Let’s dive into our analysis of the Vikings’ draft picks in 2024. Bookmark this page for updates throughout the 2024 NFL Draft. We’ll also have prospect profiles on the top picks of the Vikings draft class.

Related: Biggest winners from NFL Draft, including Minnesota Vikings

Vikings draft analysis 2024: Pick-by-pick analysis of the Vikings draft class

Round 1, 10th overall: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

They may have had to slightly trade up to do so, the Vikings landing McCarthy presumably gets Kevin O’Connell one of his top targets in the NFL Draft. There was plenty of smoke linking the front office to the Michigan national champion, and mostly allowing the draft board to fall their way allowed the Vikings to strike quickly before another team like the Broncos or Raiders to leap forward.

As to McCarthy’s upside, it’s that of a potential top-10 quarterback, bringing a brilliant offensive mind to match wits with O’Connell. McCarthy can make all the throws, and his above-average athleticism will impress those who criticized Kirk Cousins for a lack of mobility in and out of the pocket.

• Grade: B+

Any quarterback who joined this offense had a strong chance to be successful, and McCarthy’s no different. Hyped as a strong locker room leader, McCarthy will be like Cousins in the sense that he’ll be more than willing to dive into the playbook and be prepared for all scenarios on gameday.

One of the most fascinating tidbits about McCarthy was revealed during the pre-draft process, where an anonymous current NFL scout provided a brief glimpse into what made the Michigan QB different than his peers.

“Before he signed, he was telling other Michigan recruits that if they wanted to party and chase girls, go somewhere else. His class was going to be the one that restored Michigan. To have that mentality and actually achieve it? He’s different.”

Anonymous current NFL scout on J.J. McCarthy’s leadership

If that’s the type of dedication Kwesi Adofo-Mensah just injected into the locker room, Minnesota Vikings fans will be very happy with the results.

Related: Vikings Trade Up Again in 1st Round, Select EDGE Dallas Turner (Alabama)

Round 1, 17th overall: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

Wow. A player who many had projected to be the Falcons’ eighth overall pick slipped into the teens, and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah just couldn’t wait any longer. He pounced up the draft board by coughing up a few extra picks to slide up six picks for who many expected to be the first edge rusher selected in the NFL Draft.

• Grade: A-

While many felt the Vikings already addressed the pass-rushing void left vacant by Danielle Hunter and D.J. Wonnum’s departure, Turner is a 1-for-1 replacement for their former 4x Pro Bowl sack master. Like Hunter, Turner is a freak of nature who clocked a 4.46 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Turner still needs to improve as a run defender, but Brian Flores will find a way to weaponize his new toy as a pass rusher right away.

Related: Why the Minnesota Vikings should trade up for quarterback J.J. McCarthy

Round 4, 108th overall: Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon

Brian Flores gets a massive cornerback to develop with the 6-foot-4, 194-pound project out of Oregon. At that size, running a 4.5-second 40-yard dash is impressive, but he also recorded three interceptions last season for the Ducks, showing he has ball skills, size, and athleticism.

• Grade: B-

Jackson was projected as a fourth-round pick, so this is expected value for the Vikings. Unlikely to be stranded on an island in coverage as a rookie, Jackson needs more time to develop his consistency, but he can excel in contested catch situations. Otherwise, Jackson may be relegated to special teams until proving he can handle a bigger role on defense. The Vikings needed more cornerback depth, so it’s hard to hate this pick. Obviously, Coach Flores sees something he likes in the big cornerback/safety prospect.

Related: Top Minnesota Vikings Moments in Team History

Round 6, 177th overall: Walter Rouse, OT, Oklahoma

A former left tackle for the Sooners, Walter Rouse didn’t allow any sacks during his final season at Oklahoma. He led all FBS tackles in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency at a near-perfect 99.3%, allowing just six pressures. At 6-foot-6, 313 pounds, Rouse seems fit to stay at tackle instead of competing at guard. Unlikely to see any starting snaps any time soon with the Vikings’ star tackle tandem locked in through 2025, Rouse’s role may be focused on trying to become the best swing tackle he can be for now. While Rouse needs to get stronger, he has the size and intelligence to develop into a capable player in time.

• Grade: C

Related: Vikings’ Trade Offer to Patriots for No. 3 Pick Revealed by NFL Insider

Round 6, 203rd overall: Will Reichard, K, Alabama

After scoring an FBS record 547 points in his career, Will Reichard is ready to take his talent to the NFL. Reichard boasts a strong leg that connected on 10 field goal kicks made from 50 or more yards during his Alabama career, but accuracy might be his better trait.

• Grade: B

Having missed just two extra points in 297 opportunities, Reichard brings a career 99.3% XP conversion rate to U.S. Bank Stadium, where he’ll now be allowed to kick indoors during home games. However, his 84% career field-goal percentage leaves some room for improvement in the pros. Still, after letting Greg Joseph test free agency, where he landed in Green Bay, the Vikings had a need for another kicker to compete with former XFL stud John Parker Romo.

Round 7, 230th overall: Michael Jurgens, iOL, Wake Forest

An interior offensive lineman with great size at 6-foot-4 3/4″, Michael Jurgens brings 34 games of starting experience from Wake Forest to Minnesota. While he played a bit of guard in college, most of his time came at center. An average athlete who needs to bulk up, Jurgens has been a plus pass protector who has shown promise as a run blocker too. The only issue here is Jurgens was viewed as an undrafted free agent, yet clearly the Vikings saw more potential, and at the 230th pick, you can’t really complain here.

• Grade: C

Round 7, 232nd overall: Levi Drake Rodriguez, DL, Texas A&M-Commerce

A classic ‘stump the truck’ pick, Levi Drake Rodriguez is not a very well-known prospect, which means one of the Vikings scouts saw something they liked. LDR is a 6-foot-2, 300-pound defensive tackle who boasts impressive upper-body strength and acceleration. Rodriguez has a nonstop motor, which could make him a disruptive player in the pros. With a desperate need for defensive line talent, taking a chance on a small-school project is exactly what the Vikings should do in the seventh round.

