In 2023, the Minnesota Vikings made important progress on protection, but it surely was evident that defensive coordinator Brian Flores had to work with limited resources.

Flores devised a technique that utilized strain regardless of being restricted, which proved profitable till the crew’s lack of depth was uncovered in direction of the tip of the season. The Vikings plan to increase contracts to Kirk Cousins, Danielle Hunter, and/or Justin Jefferson this offseason. Nonetheless, doing so will restrict their capability to signal free brokers to bolster their depth. Basic supervisor Kwesi Adofo-Mensah should handle this difficulty with a profitable draft that may replenish the protection’s depth.

Minnesota Vikings 2024 NFL Draft Picks

The Minnesota Vikings could have 9 draft picks within the upcoming NFL Draft, with 5 in a 58-pick vary on early day 3.

Spherical 1, Choose 11
Spherical 2, Choose 42
Spherical 4, Choose 108
Spherical 4, Choose 130
Spherical 5, Choose 148
Spherical 5, Choose 160
Spherical 5, Choose 166
Spherical 6, Choose 179
Spherical 7, Choose 230

Minnesota Vikings’ Key Free Brokers

As time passes, it appears more and more unlikely that Kirk Cousins will re-sign with the Vikings, regardless of the crew’s public declaration that he is their top priority. Groups just like the Falcons and Steelers want a veteran improve this summer season, and in the event that they don’t make a transfer for Cousins, it might be malpractice for his or her franchises.

Ok.J. Osborn will likely leave the Vikings and signal with one other crew as a slot receiver now that Jordan Addison has taken over that place. Earlier this week, I wrote about how Osborn’s effectivity suffered when he was moved out of the slot. Even when the Vikings re-sign Dalton Risner, who is ready to grow to be a free agent, they need to nonetheless add depth to their offensive line in 2024. Risner joined the crew halfway by means of final season and helped stabilize the road’s left facet.

In 2023, the Vikings’ protection confirmed enchancment underneath Brian Flores. Nonetheless, it was clear that they relied extra on scheming strain than on gamers successful their particular person battles. Within the upcoming offseason, the Vikings ought to deal with offering Flores with the mandatory personnel to teach the protection with none restrictions.

Precedence ought to be given to re-signing or changing Danielle Hunter and Jordan Hicks, because the depth at their positions is anticipated to hit free company. This additional highlights the significance of including younger, proficient gamers in these spots. Key depth items like D.J. Wonnum, Troy Dye, and Jonathon Bullard are scheduled to achieve free company. Retooling the defensive position, including a linebacker accomplice for Ivan Tempo Jr, and buying one other cornerback in 2024 is crucial.

The Mock Draft

Spherical 1, Choose 11: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

McCarthy’s draft inventory has been rising steadily and is anticipated to proceed to take action all through the method. His recreation is stable, and it’s exhausting to seek out any weaknesses in it. He’ll carry out effectively in athletic drills and interviews and sure received’t be accessible by the point Choose 11 comes round. Whether or not Cousins returns or not, McCarthy is essentially the most coachable quarterback prospect within the draft and would do effectively beneath Cousins and/or head coach Kevin O’Connell.

Spherical 2, Choose 42: Adisa Isaac, EDGE, Penn State

Adisa Isaac is a promising prospect who suffered an Achilles tear in 2021. Nonetheless, he has since made a successful comeback and has displayed an all-round recreation with no obvious weaknesses, although he doesn’t possess any elite expertise to face out. Isaac is usually a nice foundational piece for the Vikings, offering versatility and the power to play all three downs from the primary day.

Spherical 4, Choose 108: Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri

Robinson had an exceptional performance at the Senior Bowl and is now getting into the NFL Scouting Mix with a whole lot of momentum. At 6’5″ and weighing 285 kilos, Robinson possesses the flexibility to be an all-around participant for the Vikings from the get-go. His energy profile will allow him to play throughout the road, whether or not on the sting or as a 5-tech sort out.

Spherical 4, Choose 130: Junior Colson, LB, Michigan

Junior Colson is a troublesome, standout participant recognized for his impressive grit. He has constructed a fame of being fairly aggressive in his tackling, usually ripping by means of blocks and stopping carriers of their tracks. Though there are some considerations about his protection expertise, he has proven important enchancment in 2023. Colson’s energy lies in his capability to assault downhill towards the ball, and he also can excel, in spurts, on the sting on the subsequent stage. His fashion of play could be a superb match for defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy protection.

Spherical 5, Choose 148: Jarrian Jones, CB, Florida State

Jones is a extremely versatile defender for the crew’s protection. He’s a bodily and sticky defensive again with a assured angle and the power to play inside and out of doors. He had an exceptional season as a nook in 2023. Nonetheless, considerations about his lengthy velocity and athleticism whereas backpedaling could trigger him to drop out of the highest 100 picks. Regardless of his common athleticism, Jones is a participant with a excessive soccer IQ who constantly positions himself for fulfillment.

Spherical 5, Choose 160: Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, WR, Georgia

Rosemy-Jacksaint, born with six fingers on each hand, is a giant receiver getting into the NFL with unproven potential factored into his draft value. He can constantly work the middle area whereas offering a vertical menace alongside the boundary. Though he didn’t meet expectations at Georgia, it’s common for many Georgia receivers to have higher careers on the subsequent stage. If Ok.J. Osborn strikes on this offseason, Rosemy-Jacksaint could be an ideal match to fill the function that was requested of Osborn.

Spherical 5, Choose 166: Evan Anderson, NT, Florida Atlantic

Anderson is an extremely massive human, measuring 6’3″ and weighing 356 kilos. He’s particularly sturdy on the level of assault and might use his energy when shifting downhill. Regardless of his dimension, he has fast ft and might push the pocket, which makes him fairly efficient. He’s finest suited as a 2-down function participant, able to creating log jams within the middle of the road of scrimmage. When given a one-on-one scenario, he is ready to apply strain to the pocket.

Spherical 6, Choose 179: Gabe Corridor, DT, Baylor

In a previous article, I emphasised the importance of the Senior Bowl for the Vikings. They’ve discovered one other Senior Bowl all-star in Gabe Corridor. Corridor stood out from day one, exhibiting his capability to hurry the passer whereas aligning from the sting or 5-tech. Measuring at 6’5″ and weighing 290 kilos, Corridor brings good size to his place. He’s a flexible participant, an important trait for the Vikings’ protection.

Spherical 7, Choose 230: Carson Steele, RB, UCLA

Steele is a strong, aggressive rusher who can affect speeding video games between the hashes. He stands at 6’0″ and weighs 230 kilos. Steele additionally possesses delicate fingers, which make him a dependable possibility. He might be a superb depth possibility for any crew on the subsequent stage, with the added capability to come back in on third down. Steele provides a flexible profile that retains the protection guessing on his subsequent transfer, whether or not coming in to hurry up the center, catch a move within the flat, or move block.