Some positions need more help than others. While the Vikings have already addressed both the offensive and defensive lines, they remain on the hunt for more interior talent. Cornerback still needs plenty of help, too. Wide receiver, tight end and safety would all make some sense too, depending on who you ask. And we haven’t even touched on possible trade back scenarios.

Ohio State guard to the Minnesota Vikings

But in his most recent mock draft rendition, NFL Draft GOAT, Mel Kiper (ESPN) has the Minnesota Vikings sticking and picking at No. 24 overall. Their pick? Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson, a 6’4″ 315 lb beefeater originally from Cypress, TX that would likely signal the end for Blake Brandel at starting LG, completing the interior offensive line overhaul of 2025.

“Minnesota signed guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly away from the Colts. It’s a big improvement on the interior offensive line. Let’s take it a step further. Jackson would replace Blake Brandel at the other guard spot, and he has the versatility to kick outside if needed. He did so this past season when Josh Simmons got hurt for Ohio State. That seems relevant given left tackle Christian Darrisaw is recovering from a left knee injury. Jackson is a plug-and-play interior blocker with great agility and technique; he allowed four sacks over 40 career starts.”

Mel Kiper – ESPN

It’s fair that Minnesota’s decision in the first round could come down to a guard or cornerback. Kiper notes, “the Vikings do not have a second-round pick, but they could find a solid cornerback at the end of Round 3.” That would be the gamble they must be willing to take.

We don’t yet know if the Vikings will trade down, but that could be another avenue in which they accrue draft capital. Jackson spent four seasons with the Buckeyes and played 51 games at the collegiate level. He was ranked the second-best guard at the NFL Combine and earned a grade designating him as “a future plus starter.”

Ohio State OG/OT Donovan Jackson (#74, LT) IMO is the most fundamentally sound and NFL prepared player in this Draft. https://t.co/fhiTnT4n7g pic.twitter.com/nccbMQthPF

— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) April 7, 2025

Minnesota going with a guard in the first round would more than signify a commitment to new starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy. They also should fare better in the running game. Both outcomes are a positive for O’Connell’s offense and could vault them forward in 2025.

Is guard the right choice for MN Vikings?

The offensive line has been addressed substantially already. Do they feel that keeping Blake Brandel starting is stopping short of a necessary overhaul, or that he’s capable with new pieces around him? Cornerback, on the other hand, is potentially one starter short of being addressed.

Byron Murphy Jr. is back and will operate as the top cornerback. Isaiah Rodgers is a new free agent acquisition that will join him in the starting lineup. They lost Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin to free agency, and that means there is still one starting role they need to fill.

Related: Sportsbooks Not Buying the Draft Plans Kwesi and the MN Vikings are Selling…

Jeff Okudah recently signed as a depth addition. Nahshon Wright was waived and takes a name out of the room. There’s also Mekhi Blackmon who is returning after missing last season, and undrafted cornerback Dwight McGlothern Jr.

Maybe the board doesn’t put them in a position to grab a corner, but if a top option is there, it’s probably a spot they should seriously consider. A guard isn’t going to hurt either, but Minnesota has multiple avenues they could take.

Now that Cousins has packed his bags for Atlanta, not to mention trading for an extra first-round pick, all eyes turn to the NFL Draft for Vikings fans. Now general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is in a position to either trade up for a top QB or maintain flexibility to add two impact prospects in the first round.

• Minnesota Vikings’ draft position 2024: 11th and 23rd overall picks in first round

Zygi Wilf has made it clear that reaching the postseason is always the goal, and boasting two picks in the first round places the Vikings in a strong position to continue improving Kevin O’Connell’s roster this offseason.

Related: 2024 Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft Roundup

Minnesota Vikings Draft Picks 2024

Here are the nine draft selections the Vikings currently hold.

• Round 1, 11th overall
• Round 1, 23rd overall
• Round 4, 108th overall
• Round 4, 129th overall (via DET)
• Round 5, 157th overall (via CLE)
• Round 5, 167th overall (via KC)
• Round 6, 177th overall (via CAR)
• Round 7, 230th overall (via ATL, from CLE, ARZ)
• Round 7, 232nd overall (via ARZ)

The Vikings do not have their own third-round pick this season due to the T.J. Hockenson trade, which also gives them Detroit’s fourth-round pick in this year’s draft.

2024 Minnesota Vikings Draft Needs

Here are the 2024 Vikings team needs after the first wave of NFL free agency.

• QB
• DL
• OG
• EDGE
• CB
• WR
• RB
• LB

Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft

I used the Pro Football Focus NFL Draft simulator to assist with organization. This method provides a convenient tool to work through various draft scenarios, including trades. This Vikings mock draft will receive several updates throughout the offseason, leading up to April’s three-day event.

