Oregon quarterback Bo Nix throws down field against Oregon State during the second quarter at Autzen Stadium Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 in Eugene. - Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK
Coming off a 7-10 season, the Minnesota Vikings have several positions to fill if they want to return to the NFL elite. Particularly on the defensive side of the ball, where defensive coordinator Brian Flores performed magic with his personnel for most of the season. The fact that the defense fell apart at the end of season is not about Flores. It had more to do with injuries and insufficient talent.
Vikings Retain Cousins
On offense, for the purposes of this draft, I am going to assume that the Vikings resign quarterback Kirk Cousins to a new two-year contract. That will alleviate the need to trade for another quarterback which would be a setback for the team. It also means that if they acquire their future quarterback in the upcoming draft, he won’t be thrown in to the fire right away. And they can also give him time to develop and mature.
Draft for Depth on Offense
So offensively, the Vikings needs on offense are more for depth purposes. Another interior lineman or two to put some pressure on Dalton Risner, Garrett Bradbury, and Ed Ingram whose play has been inconsistent. Perhaps they could use another wide receiver to make up for the probable exit of K.J. Osborn. A third running back or a tight end due to T. J. Hockenson’s unknown return date as he recovers from off-season knee surgery are also possibilities.
Vikings 2024 Draft Positions and Player Possibilities
Here is the Minnesota Vikings’ 2024 NFL Draft order of picks. The picks are listed as they currently stand. I will share a mock draft further on in the article to reveal what decisions I think they actually will make. I have added short commentary after every pick to indicate who they might select at this spot.
First Round-Pick 11: If Quarterback Jayden Daniel out of LSU is still available here, he will be the Vikings’ selection. Otherwise, keep an eye out for Clemson Cornerback Nate Wiggins or Edge Dallas Turner from Alabama.
Second Round-Pick 42: If the Vikings do not select a quarterback in the first round, Michael Penix Jr. from Washington might be available here. If they do pick a quarterback first, Edges Chop Robinson out of Penn State or Chris Braswell from Alabama would fit nicely at this spot.
Fourth Round-Pick 108: The Vikings are woefully short at the cornerback position so names to look for here include Cam Hart, University of Notre Dame and Johnny Dixon from the Nittany Lions.
Fourth Round-Pick 129 (from Detroit): There is a big need in Minnesota for a run stopping defensive tackle. Despite this, I believe the Vikings will select a safety to preserve their three-safety formation. Keep an eye out for Tykee Smith from Georgia or Beau Brade out of Maryland.
And the Vikings Continue to Draft Heavy on Defense
Fifth Round-Pick 155 (from Cleveland): Tackle Justin Eboigbe from the Crimson Tide is the run stopper the Vikings have been seeking.
Fifth Round-Pick 165 (from Kansas City): There’s a good chance inside linebacker Jordan Hicks will be exiting the team. So, this seems like a good spot to choose a player at that position. Possible selections include Missouri’s Ty’Ron Hopper or Nathaniel Watson out of Mississippi State.
A Couple of Offensive Players to Round Out the Draft
Sixth Round-Pick 178 (from Carolina): Lacking some depth at running back, a good choice for the Vikings at this selection would be Jawhar Jordan from Louisville.
Sixth Round-Pick 189 (From Las Vegas): Finally, to replace Osborn, the Vikings will use their last pick on a wide receiver. Options here include Tulane’s Jha’Quan Jackson or the Longhorn’s Jordan Whittington.
Mock Draft
These are the Minnesota Vikings draft positions for the 2024 NFL Draft. These are subject to change due to possible trades. All of the following trades that are listed below were the result of offers made to the Vikings in this mock draft.
First Round-Pick 11: Traded to Jacksonville for Picks 17 & 48 in the 2024 Draft.
First Round Pick 17: Traded to Houston along with Pick 165 for Picks 23 & 59 in the 2024 Draft.
First Round Pick 23: Traded to Detroit along with Pick 129 for Picks 29 & 61.
The Vikings Finally Make Their First Selection
First Round Pick 29: Vikings select Bo Nix, Quarterback, University of Oregon.
Second Round Pick 42: Traded to the Los Angeles Rams along with Pick 178 for Picks 52 & 83 in the 2024 Draft.
Second Round Pick 48: Vikings select T.J. Tampa, Cornerback, Iowa State.
Second Round Pick 52: Traded to Cleveland along with Pick 227 for Picks 54 & 134 in the 2024 Draft.
Vikings Select Another Duck
Second Round Pick 54: Vikings select Brandon Dorius, Edge, Oregon.
Second Round Pick 59: Vikings select Leonard Taylor, Defensive Tackle, University of Miami.
Second Round Pick 61: Vikings select Cedric Gray, Linebacker, North Carolina.
Third Round Pick 83: Vikings select Javon Bullard, Safety, Georgia.
Fourth Round Pick 108: Vikings select Will Shipley, Running Back, Clemson.
Fifth Round Pick 134: Vikings select Jared Wiley, Tight End, TCU.
Fifth Round Pick 155: Viking select Brenden Rice, Wide Receiver, USC.
If the results of the Minnesota Vikings draft even closely resemble this mock draft, coach Kevin O’Connell and the team would be very happy with their choices. They started the draft with two selections in the first two rounds. They end this mock draft with five selections in the first two rounds. The team addressed all of their defensive needs early on and they added some important depth players on offense.
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