We've got 25 years of data to choose from.
Re-drafting previous classes is a fun exercise. For one, checking your work and players whom you were either too high or too low on makes for a fun lesson. Also, history can indicate traits and positions certain organizations are after.
What are the Vikings' best and worst draft picks from 2000?
Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports took the time to evaluate each team and their best and worst draft picks.
Minnesota Vikings
Best pick: RB Adrian Peterson (No. 7 overall, 2007)
The Vikings have had some impressive picks, but the obvious pick is Peterson, who -- along with LaDainian Tomlinson and Derrick Henry -- is among the greatest running backs of all-time. The last non-quarterback to win league MVP, Peterson's 2,097 rushing yards in 2012, represent the second-highest single-season total in NFL history.
While Peterson beat him out, Justin Jefferson is quickly making his case as being the best receiver of his era. Despite not having elite quarterback play in Minnesota, Jefferson racked up 8,480 receiving yards during his first six seasons, the most in NFL history during a player's first six seasons.
Worst pick: QB J.J. McCarthy (No. 10 overall, 2024)
A year after drafting McCarthy (who missed his entire rookie season with an injury), the Vikings allowed Sam Darnold to test the open market, then watched as Darnold won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks. McCarthy, meanwhile, delivered a forgettable 2025 season that saw him complete less than 58% of his passes with more interceptions (12) than touchdown passes (11). His struggles last season compelled the Vikings to go out and sign Kyler Murray.
It's going to be hard to top Peterson, but Jefferson is on that trajectory and will likely be the best draft pick in the 2000s and possibly ever. In 2007, there was no discussion about positional value. The Vikings selected Peterson and rightfully were high-fiving each other in the war room.
The label of worst pick is harsh, but given the stakes of the pick and the result of Darnold leaving and McCarthy starting, it may be earned. His 2025 season was so bad that the Vikings needed to chase Kyler Murray and basically bench McCarthy before any camp competition began.
There is time for McCarthy to turn that label around, but it's an uphill battle with Murray penciled in as the starter and Carson Wentz returning as the backup. However, it may be too late to shake the label since last year was so disappointing for a win-now team.