Moving On To Move Ahead – Minnesota Vikings 2024 Draft Profile

The Minnesota Vikings saw their season ravaged by a devastating injury to their starting signal caller, and significant time missed by superstar receiver Justin Jefferson. Despite what could have been a far worse outcome, they rallied to a 7-10 record to finish third in the NFC North. They now have a top-15 pick in the draft with needs on both sides of the ball, and the opportunity to bolster a roster full of young talent.

 

The Vikings are in a weird spot in this draft due to the decisions they have to make in the off-season. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is coming off an achilles injury heading into free agency, and Justin Jefferson is up for a massive pay raise. They also have longtime pass rush phenom Danielle Hunter heading into free agency leaving them with a board that is wide open.

Taking a young signal caller will be tempting at the eleven spot, but pass rusher is just as important. Dallas Turner will be a stud at the next level and adding him to this Brian Flores’ defense should be at the top of the board. Turner has elite level versatility with the ability to play off-ball linebacker or pass rusher, a la Micah Parsons. Losing Hunter will be an afterthought once this young man walks through the door.

Allowing Cousins to walk may be the best thing for the Vikings brass, it will allow them to attack this draft with a clear path towards the future.

Bo Nix is a intriguing talent in this draft. He has all the tools to operate as a starter in the NFL, but will need some time to acclimate to the speed on the professional ranks. Drafting Nix in the second round would allow Minnesota to sit him for a year and bring in a bridge quarterback for him to learn from. The good thing is he will be in a locker room full of elite level offensive weapons that he will be able to practice and sharpen his skills with.

The Vikings have two fourth round draft picks which will allow them to go best need based player on day three. The top needs after quarterback and edge rusher are cornerback or defensive line. They should go with the premium position and look to add a corner with their first pick in the fourth.

Kris Abrams-Draine is a gamer with elite traits at the cornerback position. He is quick, with a smooth backpedal and aggressive attitude when in man coverage. His speed allows him to play in off man, while his length and size benefit a bump and run style as well. He can get caught with his eyes in the backfield when in zone coverage, but that can be coached out of him.

The Vikings could come out of this draft with multiple impact players that have long careers in purple and gold. If the right decisions are made, they will find themselves in the proverbial catbird seat of the NFL Draft.