Vikings Draft Possibilities 2024

As we approach the 2024 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves in a precarious position. With veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins sidelined for the rest of the 2023 season, the Vikings face a pivotal moment. This, and other circumstances, have led to intense speculation about the Vikings’ performance in the upcoming season. 

Will they put together a formidable team for the next season? Let’s delve into the probabilities and examine the potential draft picks that could shape the future of the Minnesota Vikings.

First-Round Pick (12th Overall): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

With the 12th pick in the first round, the Vikings could secure the services of Michigan’s quarterback J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy has proven his value with his high efficiency and comfortability in a pro-style system. His game would seamlessly integrate with Kevin O’Connell’s play-action, pass-happy offense, making him a promising fit for the Vikings.

McCarthy would be stepping into a favorable situation with a robust offensive setup. The young QB would get to work with top-tier talent, including Justin Jefferson, widely touted as the best receiver in football, the outstanding 2023 rookie receiver Jordan Addison, and a top-five tight end in T.J. Hockenson. 

McCarthy’s potential to start from day one in 2024 if Kirk Cousins doesn’t return, coupled with his impressive performance at Michigan, makes him an intriguing prospect for the Vikings’ first-round pick. The Minnesota Vikings odds may improve with a talented quarterback like McCarthy on their roster.

Second-Round Pick (43rd Overall): Kris Jenkins, DL, Michigan

In the second round, the Vikings have an opportunity to bolster their defensive line with Michigan’s Kris Jenkins. Despite his imposing stature — standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing over 300 pounds — Jenkins showcases a leaner and highly versatile interior defensive playstyle, contrasting his father, who was a true nose tackle during his NFL tenure.

Although Jenkins is a senior, he hasn’t been overworked, thanks to a rotation strategy deployed throughout his games. This leaves him with ample potential for further growth and longevity in the NFL. Despite his large build, his outstanding stamina and ability to maintain a high level of performance set him apart as an every-down interior defender.

However, Jenkins has areas for improvement; his pass rush needs further development. That said, his heavy hands and quickness in shrugging off blocks are noteworthy strengths. 

Fourth-Round Pick No. 1 (111th Overall): D.J. James, CB, Auburn

In the fourth round, the Vikings could opt to strengthen their defensive backfield, with Auburn’s D.J. James as a viable choice. James has demonstrated commendable performance for the Auburn Tigers, offering noteworthy depth for the Vikings’ defense under Brian Flores. He has the potential to evolve into a formidable CB2, given his excellent route recognition and experience in both man and zone coverages.

James will face competition from the likes of Byron Murphy, Akayleb Evans, and Mekhi Blackmon for field time. All three have demonstrated impressive performances in 2023, and thus, James is expected to mainly contribute to the special teams at the onset of his career.

Fifth-Round Pick No. 1 (141st Overall): T’Vondre Sweat, IDL, Texas

With their first pick in the fifth round, the Vikings could choose to bolster their interior defensive line by selecting T’Vondre Sweat from Texas. Primarily a nose tackle, Sweat has established a strong presence in the run game with his ability to fill holes effectively. 

His role becomes more vital against teams with mobile quarterbacks, where he can leverage his strength to suppress the run game, more so than the passing game due to his slower pace. 

Sixth-Round Pick No. 1 (162nd Overall): DeShawn Pace, S, Cincinnati

In the sixth round, the Vikings might consider enhancing their safety position by selecting DeShawn Pace from Cincinnati. Pace, who happens to be the younger brother of Vikings’ inside linebacker Ivan Pace Jr., is remarkably versatile, capable of playing single safety, lining up in the nickel, and stepping in as a linebacker when required. His playing style parallels that of Vikings safety Josh Mettellus, which could provide a familiar and cohesive dynamic to the team.

Pace’s aggressive approach toward oncoming receivers makes him a formidable presence on the field. However, refining his technique will be crucial for his transition to the next level. Initially, Pace is expected to contribute to the Vikings’ special teams, but given his talent and potential, he could very well be groomed to succeed Harrison Smith when the time comes.

Seventh-Round Pick (206th Overall): Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

For the 206th pick, the Vikings might consider Ladd McConkey from Georgia. Despite not being as physically robust as some of his counterparts, McConkey’s strengths lie in his potential as a slot receiver. His efficiency in the slot is well-documented, with his ability to dominate this position potentially making him a valuable asset to the Vikings.

While McConkey’s projection at the NFL level is uncertain, his skill set is valuable. With the right coaching and a team that can utilize his strengths effectively, he could evolve into a critical component of the Vikings’ offensive lineup.