• Grade: C-

Related: Top 10 Minnesota Vikings QB Draft Picks of All-Time

Minnesota Vikings undrafted free agent signings

Here is a list of the Vikings’ undrafted free agent signings so far:

• Devron Harper, WR, Mercer
• Ty James, WR, Mercer
• Jeshaun Jones, WR, Maryland (ranked as 15th-best UDFA WR on NFL.com)
• Trey Knox, TE, South Carolina (2nd-best UDFA TE on NFL.com)
• Matt Cindric, OL, California (16th-best UDFA iOL on NFL.com)
• Jeremy Flax, OL, Kentucky (8th-best UDFA OT on NFL.com)
• Doug Nester, OL, West Virginia
• Spencer Rolland, OL, North Carolina (3rd-best UDFA OT) – Attended Apple Valley HS
• Taki Taimani, DL, Oregon (27th-best UDFA DT on NFL.com)
• Tyler Manoa, DL, Arizona
• Gabriel Murphy, OLB, UCLA (Best UDFA EDGE on NFL.com)
• Owen Porter, OLB, Marshall
• Bo Richter, OLB, Air Force
• Dallas Gant, LB, Toledo (10th-best UDFA LB on NFL.com)
• K.J. Cloyd, LB, Miami
• Donovan Manuel, LB, Florida International
• Dwight McGlothern, CB, Arkansas (8th-best UDFA CB on NFL.com)

Edge rusher Gabriel Murphy is a notable signing. The 6-foot-2, 247-pound pass rusher received a fifth-round grade from NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. PFF had Murphy as the fourth-best UDFA available, and cornerback Dwight McGlothern was 19th.

Minnesota Vikings draft grades 2024 – Draft grades from NFL experts

Both during and after the 2024 NFL Draft, you can find consensus draft grades on the Vikings draft class in 2024 right here. We’ll be using expert analysis from various top NFL outlets.

You can find our own Vikings draft analysis for every pick above.

• Fox Sports: B+ for McCarthy and Turner
• CBS Sports: McCarthy C+, Turner A
• Pro Football Focus: McCarthy (average), Turner (good)
• The Athletic: McCarthy A, Turner A
• USA Today: McCarthy B-, Turner B
• Yahoo Sports: B+

Related: Minnesota Vikings news and rumors

Minnesota Vikings draft picks 2024 – Live draft tracker

Here you can find our Vikings draft tracker 2024, containing every member of the Vikings draft class in 2024. Our pick-by-pick analysis and consensus Vikings draft grades can be found above.

• Round 1, 10th overall: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
• Round 1, 17th overall: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
• Round 4, 108th overall: Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon
• Round 6, 177th overall: Walter Rouse, OT, Oklahoma
• Round 6, 203rd overall: Will Reichard, K, Alabama
• Round 7, 230th overall: Michael Jurgens, iOL, Wake Forest
• Round 7, 232nd overall: Levi Drake Rodriguez, DL, Texas A&M-Commerce

Related: Top 10 Minnesota Vikings 1st Round Draft Picks of All-Time

Until then, all we can do is continue providing you with the latest Vikings draft rumors worth following, especially involving quarterbacks. We know Caleb Williams is off the board, and that the Vikings seem comfortable selecting any of the other top-three talents, between Jayden Daniels (LSU), Drake Maye (UNC), and J.J. McCarthy (Michigan).

But come on, even the Vikings’ leadership group, led by Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell, are human, right? Even if we’ll never learn who is atop the Vikings’ draft board, they must have a quarterback they prefer over the other options, and it appears they could have a more viable pather to the elite LSU talent than previously expected.

Jayden Daniels to Washington suddenly shaky

Last week, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio openly pondered whether the Washington Commanders are truly locked into selecting LSU’s Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick. Since then, it’s become a more and more popular question after ambiguous actions have been made by both parties in recent days.

The drama at No. 2 started heating up when Daniels’ agent, Ron Butler, started informing every NFL insider willing to pick up their phone that his client was set to meet with the Vikings, just one day after Washington brought in a quartet of top prospects (Daniels, McCarthy, Maye, Penix) simultaneously, during their top-30 visits this week.

Per @AdamSchefter, Jayden Daniels’ ‘group’ meeting with the #Commanders didn’t seem “particularly pleased with the process” and “thought it would be a visit just for him”.

Wonder what the #Vikings and Daniels talked about yesterday? 🤔👀pic.twitter.com/OUUtOjurKD

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) April 19, 2024

“It didn’t seem to go over too well with his agent who sounded off on social media that he didn’t seem particularly pleased with the process. Daniels thought it would be a visit for just him, but WAS essentially opened up the process.”

Adam Schefter – ESPN

Related: Patriots ‘Open for Business’ at No. 3, but Vikings are Only Team Interested

The narrative being pushed by Daniels’ own camp recently is that he didn’t appreciate being forced to compete with the those other QBs, this late in the draft process. He sees how the Bears have locked in on Caleb Williams and Jayden wants that same type of treatment in DC.

All of this Daniels (agent)-led subterfuge, has led to serious questions being raised around the league over whether or not Daniels still wants to play for the Commanders.

“The situation is prompting speculation in league circles that Daniels might not want to play for the Commanders. If that’s the case, would the Commanders still take him at No. 2?”

PFT’s Mike Florio on Jayden Daniels

See, now that’s fascinating. While Daniels likely wouldn’t want to pass up on the paycheck he’d receive as the No. 2 overall pick, it’s not ridiculous to think he’d simply prefer to play for a different team. And if Daniels slips past No. 2, guess who has (by far) the most capital to move up and get him?

