The Minnesota Vikings have a lot of different ways they can go in the NFL draft. There will be some discussion on what needs are most important but the Vikings can address most of them through both free agency and the NFL draft.
Each week throughout the leadup to the NFL draft, I will be doing different seven-round mock drafts for the Vikings as a way to explore different scenarios. You never know who might fall to you and how that could cause a ripple effect and being ready for those situations is paramount come draft weekend.
In the second rendition of our seven-round mock draft series, what could a draft look like that has the Vikings drafted to win in 2024?
Mock Draft 1.0
Mock Draft 2.0
Mock Draft 3.0
Mock Draft 4.0
11. Florida State EDGE Jared Verse
If the Vikings are going to look to compete in 2024, taking a pro-ready pass rusher to start opposite of (likely) Danielle Hunter is the smart route to take. Verse is a power rusher with a great first step that could have gone in the top 10-15 in 2023 had he declared.
42. Texas WR Adonai Mitchell
If the Vikings want to win now, it means that they are keeping Kirk Cousins for at least one more season. With K.J. Osborn likely on the move, they will need to add one more weapon on the outside. Mitchell provides a true X-receiver for a team that lacks size on the outside. He isn’t just a big receiver, Mitchell has ability to go vertical and run in and out breaking routes.
109. USC RB MarShawn Lloyd
Running back has been a real issue for the Vikings over the last two years and they need to find a way to fix it. Lloyd has the ability to win in all phases of the game. He could come in and immediately push for playing time and possibly the starting job at some point during the season.
130. UCLA EDGE Gabriel Murphy
If you are trying to win now, getting a talented situational pass rusher is a good idea. Murphy isn’t going to give you the size and length you want, but what he will do is give you some juice in the pass rush. At UCLA, they lined up Murphy all across the formation, including over the center. On third downs, Murphy could provide the Vikings some much-needed pass rush.
145: Utah S Cole Bishop
The Vikings likely aren’t going to continue running consistent three safety looks forever, as the move was likely due to the lack of talent on the second level. If they do that for another season, Bishop is an interesting player to target on day three who attacks downhill well and has some range on the back end.
157. Michigan TE A.J. Barner
With T.J. Hockenson likely to miss extended time with his torn ACL, the Vikings are going to need to add depth at the position. Barner was mainly used at Michigan as a blocker but showed some aptitude as a receiver at the Senior Bowl. As a TE3, Barner would be allowed to develop while blocking in goal-line situations.
166. Washington State EDGE Brennan Jackson
Adding depth on the defensive line is paramount for the Vikings. At Washington State, Jackson was an edge rusher in a 4-3 but could be a 5T in the 3-4 that the Vikings run. Jackson has a lot of length and holds up well at the point of attack. He had 9.0 sacks last season for the Cougars and could be a nice developmental option for the Vikings.
179. Washington ILB Edefuan Ulofoshio
Ulofoshio was really productive for the Huskies but his lack of length and athleticism bring him down to the sixth round. However, this is where you will take a chance on a guy who was productive and you can get a core special teamer.
230. Washington OT Roger Rosengarten
This pasts season, the Vikings needed their offensive tackle depth, as both Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill spent some time injured. With their backup tackles set to hit free agency, Rosengarten would be a really good fit. In time, he could be a starting-caliber tackle.
