The Minnesota Vikings made some aggressive moves in the 2024 NFL Draft, trading with the New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars to secure J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner. These trades cost the team several late-round selections, leaving them without a Day 2 pick. It seems unlikely that they will be able to move back up into the top 100 picks.
However, if the Vikings do find a way to climb up the board again, there are several potential options for them to consider. One area of focus could be the guard position, where Kansas State’s Cooper Beebe and Michigan’s Zak Zinter would provide depth and competition for left guard Blake Brandel.
On the defensive side of the ball, cornerback is an obvious need for the Vikings. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Kool-Aid McKinstry are physical, man-to-man corners who are ready to play outside. The team could also benefit from adding another defensive tackle, with LSU’s Maason Smith, Ohio State’s Mike Hall Jr., and Florida State’s Braden Fiske being potential trade-up targets.
Linebackers Payton Wilson from NC State and Cedric Gray from North Carolina are wildcard options for the Vikings. While they may not necessarily need to invest more draft capital in the linebacker position, adding depth and a player who can range across the field would be beneficial to their defensive scheme.
Moving on to Day 3 of the draft, the Vikings have five selections in the final four rounds. Defense is likely to remain a focus, with prospects like Jalyx Hunt from Houston Christian, Mohamed Kamara from Colorado State, and Javon Solomon from Troy showing impressive college production. Cornerbacks Nehemiah Pritchett from Auburn, Khyree Jackson from Oregon, and Qwan’tez Stiggers from the CFL have also garnered interest from the team. Linebackers Cedric Gray and Tyrice Knight would add depth to the off-ball linebacker group, while running back Blake Watson of Memphis could contribute as an offensive weapon in specific situations.
While the Vikings need high-end talent at multiple positions, filling out the roster with capable players on rookie deals, especially on defense, will likely be the focus on Day 3 of the draft. The team has a number of selections in these later rounds, providing an opportunity to add depth and competition to their roster.