1st Round, 5th Overall*: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

• TRADE: Minnesota Vikings trade 11th and 23rd picks to the Los Angeles Chargers for 5th + 69th picks

First, let’s address the trade. Packaging 11 + 23 = 3,196 points in the Over The Cap NFL Draft trade value chart. The Vikings are exchanging those picks with the new-look Los Angeles Chargers for No. 5 plus the 69th overall pick, which equals 3,039 points, so in that sense, the Vikings lost this trade. Yet, if it means landing their QB of the future, we’ll consider it a massive win for KAM.

If the Vikings do move up, don’t expect the Patriots or Cardinals to want to move down. The Patriots can land their QB of the future, and the Cardinals can get arguably the best player in the draft in Marvin Harrison Jr. This allows the Vikings to work something out with the Chargers, who suddenly have several needs to fill after cutting bait on Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.

As to the J.J. McCarthy pick, he’s a player some scouts are falling in love with, and there are several reports indicating the Vikings could be part of that group. McCarthy didn’t get a chance to show he could lead a team with his arm consistently, but the leadership the 6-foot-2 QB displayed while helping Michigan win the CFP National Championship left a lasting impact.

A bit of a ‘raw’ prospect in the sense that his career could go either way, boom or bust, but the Vikings feel confident in their process, believing they can develop a QB with solid traits into a star. Possessing a mild amount of mobility plus a slightly above-average arm, McCarthy’s pro-style background should lead to a shorter learning curve, and the presence of Kevin O’Connell + Josh McCown will work wonders.

Related: Kwesi Trying to Sell Sam Darnold Propaganda Because What Other Choice Does He Have?

3rd Round, 69th Overall: T’Vondre Sweat, DL, Texas

Continuing the theme of free agency, there’s no doubt that addressing the defensive line is a top need this offseason, so don’t be surprised if the Vikings fill out the trenches with one of their first two picks.

While there’s another Texas Longhorns defensive tackle on NFL Draft radars in the first round (Byron Murphy II), T’Vondre Sweat is the next best thing. Sweat is listed at a monstrous 6-foot-4, 362 pounds, which he uses to create pressure up the middle while also clogging lanes in the running game.

Here’s a quick rep of Sweat during Senior Bowl practices, showing how effective his strength and low center of gravity can be in the trenches.

There's only so much you can do to slow down 360+ pounds.

T'Vondre Sweat is inevitable when he wants to be. pic.twitter.com/oWTi3pvjUj

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 31, 2024

That type of power definitely translates to the next level. If the Vikings could plug him into the middle of their defense, Brian Flores should have a much easier time creating pressure and patching up the run defense.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Next Franchise QB Odds, Following Kirk Cousins’ Departure

4th Round, 108th overall: Malik Washington, WR, Virginia

There are several different routes the Vikings could take on Day 3. If both the QB and DL needs are filled, it pretty much allows the front office to pick the best player available from here on out. Areas like cornerback could be addressed, but the Vikings already have three young, developing prospects here with Evans, Blackmon, and Booth. This feels like an area that needs to be addressed with another veteran if more help is brought on board.

Offensive guard is an area to watch, but there’s confidence that a deal can be worked out with Dalton Risner, eventually. That leaves the option to continue reinforcing the defensive line/pass rusher depth, or adding another weapon for their new young QB. We chose door No. 2.

At 5-foot-8, Malik Washington is not a player who will ever be expected to become a starter. After all, this is Day 3 of the NFL Draft. However, his skillset is ideal for the Vikings thanks to the presence of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, all that’s needed here is a slot weapon to replace K.J. Osborn. Washington is not a one-for-one replacement. He isn’t a strong run blocker, but the recently signed Trent Sherfield can fill that role on rushing downs and screens.

What makes Washington stand out is his speed and elite ability to change directions on a dime, making him perfect for the slot. The Vikings need someone who can be a speed demon who picks up yards after the catch, and Washington can fill that role with ease.

Malik Washington (#Virginia) among 2024 NFL Draft WRs:

📌 #2 Overall PFF Grade
📌 #2 PFF Grade vs Zone
📌 #2 PFF Grade vs Man
📌 #5 in Contested-Catch %
📌 #7 in Yards Per Route Run
📌 #1 in Slot Yards

In an elite WR class, guys like this are going under the radar. pic.twitter.com/DAeyBwEbyL

— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) March 15, 2024

Minnesota Vikings 7-Round Mock Draft 2024

Here is our full seven-round Vikings mock draft.