"It has been tracking for Jayden Daniels to go at number two..

It feels like Jayden Daniels has an interest in being other places..

We’ll see what the Washington Commanders do with that information" ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive https://t.co/6pVLDVMIHO pic.twitter.com/U7nijL0ZQw

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 19, 2024

Could Jayden Daniels be forcing his way to Minnesota Vikings?

It’s not like all of this DC drama is going on, as the Vikings sit silently on the sideline. When Daniels’ agent got upset with the Commanders, he made sure everyone knew about Jayden’s meeting with the Vikings, not other teams.

If Daniels really doesn’t want to play in Washington anymore, it’s very possible a behind-the-scenes battle is taking place to ‘force’ his way to a more cushy landing spot in Minnesota. Don’t rule it out. The relationship between the Vikings and Daniels has been an interesting one from the start.

And when there’s this much money, fame and pride on the line, nothing can be ruled out. Plus, it wouldn’t be the first time. As we wrote about recently, both Eli Manning (2004) and John Elway (1983) successfully forced their way to other teams and it worked out in both cases.

Related: Vikings Trying to Complete Trade-Up Before Draft Night

And of all the QB hungry teams, Minnesota has the most to offer, by far. Not only do they boast the best receiver in the NFL, in fellow LSU alum Justin Jefferson, but the Vikings’ offensive roster also boasts a top tight end in T.J. Hockenson and one of the most talented sophomore wideouts in the league, Jordan Addison.

The offensive line also has a strong foundation too, with Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill at the two tackle spots (both under contract until at least 2025). And all that is before we get into the Kevin O’Connell and Josh McCown factor.

This is true. Stable offensive line with Christian Darrisaw as a long-term answer at left tackle. Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson to throw to. Kevin O'Connell calling the shots. An incredible situation. https://t.co/CtJza1n6gT

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 17, 2024

These are two highly respected offensive minds, thanks to their past experience as former NFL quarterbacks. That duo is expected to provide invaluable insight to whichever QB prospect holds the purple and gold jersey next Thursday night.

Related: Confirmed: Justin Jefferson is a No-Show at First Vikings Offseason Workout

We know there are still a few days to go before the first round kicks off, but things are definitely getting more interesting as the Vikings continue their chase for their next face of the franchise to partner with employee No. 18.

But let’s not forget how many positions could still use fixing by way of the draft. For example, they’ve signed and re-signed multiple players on the 3-4 defensive line, but all of those additions, including newly acquired Jonah Williams (Rams) and Jerry Tillery (Raiders), along with the re-signing of Jonathan Bullard would look much better on the final 53-man roster as depth pieces, than they would as starters.

Yes, the linebacker group looks vastly improved already, with the additions of Blake Cashman and Andrew Van Ginkel, that will surely make some mid-round decisions in the draft much easier. But they could still use a lot of help on the edge and in the middle with that group of four, too.

The Minnesota Vikings’ biggest area of immediate need on defense, as of March 19, is probably at cornerback, given that room still looks way too much like the one last season that ranked 24th in the league in pass yards allowed per game.

Mel Kiper has Minnesota Vikings staying patient for JJ McCarthy

And that’s where iconic NFL Draft Analyst Mel Kiper’s most recent mock draft (3.0) comes into play. Kiper isn’t sold on this idea that the Vikings have preordained plans to trade their two 1st-round picks to move up into the top-10 next month.

Related: Vikings Believe Sam Darnold Has Fixed Mechanical Issues and They Brought Proof

Instead, he has them standing pat at No. 11, where they wait patiently for JJ McCarthy (a QB they’ve scheduled a private workout with next week) to fall to them… something many draft gurus do not believe will be an option. While it seems more and more unlikely that McCarthy is still available past the top ten, Kiper warns of a scenario where the Vikings are unable to find a partner willing to tango in any sort of major trade up.

Remember, it takes two sides to make a trade. Would the Giants want to risk missing out on one of the top receivers? Would the Titans want to risk missing out on their preferred tackle? Would the Falcons or Bears want to risk not getting the edge rusher they like? There’s not an easy match, unless Minnesota is willing to give up a lot of future picks, which is certainly possible.

[McCarthy] has intriguing physical traits and can make every throw. Either way, if Minnesota really wants to try to move up in Round 1 for a quarterback, I could see it waiting until draft day to see how the board shakes out.

Mel Kiper – Mock Draft 3.0 (ESPN+)

Fortunately for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell, if the Vikings don’t have enough capital to move up… then it’s extremely unlikely other QB-hungry teams will have a move-up package that is any more enticing to offer rivals who hold the spots they covet (like the Cardinals and Chargers).

Related: Local NFL Insider Pretty Convinced Vikings Want Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye, Not JJ McCarthy

McCarthy is coming off of a national championship season where he threw for nearly 3000 yards and 22 touchdowns with only 4 interceptions on a 72% completion rate. He’s currently ranked as the No. 21 overall prospect on Kiper’s big board, but it’s expected that teams will take him in the top-5, if they have to.

With the No. 23 overall pick, Vikings select… Cooper DeJean – Iowa (?)

If Mel’s latest prediction were to end up correct, it would mean the Vikings get their QB of the future AND retain their newly acquired No. 23 overall pick to improve another area of the defense. But Kiper isn’t satisfied with just improving Minnesota’s defense with their second 1st round pick, he wants to help their special teams too… by adding top cornerback Cooper DeJean from Iowa.

If [the Vikings] are keeping this selection, they have to address a secondary that ranked 28th in passing yards allowed to receivers (3,019) last season. I like the front-seven additions of Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, but Minnesota hasn’t made moves at cornerback.

He’s a ball hawk — he had seven interceptions over his final 23 college games — with excellent technique. He also isn’t afraid of sticking his head in and making a tackle.

Mel Kiper – Mock Draft 3.0 (ESPN+)

DeJean, mostly know for his infamous “fair catch” signal, is one of the best corners in the class, and Kiper has him as the 4th corner to go, behind Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell, Alabama’s Terrion Arnold, and Clemson’s Nate Wiggins.

Related: Cooper DeJean Invalid Fair Catch was Correct Call But Kirk Ferentz is Crying Anyway

DeJean would add an immediate boost to an underwhelming Vikings cornerback group that could be vastly improved with a high end talent that immediately drops in as a CB1 or CB2. The newly turned 21-year-old playmaker nabbed 7 interceptions in his last 23 games as a Hawkeye.

Can’t lie… I absolutely love this idea of the #Vikings snagging Cooper DeJean at No. 23. pic.twitter.com/A2K1dBnjRK

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) March 19, 2024

He posted 41 tackles over the first ten games of Iowa’s 2023 season, before suffering a leg injury that ended his college career; an injury in which he is still recovering from.

Along with the additions in free agency up front of Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard, Dejean would be great final addition to strong defensive offseason. DeJean was also one of the best returners in college football, returning 21 punts for 241 yards and one score last year.

Related: Tyreek Hill Weighs in on Cooper DeJean Invalid Fair Catch vs Minnesota

The Vikings have a lot of questions to answer in an offseason that is the most important so far in General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensahs tenure in Minnesota. While a trade up is still possible and seems to be the most likely scenario, being able to find their future QB and adding to the defense while also retaining any future draft capital would be a big win for this Vikings front office

Still, neither of Minnesota’s two 1st-round picks (11, 23) is expected to be high enough to land the QB prospect Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell covet most. That means the Vikings will likely have to complete another blockbuster trade up the draft board to land someone like Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, or J.J. McCarthy.

What teams are Minnesota Vikings keeping on watch during draft?

So, if the plan is to trade up, which teams do the Vikings need to make sure they jump ahead of in order to make that happen? Here’s a quick snapshot of how the 2024 NFL Draft order stands right now:

1. Chicago Bears
2. Washington Commanders
3. New England Patriots
4. Arizona Cardinals
5. Los Angeles Chargers
6. New York Giants
7. Tennessee Titans
8. Atlanta Falcons
9. Chicago Bears
10. New York Jets
11. Minnesota Vikings
12. Denver Broncos
13. Las Vegas Raiders

Don’t expect anything in top four picks

We think we can cross both Chicago and Washington off the list right away now. Chances are, the Bears won’t pass up on the opportunity to draft Caleb Williams, who some regard as a ‘generational talent.’

The same likely goes for Washington, after they traded last year’s starter Sam Howell to Seattle, leaving Marcus Mariota as their top internal option. In other words, they have to go QB at No. 2, right? You’d think so… but NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah thinks the Commanders are more likely to trade back than the Patriots..

“I believe that it’s likely that Washington stays and takes one of those two guys. But I would think Washington, of the two, would be more likely to at least listen because of what they need on that roster and where they are.”

“Between those two, from Washington and New England, it feels to me like Washington would be the one that maybe would at least listen to what these offers are.”

Daniel Jeremiah on the Josh Gelb Show (quote via @vikesinsider – X)

There have been some reports swirling since the Vikings originally made their trade yesterday, that New England at No. 3 could be the team to partner with the Vikings. But does that make sense for the Patriots, who are in a similar situation to Washington (Mac Jones already traded, leaving the recently signed Jacoby Brissett and Bailey Zappe).

Related: Reports Suggest Vikings are Targeting Patriots’ No. 3 Overall Pick and… Drake Maye

Why would these teams pass on possible DUDES like Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye, in exchange for backup quarterbacks. This is supposed to be an all-time QB class. There’s a reason why we believe the Vikings are desperate to move up.

Opportunities at franchise-changing quarterbacks don’t come around very often, especially if you already hold a pick to take one, without leveraging future assets. In other words, I don’t expect the Patriots to move off from No. 3, just like I don’t expect the Commanders to move off of No 2.

Then, you get to Arizona, where Kyler Murray is entrenched as the franchise QB. Some experts see them as a perfect fit with the Vikings at No. 4 but you gotta have two to tango and if the Cardinals made a deal with the Vikings to move all the way back to 11, they will miss out on Marvin Harrison Jr.

The Cardinals may welcome another trade down the board to accumulate more first-rounders as they attempt to assemble difference-makers around Murray.

Jeff Howe – The Athletic

Sure, I get Howe’s point. But the Cardinals biggest need is at wide receiver, especially after letting Hollywood Brown sign in Kansas City. Harrison Jr is seen as the best non-QB prospect in the draft, a rare “sure thing”. Passing up on a sure thing at a position of need, especially a position as important as WR? That sounds like a great way to get fired. In other words, I’m not convinced the Cardinals want to make a deal with the Vikings either.

Positions 5-10 are all great landing spots for whoever wants QB most

To me, shit gets real at pick number 5. That’s where you start to get teams that are going to be most willing to trade back. At No. 5, the Los Angeles Chargers have Justin Herbert, who isn’t going anywhere.

No. 5 – Chargers: You can ignore those crazy crackpot theories that Jim Harbaugh is so in love with J.J. McCarthy that he could convince the GM to trade a proven commodity in Herbert for a chance to start over. It’s not happening. That’s why this is the first prime trade up partner for the Minnesota Vikings and could help explain yesterday’s trade.

The Chargers need to pull themselves out of salary cap hell and using more first round picks to fill positions of need with high-end, cheap talent seems like a great way to make that happen. In return, the Vikings get (likely) JJ McCarthy.

I talk this morning to people… JJ McCarthy could overtake Drake Maye – Mel Kiper Jr.

Giants may have to TRADE UP if they want JJ pic.twitter.com/f28ysptulV

— Marshall Green (@MarshallGreen_) March 8, 2024

No. 6 – Giants: There’s been a lot of talk about the Giants picking a QB at six, but we’re not buying those smokescreens. Again, they have far more pressing needs and they’ve openly committed to Daniel Jones for at least one more season. They’re blaming themselves for trying to ruin Jones, essentially. Here’s Giants co-owner John Mara explaining how his team has done everything possible to set up their young QB to fail.

Related: 2024 Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft – 3.0 w/Two First-Round Picks

#Giants co-owner John Mara on Daniel Jones: “We do feel Daniel can play. We’ve done everything possible to screw this kid up.”

Points to coaching/coordinator changes, O Line struggles. Says they need to get everything right around Jones and then make an “intelligent evaluation.”

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 26, 2022

After signing Jones to a $160-million contract last offseason, it would be maniacal to move on from him just 12 months later. Again, that’s how you get fired, real fast. Instead, expect the Giants to take the best receiver available to finally pair their dual-threat QB with a true threat, especially now that Saquon Barkley has left for greener pastures.

Otherwise, whichever rookie the Giants draft would be surrounded by an incompetent cast of skill position players, which again, would be setting him up to fail too.

Let’s get this out of the way: Daniel Jones is expected to be the New York Giants’ starting quarterback as soon as he’s healthy enough to assume the role.

The arrival of Drew Lock didn’t change that sentiment, though Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider surely added some confusion to the situation Thursday during a radio appearance on Seattle Sports 710AM.

Jeff Howe – The Athletic

No. 7 – Titans: At No. 7, the Titans are moving forward with Will Levis, who their GM traded up to select No. 33 overall in 2023. After showing positive signs across nine starts as a rookie, it’s far too early to move on from the 24-year-old now. They’re not even thinking about a QB yet.

No. 8 – Falcons: We know what the Falcons are in for. Kirk Cousins is the starter, and now they’ve traded places with the Vikings, where they’ll be heavily scouting quarterbacks for the next two to three years, but drafting one now is out of the question for a team that believes they can win now. This is another prime trade-down candidate.

Related: 10 Best Minnesota Vikings QBs of All-Time

No. 9 – Bears: We’ve seen Adofo-Mensah execute inner-division trades before, and while the fans don’t seem to understand it, there’s no reason not to negotiate. But the Bears aren’t taking another QB at No. 9. However, again, this could be a team who trades down, but they may see more value in grabbing one of the top offensive tackles, pass rushers, or receivers available.

No. 10 – Jets: The Jets have Aaron Rodgers, and we can’t imagine he’d be too happy seeing his team take a QB in the first-round when everyone knows their window to compete is very limited. We wouldn’t expect a trade down either, they’ll likely take the best prospect available, such as a wide receiver or pass rusher.

Then, we finally get to the Vikings, who could now be in a prime position to take a QB right here, but it’s not that simple. If there’s a prospect the front office is 100% convinced can be their next franchise QB, then they must do everything possible to land him, even trading up to ensure no one behind them jumps ahead.

Teams that may want to jump the Vikings for a QB

No. 12 – Broncos: At No. 12, we have the Denver Broncos, who are the most QB-needy team in the NFL right now. They’re not going into a season with Jarrett Stidham, who some call the NFL’s worst starting QB.

From the looks of things, #Broncos might be best served to see what kind of quarterback they get in the draft before looking again for a possible veteran quarterback. What's left now isn't any better than Jarrett Stidham, so they could evaluate him and the rookie in spring drills

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 14, 2024

Yet, after making blockbuster trades for Russell Wilson and Sean Payton, the Broncos may not have the draft capital to swing a massive move up the board. Owning picks 12 and 76 doesn’t come close to owning 11 and 23, as the Vikings do. The Broncos could always get aggressive and offer a future first-round pick too.

However, teams always value what you can offer them now over what gets delivered in the future, meaning the Vikings’ offer of two immediate first-round picks may be valued more than one now, and one later, depending on if the team they’re trading with is focused on winning now, or building for the future.

Related: Vikings Reportedly Offered Kirk Cousins a Multi-Year Deal with Guarantees in Year-2

No. 13 – Raiders: The same goes for the Raiders at No. 13. Gardner Minshew II and Aidan O’Connell are not the future in Las Vegas. Yet, since they’re so far back here in the draft, the Raiders didn’t have a choice but to make other plans in free agency.

#Raiders Decided with signing Minshew they're not mortgaging picks to trade into Top 3-5 for a QB. Even with the AP connections to Jayden Daniels, they'll look at Tier 2 QBs in Rd 2. Perhaps get creative if they like Penix or Bo Nix. 13, it's Corner or Texas DT Byron Murphy II.

— Chad Forbes (@NFLDraftBites) March 15, 2024

However, that doesn’t mean they won’t be one of the NFL’s most aggressive teams when considering a trade up. They have much more draft capital than the Broncos, possessing the 13th, 44th, and 77th pick, and if they toss in a future first, that’s a lot of ammo. But still not more than the Vikings’ offer of 11 + 23, plus whatever else Adofo-Mensah is willing to pay.

In summation, it’s hard to know exactly what will shake out between now and April 25, which might be why we saw a trade yesterday, but no additional trade up into the top-5, like many expected. The Vikings may have to move to #5… but there is a world where they only have to move a couple of spots, or they don’t have to move at all.

It’s a dangerous game, though. If you buy that there is a HUGE dropoff, after JJ McCarthy, then living in a world where someone surprises you or you’re outbid in a trade up by the Broncos, the Vikings would theoretically have a big problem on their hands, leaving them with lower tiered options such as Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix.

Minnesota Vikings make trade for additional 2024 1st round pick

On Friday morning, he appears to have made the first chess move of the 2024 NFL Draft, trading the 42nd overall pick, the 188th overall pick and next year’s 2nd round pick to the Houston Texans, in exchange for this year’s 23rd and 232nd overall picks. That means, the Minnesota Vikings now have two 1st round draft picks next month, No. 11 and 23.

Here we go. The Vikings have acquired the Texans' No. 23 overall pick in the draft.

Minnesota Gets:
23rd
232nd

Houston Gets:
42nd
188th
2nd in 2025

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) March 15, 2024

Will Kwesi use this additional 1st as currency to move up and take the Vikings’ QB of the future. That is obviously the expectation. But I’m sure he will tell you that he’s just trying to make this team better and he saw an opportunity to do that so he took it. Either way, this will light a fire under the fanbase and get them even more hyped up for April 25, no doubt.

The NFL draft kicks off on April 25th, leaving the Vikings front office a little over a month to decide their strategy. Will they target a guy that they are forced to trade up for or will they like one of the tier-two QBs, who will likely be available to them at No. 11, possibly later if they want to trade back?

This draft is seen as one of the best quarterback drafts in recent history and should present head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah numerous possibilities, depending on who they like. No matter which way you slice it, though, the 2024 NFL Draft will be one of the most important drafts in franchise history.

Minnesota Vikings Next QB Odds

We know the Vikings are going to select a quarterback early. The uncertainty lies in which quarterbacks they like and which they are comfortable entrusting the future of the organization with. The draft class features several talented quarterbacks, four of which are currently expected to go in the top-10: Caleb Williams (USC), Drake Maye (UNC), Jayden Daniels (LSU) and J.J. McCarthy (Michigan).

JJ McCarthy’s National Championship Season tape at Michigan 🔥〽️pic.twitter.com/65gjRCfDD0

— College Football Report (@CFBRep) March 12, 2024

The two quarterbacks currently viewed by draft experts as 2nd tier could go anywhere outside of the top-10, depending on how much the QB hungry teams (like the Vikings) value them one month from now. Those two guys are Bo Nix (Oregon) and Michael Penix Jr. (Washington).

Related: Dalton Risner is Struggling to Find Free Agent Suitors Again and He’s Tweeting About It

Whether Minnesota targets one of those top guys or decide to sit back and wait for Nix or Penix… there is a lot of risk involved. There’s no way to know which route the Vikings will travel. But one worthy indicator of what they might do comes in sportsbooks like DraftKings, which currently has Minnesota as a top-3 favorite to land all of the above QBs mentioned, outside of Drake Maye, who’s been falling down boards in recent days, leading his odds to be pulled until those rumors settle.

• J.J. McCarthy: +150 (1st)
• Bo Nix: +250 (2nd)
• Michael Penix Jr.: +300 (T-1st)
• Jayden Daniels: +600 (3rd)
• Caleb Williams: +1500 (3rd)
• Drake Maye: N/A

Odds via DraftKings

J.J. McCarthy is currently the favorite, of the top QBs, to be taken by the Vikings. The odds for McCarthy, Nix and Penix Jr, however, are all within 150 points of each other, meaning it’s still very possible that their next quarterback ends up being any of those three.

All options are still worth plus money, though, meaning the odds are stacked against you no matter who you bet on. That’s why the sportsbooks are offering you more money, if you win, than they will take from you, if you lose. For example, if you bet $100 on McCarthy, you would win $150. Bet $100 on Bo Nix tonight and you win $250, if he ends up being drafted by the Vikings, etc.

Related: Former Packers RB Aaron Jones is Signing with the Minnesota Vikings

Michael Penix Jr. is listed at +300 odds, which makes him less likely than either Nix or McCarthy but the Vikings are still tied as the most likely team to take him (Seattle is also +300). This again suggests that various outcomes are still possible.

Fuck it, let’s watch some Michael Penix Sugar Bowl highlights. Forever a legend pic.twitter.com/NWzyqhqvUa https://t.co/5R4e5iSdhy

— Mariners World Series (DAWGS BY A MILLION 😈) (@theREALkrini) January 13, 2024

The former Heisman winnerJayden Daniels has odds of +600 to land with the Vikings, making him the least likely of the five listed. The Commanders are favored to land him at -130 odds. Minnesota is +1500 to land Williams, meaning that is highly unlikely to happen… though they do have the 3rd best odds.

What to Expect in the 2024 NFL Draft

These odds confirm what we already expected to happen once Kirk Cousins left town. The Minnesota Vikings are drafting a quarterback next month. It’s just a matter of which one they prefer and how much draft capital they’re willing to give up to secure their guy.

Related: Danielle Hunter Signing with Houston Texans

While there may be a quarterback available at the 11th pick, there’s a chance they might not be satisfied with that option. The Vikings are likely to assess each team’s position on the draft board to determine where they need to be to select their preferred quarterback. This draft could be super exciting, and huge for the future of the organization.

Ty Chandler showed a lot of promise as a rookie. Kene Nwangwu and DeWayne McBride remain as depth options, and it’s possible Cam Akers returns too. But it’s hard to greatly improve a rushing offense that ranked 24th in yards per attempt if you don’t make any additions to the running back room.

3 Running Backs Minnesota Vikings should target this offseason

This is why the Vikings are expected to add RB talent through both the NFL Draft and in free agency. Here are three running backs that should be available for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to target, depending on what he and KOC are looking for.

Florida State’s Trey Benson Drafted as Vikings RB of Future

Back in 2016, the Vikings had an RB-by-committee approach. Realizing Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata weren’t getting the job done, the Vikings added Latavius Murray via free agency to hold down the starting role. But they also drafted Dalvin Cook out of Florida State 41st overall.

Related: 2024 Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft 2.0

Now, seven years later, the front office could draft another former Seminoles running back. Florida State’s Trey Benson packs a combination of speed, power, and agility into a 6-foot-1, 221-pound frame, and scouts view him as one of the best running backs in the 2024 draft class.

pic.twitter.com/9pyDoOaoBm

— go to ➡️ collegefootballnetwork.com (@PickettsPool) November 26, 2023

In 2022, Benson forced a whopping 79 missed tackles, which Pro Football Focus says was one of the highest rates they’ve ever recorded. Benson runs hard, makes defenders miss, and gets to the next level with ease. A projected Day 2 pick, draft experts expect him to develop into a three-down back at the next level.

Minnesota Vikings Get Cam Akers Back For A Bargain

While dreaming of signing the very best players is always fun, the Vikings have other, more pressing needs when free agency begins. This likely means, barring some big surprise, they’ll ignore some of the top free agent running backs available.

Related: Owner Reportedly Demands that Falcons Do Whatever it Takes to Land Kirk Cousins

But there is another player set for free agency who already knows the Vikings offense, and as we saw, Cam Akers can provide a spark too. While Akers tore his Achilles back in November, he’s expected to be healthy in time for the start of the regular season, yet he’ll also need a new contract first.

After previously tearing his Achilles with the Rams, this will be the second time Akers recovers from a major lower leg injury, but that could make the recovery process a bit smoother for the 24-year-old. The first time, he returned in just six months, helping the Rams secure a Super Bowl victory. But now he not only has the experience of understanding exactly what’s needed to overcome such an injury, he’ll also have more time to work his way back to his peak form.

If the plan is to stick with Ty Chandler while giving Nwangwu and McBride more opportunities, then bringing back a familiar face like Akers may be the most realistic option available. After all, he does seem intrigued with the idea of returning to Minnesota, which means he likely won’t require the Vikings to commit any guaranteed money to the former second-round pick.

Saquon Barkley Would Thrive in Kevin O’Connell’s Offense

While the Vikings could look to the draft to hope another young prospect develops into an impact player, with where the free agency running back market is today, they may be able to sign a proven commodity instead. While Saquon Barkley’s stock has taken a hit after fighting through injuries in 2020 and 2021, he’s since bounced back, producing over 1,000 yards from scrimmage each of the past two seasons.

Related: Kirk Cousins Shows Off His New “Grillz” and Justin Jefferson Approves

Yet, there’s still a sense that Barkley could produce more if he wasn’t running behind an ineffective Giants offensive line that allowed more sacks than any other team in the NFL this past season. Not to mention, there isn’t a Justin Jefferson-level talent, or anything close, in New York.

A lack of other playmakers leads to defenders swarming to No. 26 each time he touches the ball. That wouldn’t be the case in Minnesota, where suddenly the former No. 2 overall pick would nearly become an afterthought in an offense that features Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and Jordan Addison.

Saquon Barkley 2024 Team Odds

🏈 New York Giants +275
🏈 Tennessee Titans +500
🏈 Cincinnati Bengals +500
🏈 Philadelphia Eagles +700
🏈 Las Vegas Raiders +1000
🏈 Tampa Bay Buccaneers +1000
🏈 Minnesota Vikings +1250
🏈 The Field +1100https://t.co/BB9ZPd3BNv

— Bookies.com (@bookies) January 18, 2024

At his best, Barkley has it all, from the size, speed, and versatility to bowl over defenders or run excellent routes out of the backfield, where he’s viewed as a legitimate weapon in the passing game. However, his yards per carry did drop below four yards per attempt this past season.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Can Sign Cousins, Jefferson and Hunter Without Breaking Salary Cap Bank

The Vikings and other interested teams will have to determine whether the 26-year-old fell victim to the Giants’ ineffective offense or if he’s already somehow slowing down. We’ll put this blame on the Giants, considering they did have the third-worst scoring offense in the NFL.

The biggest question is, can the Vikings afford to add a premier talent like Barkley this offseason while having so many others to pay? He’d have to have a strong level of interest in Minnesota to begin with, much like how Patrick Peterson surprisingly sought out a chance to play for the Vikings.

Barkley will be the most expensive running back of the three on this list, obviously. There’s been an interest to return to the Giants, where he’s said he’d like to end his career, but if Barkley doesn’t get an offer to his liking, he could fall in love with Minnesota too.

Related: Beat Reporter Predicts Vikings Add 1st Round Pick in 2024 NFL Draft; Take QB of the Future

But there’s no doubt general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell are very seriously hunting for the Vikings’ next franchise QB, come April 25. As long as they identify and successfully target someone, the expectations is they’ll pull the trigger.

Now, in most personnel decisions, O’Connell is nothing more than a very heavy influencer on Minnesota Vikings roster decisions. Kwesi is the main decision maker, in that department. But not at the quarterback position. The belief is that KOC will hand-pick the organization’s next QB. It’s a big part of why he was hired.

What is Kevin O’Connell looking for in Minnesota Vikings next QB?

So… what is the Vikings’ head coach looking for while evaluating arm talent this spring? Let’s ask him. O’Connell did an interview on the Colin Cowherd Show a couple of years ago and he was asked what separates elite-caliber quarterbacks from those who are just mediocre or the guys who may get drafted high, but fizzle out.

According to KOC, there are two things that a QB has to possess, in order to have an elite ceiling. he looks for, one more well known than the other, that set really good quarterbacks apart from those that hold clipboards on the sideline for most of their professional careers (still not a bad gig if you can get it). They have to be (a) “naturally accurate, wake up out of bed in the morning and be able to throw the rock” and (b) have elite “big field vision”.

I always love this clip because Kevin O’Connell lays out what he values in a QB for the Vikings.

Talks a lot about accuracy, anticipation, being able to process and understand voids and leverages.

Might be a little clue into which QB’s they like 👀

pic.twitter.com/2MnS3TSknZ

— Matt Anderson (@MattAnderson_8) February 12, 2024

“The standard, because I’ve gone back and forth over through the years. But deep down inside, what plagued me the most as a player, was I was not naturally accurate enough throwing the football. Take arm strength, take some of the other traits we talk a lot about, fundamentals and techniques, how you deliver the football, rhythm and timing, your ability to be twitchy and speed it up when you have to… those are all great things. But when that rock leaves your hand, when you throw that football you have to be in control of it, at this level, and be able to put it where you want it and be able to do it in different rhythms and timings and anticipations…”

Kevin O’Connell – 2022 Interview with Colin Cowherd

Obviously, being accurate is a big deal, when it comes to being a good quarterback. But in the NFL, it goes to another level. You can’t just ‘see open receiver, hit open receiver’. The schemes are too good and defenders too talented.

Related: Patrick Reusse, Michael Rand Beg for Vikings to Ditch “Anti-Vaxxer” QB Kirk Cousins

The good NFL quarterbacks anticipate so well and they are so accurate that they see vacant windows of opportunity before they are there and they throw the ball into physical windows that are so precise and so small that they literally move receivers into open areas around them or into better positions to take on hits from defenders. That’s the type of accuracy that can’t be taught and the kind O’Connell says he was never gifted with.

KOC also looking for ‘big field’ vision

But the more underappreciated trait that KOC is looking for when he evaluates QBs is their “big field” vision, as he calls it. In other words, are their peripherals good enough to see receivers who aren’t in their direct line of sight? If so, does their brain process that information in a way that allows them to change their course of action fast enough? Can he sense pass rushers around him, while also feeling and manipulating the leverage of defenders in coverage?

“That’s where it leads me to the most underrated quality, that I think not a lot of people talk about and that’s big field vision. Being able to see — and it’s not always the tall guys because I was 6-5 and a lot of times I couldn’t see anything… umm, I am 6-5, I probably shouldn’t say ‘was’, even though I’m probably shrinking with all this stress.

But I’ll tell you this much, if guys can see and they can feel voids and vacancies and leverages and techniques, you know, and he’s accurate… guess what, we’re gonna be able to get the ball out and rhythm a lot. The pass rush may be humming but they’re not gonna get home in time, if you can anticipate and feel and see.”

Kevin O’Connell – 2022 Interview with Colin Cowherd

For those who do a lot of NFL Draft study, and believe they know whether or not each draft-eligible QB has the types of traits KOC is looking for, this video might help them narrow the list of passers they believe the Minnesota Vikings will be interested in, come April.

Related: How Byron Murphy II fits with the Minnesota Vikings

Previewing Minnesota’s offseason, Alec Lewis of The Athletic released his first team-specific 2024 NFL mock draft of the winter. While. he didn’t have the Vikings trading up into the top 5 for a quarterback, he did come away filling huge needs for Minnesota and swinging two trades.

Recent mock draft has Minnesota Vikings wheeling and dealing

With the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Lewis had the Vikings select Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Byron Murphy II. One of the early risers in the pre-draft process, Minnesota has already been connected to the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year with reports of interest from the Vikings front office.

As Lewis explains in his Vikings mock draft, Murphy would add much-needed help to the defensive interior and he fits the profile of what defensive coordinator Brian Flores wants in the trenches. While Murphy is underside (6-foot-1), he makes up for it with explosiveness. As Lewis notes, Minnesota last spent a first-round pick on a defensive tackle in 2013 (Sharrif Floyd).

After that pick is where things get interesting. Recognizing the team’s long-term uncertainty at quarterback, Lewis had the Vikings trade back into Round 1 for quarterback Bo Nix. It came at the cost of the 42nd overall pick, a 2024 fourth-round selection and a third-round pick in 2025.

Related: Minnesota Vikings report reveals team’s interest in 2024 QB class

Nix, an NCAA record-setter with the Oregon Ducks, has a wide draft range but the general consensus seems to be that he could be taken at the end of Round 1. In Lewis’ scenario, Minnesota lands its quarterback of the future without sacrificing its first- or second-round picks in 2025.

Lewis later has Minnesota package multiple Day 3 picks to move up in Round 5 to add an intriguing linebacker to the middle of Flores’ defense. While mock drafts are generally just a fun exercise, Lewis’ piece provides insight into one way Minnesota can reshape its roster through the NFL Draft.

Related: Elite 2024 NFL Draft QB Prospect Wants to Play for the Vikings

Then, there are those who believe the Vikings will take their quarterback of the future in the first round but that they’ll stay at 11 or possibly even trade back, and still get their guy.

Which seems to be what the two biggest sportsbooks in the country, DraftKings and FanDuel, see as the most likely outcome for Michigan QB JJ McCarthy. At DraftKings, the Minnesota Vikings are +350 to be McCarthy’s landing spot. The same outcome is +470 at FanDuel, still the best odds of any team.

Betting Favorites to Draft JJ McCarthy

Those who like JJ McCarthy believe that he’ll be a lot closer to the top of the draft than what he is currently being projected by most experts and that’s because he doesn’t have the overall numbers that Drake Maye and Caleb Williams have, mostly due to the pro-style, establish the run style offense that McCarthy played in under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan.

What would McCarthy bring to Minnesota Vikings?

That doesn’t mean his numbers are bad, though. As a two-year starter for the Wolverines, McCarthy threw for 5,710 yards (68.5%), 44 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He also ran for 508 yards and 8 touchdowns. He reached another level in his final season, though, pushing his completion percentage up to 72.3%, and absurd number for a starting QB at any level, but especially in the Big Ten.

Related: Jefferson Won’t Negotiate Until Vikings Resolve Cousins’ Future

The Minnesota Vikings are currently slotted exactly around the time that McCarthy is expected to come off the board, which is part of why they are favorites to land him. I would think it’d be very difficult for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell to turn down the type of high-ceiling, high-floor quarterback that the 21-year-old McCarthy projects to be, should he fall into their laps at No. 11.