puzzle. Despite ranking 13th in rush defense without a traditional nose tackle last season, questions remain about whether Minnesota should prioritize the position at pick 18.
JP Acosta explains the evaluation framework: “Run defense will set your floor, but I do think pass rush sets the ceiling. That’s how you extrapolate between all these great one techs that we have entering the draft.”
The discussion centers on several elite prospects including Caleb Banks (6’6”, 335 lbs), Kayden McDonald, Lee Hunter, and Peter Woods. Banks emerges as a unique talent who could provide both elite run defense and pass rush versatility.
Tyler Forness raises the value question: “The difference between 18 and 97 is significantly higher than you would get from McDonald to [Tim] Keenan. Where do you land on that?”
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
- Run Defense Sets the Floor, Pass Rush Sets the Ceiling – Elite run stoppers get drafted, but pass rush ability determines how high they go
- Caleb Banks is the Most Complete Prospect – His 35-inch arms and rare blend of size and athleticism make him the top defensive tackle in this class
- Brian Flores’ Defense Values Gap-Stealing Over Traditional Edge-Setting – The Vikings’ scheme prioritizes penetration and movement over pure power
- Kayden McDonald’s First-Round Stock is Rising – Already fifth in mock draft selections through six weeks despite limited pass rush production
- The 2025 DT Class Mirrors Running Backs from Five Years Ago – Nose tackles may be valued higher than traditional wisdom suggests due to NFL trends favoring run-heavy offenses
- Peter Woods’ 2025 Tape Raises Red Flags – His apparent lack of effort after the LSU game will be a major pre-draft question
- Lee Hunter Offers the Best Pass Rush Upside Among True Nose Tackles – Compared to Vikings legend Pat Williams for his run-stopping ability with added pass rush potential
- Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo Safety) Could Fill the Harrison Smith Role – His 6’3” frame, ball production, and versatility fit perfectly in Flores’ system
The Vikings’ Defensive Philosophy
Acosta provides crucial context for understanding Minnesota’s needs: “When you look at how the Vikings played against teams that got big against them, when they played against teams that ran a lot of 12, 13 [personnel], that’s where you start to see a little bit more cracks come up in that run defense.”
The conversation reveals that while the Vikings finished with a top-five overall defense, their approach to stopping the run differs from traditional methods. Rather than asking edge rushers to set the edge, Flores’ system emphasizes gap penetration and movement.
On the evolution of defensive tackle value, Acosta notes: “Everybody wants to do what Mike McDonald just did in Seattle. Everybody wants that, but in order to do that, you have to have the defensive tackles and the defensive lineman capable of cratering offensive lineman.”
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Closing Thoughts
The Real Forno Show delivers essential draft analysis for Vikings fans eager to understand how Minnesota might approach the defensive line in April. With the NFL trending toward run-heavy offenses and teams playing more two-high safety looks, the value of dominant defensive tackles has never been higher.
Whether the Vikings select a player like Caleb Banks at 18 or wait until day two for a run-stuffer like Tim Keenan, this episode provides the framework for evaluating every defensive lineman in the 2025 class.
Fan With Us!!!
Guest JP Acosta @acosta32_jp of CBS Sports @CBSSports joins 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.
As Minnesota eyes a defensive rebuild, what do you think:
Which defensive tackle would you most like to see the Vikings draft, and do you prioritize pass rush or run defense?
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