• 1st round, 5th overall: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
• 3rd round, 69th overall: T’Vondre Sweat, DL, Texas
• 4th round, 108th overall: Malik Washington, WR, Virginia
• 4th round, 129th overall: Mohamed Kamara, EDGE, Colorado State
• 5th round, 157th overall: Zak Zinter, OG, Michigan
• 5th round, 167th overall: Tarheeb Still, CB, Maryland
• 6th round, 177th overall: Erick All, TE, Iowa
• 7th round, 230th overall: Keith Randolph Jr., DL, Illinois
• 7th round, 232nd overall: Isaiah Davis, RB, South Dakota State

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

The NFL Draft is nearly upon us. The first round will take place in Cleveland one week from today and start at 7 PM. it’s become a can’t miss event for even the most average of NFL fans. And with every day that the draft gets closer, more and more mock drafts are uploaded onto the internet. We don’t know how many mocks the internet can hold, but the NFL blogging world is determined to find out.

Today, Bill Barnwell (ESPN) released a mock draft that consists of ALL trades. That’s right. Nobody takes an actual college player in this mock draft. It’s just about trades that might make sense for each team in the first round. Well, Bill went a bit off the rails with the Dallas Cowboys at #10 overall.

Barnwell trippin with this theory. pic.twitter.com/UtUqfVkYSJ

— Dustin Baker (@DustBaker) April 22, 2021

Disrespect

Can you imagine being so closed-minded, as an NFL analyst, that you’d believe Danielle Hunter is worth just a 2nd and 4th round pick in future drafts? If the Minnesota Vikings want to dangle Danielle Hunter in front of a team so they can move up in the first round then they’d better be shooting for higher than #10.

Why does everyone suddenly lose 200 IQ points whenever they talk about the Cowboys? This deal would get Rick Spielman fired and I’m not one to call for someone’s job but writing something like this should have ESPN second guessing Billy Barnwell’s employments status within their company.

This is better

Barnwell’s trade for the Vikings at #14 actually makes sense. Spielman trades back to #24 in the 1st round and gets the Pittsburgh’s 1st rounder in 2022. The Steelers get #14 and one of the Vikings four 4th rounders later in the 2021 draft.

Barnwell did ok for the #Vikings at #14 tho… pic.twitter.com/vwKjqQPTWw

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) April 22, 2021

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

The Minnesota Vikings’ season is now over, which means that hope has been restored. It’s draft season! The Vikings landed the 14th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, after the dust settled on week 17.

It’s not a great draft spot, but nobody thought pick 21 would bear Rookie of the Year fruit in 2020 either. Yet, here we are. The #14 pick doesn’t guarantee success, but it’s the earliest draft slot the Vikings have sat in since 2015, when they took Trae Waynes at #11. Anthony Barr was selected at #9 in 2014.

Justin Herbert x Justin Jefferson

Two elite talents, but who do you have bringing home the NFL OROY award? ???? pic.twitter.com/XQe76Lksd0

— ESPN (@espn) January 5, 2021

2021 ‘It’s Never Too Early’ Mock Drafts

The NFL Draft is months away (April 29) but 2021 mocks are already running amuck across the internet. And if the “experts” are going to make the mock drafts, we might as well tally their picks for the Minnesota Vikings.

Now that the first 18 slots of the NFL draft are filled, media outlets are updating their mock draft boards to reflect the official order. Here are many of the mainstream mock drafts that have been updated since the season finished. Obviously, they all have the Vikings drafting at #14.

Notice any trends?

EDGE rusher is the likely bet early

Given how bad the Minnesota Vikings pass rush was in 2020 (30th by ESPN in win-rate), plus the looming Danielle Hunter situation, it makes sense that edge would be a common position linked to #14 in early mock drafts.

Both Gregory Rousseau and Kwity Paye are high-ceiling EDGE rushers who are expected to be available from slots 10-15 in the first round. The first round looks like it will unfold in QB/WR-heavy way early, meaning the Vikings could get their pick of EDGE rushers.

This team still wants to be in “win now” mode and needs more talent added on defense. Expect an immediate impact player, which Rousseau and Paye should be.

Gregory Rousseau, Edge, Miami – The Favorite

The Vikings had an absolutely abysmal pass rush this past season, ranking 30th in league win rate (ESPN) and that was largely due to the lack of talent on the front-4. Danielle Hunter is set to return next year at one EDGE position and Gregory Rousseau would be a great Robin to Hunter’s Batman.

He’s massive, coming in at anywhere between 6-4; 260 lbs to 6-5; 275 lbs, depending on who you ask. He’s a freak of nature type talent that Mike Zimmer would love to add to his defense’ pass rush attack.

But, nobody was able to watch Rousseau play in 2020 because he opted out of playing this season with the Canes, choosing instead to prep for the draft. Could that make a difference? We may never know.

Or… maybe his replacement, if offseason relations between Hunter and the Vikings goes bad.

The Vikings are a team in transition after saying goodbye to some key veterans in recent years and restocking the roster through the draft. Minnesota is loaded with draft capital once again in 2021 and it’s important for the early picks to be used on high-upside prospects at premium positions. While Rousseau has plenty of room to improve technically to take advantage of his physical gifts, he’s a high-ceiling defensive lineman that has the potential to become a difference-maker in the NFL if everything comes together.

Joe Marino – The Draft Network

Kwity Paye, Edge, Michigan – The Early Underdog

In their most recent mock draft, Tankathon.com goes away from the other outlets listed above and have the Vikings taking (EDGE) Kwity Paye, out of Michigan over the consensus favorite, Gregory Rousseau. Tankathon isn’t the only outlet with that opinion.

Quick note: If you’re a Minnesota sports fan, Tankathon.com should really be bookmarked on your favorite device. It’s the only thing that keeps me going as the Vikings, Wolves, and Wild fall apart year after year.

Bleacher Report has also linked Paye to Minnesota recently. BR thinks he would be more of an immediate impact than Rousseau. The Draft Network’s Jordan Reid also believes Paye could give Rousseau a run for his money, as far as top EDGE rusher in this draft.

Here are highlight videos for both EDGE rushers above.

Cooper Carlson and Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Rashod Bateman is no stranger to Minnesota Gopher football fans. In his first two seasons wearing maroon and gold, he’s piled up 111 receptions, 1923 yards and 17 touchdowns. Entering his Junior season, he already sits in the Gophers’ top-10 all-time, for both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. By the end of 2020, he’ll probably be the best we’ve ever seen lineup out wide, on any Gopher offense…

After his bust out 2019 campaign, the rest of the nation is starting to take notice. The Honey Badger, Tyrann Mathieu, took to Twitter last week and wondered out loud how Bateman landed way up in Minnesota. FanDuel lists the Gopher WR as a dark horse candidate (+10000) to be the #1 overall pick in next year’s draft. Then just this morning, the independent NFL Draft scout OG, Mel Kiper (ESPN), listed Rashod Bateman #8 on his Top-25 2021 Big Board.

Bateman was a yards-after-catch dynamo last season, catching 60 balls for 1,219 yards (20.3 YPC) with 11 touchdowns. At 6-foot-2 with long arms, he has the length to go and get the ball in traffic. He tracks the ball well on deep throws. He has great hands. Check out the footwork on this TD catch. I’m really excited to see another year of Tanner Morgan throwing passes to Bateman, who should put up huge numbers in 2020.

Mel Kiper – ESPN

Sunday, Jordan Reid of TheDraftNetwork.com was also tweeting about how much he liked Rashod.

Rashod Bateman, WR, #Minnesota:

• Ball plucker (++)
• Route salesman (++)
• PhD level understanding of leverage
• Violent jab steps to create space (+)
• Excellent field awareness
• Full throttle routes all the time
• Build up speed/runway runner pic.twitter.com/5L9acf4g5H

— Jordan Reid (@JReidNFL) May 2, 2020

They aren’t the only ones though… the World Wide Web of NFL mock draft enthusiasts are all over Bateman too. Even Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, who had a personal vendetta against Tyler Johnson, is mocking Rashod Bateman at #15 overall to the Titans. If Miller is in on a WR from Minnesota, then you know something serious is brewing.

Now that Tyler Johnson has graduated and been drafted to the NFL, we’ll see what happens to Bateman’s numbers. Being the obvious #1 comes with it’s benefits and challenges. We know it will benefit Bateman, to be the obvious go-to guy entering every game.

However, defensive coordinators clearly struggled last year, having to decide whether to focus their coverage schemes around Johnson or Bateman. That’s why you often saw the stats of both players fluctuate adversely. 

The entire defensive game plan against the Gophers in 2020 will now center around Rashod Bateman. He will be the #1, #2 and #3 focus for every defensive coordinator on the schedule (whenever it is played) until PJ and Co. show something else.

That will have its negative side effects too. Don’t get me wrong, Bateman will get his touches no matter what… but how do they come, is the question…? Honestly, I just feel like I should cover all bases because I believe Bateman is going to be a MONSTER this season.

It’s a good thing PJ Fleck is blazing new trails in recruiting, early on this summer. He’s going to need all of those stars to replace the increasing amount of team staples he will start losing to the NFL Draft, as the Gophers improve their profile nationally and win more games more often.

via GIPHY

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan