2024 NFL Draft First Round Signing Tracker

The 2024 NFL Draft was nearly two weeks ago. A few teams started signing draft picks last week. Those signings included a couple first round picks. Here’s a look at the signing progress of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

5. Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

7. Tennessee Titans: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

8. Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

10. Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

11. New York Jets: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

13. Las Vegas Raiders: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

14. New Orleans Saints: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

15. Indianapolis Colts: Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

16. Seattle Seahawks: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas - Signed

17. Minnesota Vikings: Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

19. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

21. Miami Dolphins: Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

23. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

24. Detroit Lions: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

25. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton, OL, Duke

27. Arizona Cardinals: Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri

28. Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

29. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

30. Baltimore Ravens: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson - Signed

31. San Francisco 49ers: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida

32. Carolina Panthers: Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

A Way Too Early Minnesota VIkings 53-man Roster Projection

It doesn’t seem fair to start whittling down a roster before players even have a chance make it. Despite the lack of fairness, it’s an automatic reaction to the completion of the draft. So, here’s a way too early Minnesota Vikings 53-man roster projection. 

Offense (25)

Quarterbacks (3)

Sam Darnold

J.J. McCarthy

Jaren Hall

I’ve seen many pundits project Jaren Hall as the odd man out. Maybe keeping Nick Mullens over Hall is in response to the quarterback carousel that the Vikings rode last season. Keeping Darnold and Mullens feels redundant and pointless. Unless, of course, there’s a run of injuries in the quarterback room. 

Running Backs (3)

Aaron Jones

Ty Chandler

Kene Nwangwu

The hope here is that Aaron Jones stays healthy all season. If he does, Jones and Ty Chandler could form a very productive running combo. With his speed, I’ve wanted to see Kene Nwangwu get more snaps since he was drafted. Maybe it happens this year. 

Fullback (1)

C.J. Ham

As long as the Vikings roster the position, C.J. Ham is the fullback. 

Receivers (5)

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Brandon Powell

Jalen Nailor

Trent Sherfield

The top two are top notch. After Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the Vikings receiver group is wide open. Jalen Nailor looked to be a breakout candidate last season until a hamstring injury slowed him in training camp. It derailed his season and then a concussion ended it. If he can stay on the field perhaps this is his breakout season. For more blocking and special team reasons than receiving reasons, I really like the free agent addition of Trent Sherfield. Brandon Powell had some nice, clutch moments last season. Return jobs could determine the final receiver spot(s). As the incumbent, Powell is probably the early leader for the punt return role. I’m excited to see how the Mercer undrafted receivers (Ty James and Devron Harper) progress through the minicamps and training camp. The Vikings could keep six receivers. I have it at five here due to roster decisions elsewhere. 

Tight Ends (4)

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Johnny Mundt

Nick Muse

Due to T.J. Hockenson’s recovery from Kerby Joseph cheap shot, I have the Vikings keeping four tight ends. Unless undrafted Trey Knox surprises, the four tight ends are pretty straightforward. 

Offensive Linemen (9)

Christian Darrisaw

Blake Brandel

Garrett Bradbury

Ed Ingram

Brian O’Neill

David Quessenberry

Walter Rouse

Michael Jurgens

Dan Feeney

If the Vikings keep nine offensive linemen, it’s pretty easy to get to these nine. The one thing that could shake this up is if a more experienced/established player is signed to play left guard. 

Defense (25)

Defensive Linemen (5)

Harrison Phillips

Jaquelin Roy

Jonathan Bullard

Jerry Tillery

Levi Drake Rodriguez

This is the position group that needs to work together to outperform their apparent, individual talents. Harrison Phillips is the only established player of the group. Jonathan Bullard is a journeyman that probably had his best season last season. Jerry Tillery is a former first round pick that has never played to that level. His best seasons have been his most recent seasons. If Brian Flores and Marcus Dixon can get Tillery to play to the natural abilities that got him drafted in the first round, the Vikings got a free agent steal. This could be a fun group but the expectations outside the building won’t be very high. At 6’3” and 330lb, I want to keep undrafted Taki Tarimani on the roster. I feel like the Vikings may need a player with that sort of girth for obvious run situations. The current number situations don’t really allow for such a spot player. 

Outside Linebackers (5)

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Andre Carter

Gabriel Murphy

Patrick Jones II is a tough cut (or trade) but I’m going with a completely revamped outside linebacker group. If Jones does depart, Andre Carter would be the most tenured Vikings outside linebacker at only two years. Newbies Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner should form a fun, versatile, and potent pass rushing trio. 

Inside Linebackers (4)

Ivan Pace Jr.

Blake Cashman

Brian Asamoah

Kamu Grugier-Hill

Unless udrafted Dallas Gant emerges, the inside linebacker group is another group that’s pretty straightforward. 

Cornerbacks (5)

Byron Murphy Jr.

Mekhi Blackman

Khyree Jackson

Andrew Booth Jr.

Najee Thompson

I feel like the cornerback certainties are Byron Murphy Jr., Mekhi Blackman, Khyree Jackson, and NaJee Thompson. That leaves free agent addition Shaq Griffin, Akayleb Evans, Andrew Booth Jr., and the rest battling for the final one, maybe two, spots. Right now, based on nothing, I have Andrew Booth Jr. getting perhaps a final shot at making an impact. 

Safeties (6)

Harrison Smith

Camryn Bynum

Josh Metellus

Theo Jackson

Lewis Cine

Jay Ward

The Vikings have six safeties on the 90-man roster. I have all six making the 53-man roster. 

Special Teams (3)

Kickers (1)

Will Reichard

Punter (1)

Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

Andrew DePoala

There will be a training camp battle for the kicker and punter jobs. It’s pretty easy to pick the drafted kicker and the incumbent punter. 

***

This a pivotal offseason and season for 2022 draft picks Lewis Cine, Andrew Booth Jr., Brian Asamoah, and Akayleb Evans. They were the highlight picks of that draft and, other than Evans, have rarely seen the field. Cine did lose his rookie season to that brutal broken leg. Maybe confidence in the leg is an issue but he needs to play the way he did at Georgia. 

Minnesota Vikings Roster By College

Through free agency, draft, and undrafted free agency, the Minnesota Vikings have added over 30 new players to the roster. Here’s a look at that roster broken down by college. 

Air Force

Bo Richter

Alabama

Dallas Turner

Will Reichard

Alabama-Birmingham

DeWayne McBride

Arizona

Tyler Manoa

Arizona State

N’Keal Harry

Arkansas 

Dwight McGlothern

Army

Andre Carter II

Augustana (S.D.)

C.J. Ham

BYU

Jaren Hall

California

Cam Bynum

Matt Cindric

Central Florida

Shaq Griffin

Cincinnati

Ivan Pace Jr.

Clemson

Andrew Booth Jr.

Eastern Illinois

Kamu Grugier-Hill

Florida

Jonathan Greenard

Jonathan Bullard

Brandon Powell

Florida International

Donovan Manuel

Georgia

Lewis Cine

Georgia Southern

Najee Thompson

Illinois

Jihad Ward

Indiana

Dan Feeney

Jaylin Williams

Iowa

T.J. Hockenson

Iowa State

Kene Nwangwu

Kansas State

Malik Knowles

Kentucky 

Jeremy Flax

LSU
Justin Jefferson

Ed Ingram

Jaquelin Roy

Jay Ward

Marshall

Andrew Beauplan

Owen Porter

Maryland

Jeshaun Jones

Mercer

Devron Harper

Ty James

Miami

K.J. Cloyd

Michigan 

Josh Metellus

J.J. McCarthy

Daylen Baldwin

Michigan State

Jalen Nailor

Minnesota

Blake Cashman

Missouri 

Akayleb Evans

North Carolina

Ty Chandler

Spencer Rolland

North Carolina State

Garret Bradbury

Thayer Thomas

Notre Dame

Harrison Smith

Jerry Tillery

Oklahoma

Brian Asamoah II

Tyrese Robinson

Walter Rouse

Oklahoma State

A.J. Green III

Oregon

Johnny Mundt

Khyree Jackson

Taki Taimani

Oregon State

Blake Brandel

Pittsburgh

Brian O’Neill

Patrick Jones II

Portland State

Seth Vernon

Princeton

Henry Byrd

Rutgers

Andrew DePaola

San Jose State

Josh Oliver

David Quessenberry

South Carolina

Nick Muse

Trey Knox

Southern Mississippi 

Nick Mullens

Stanford

Harrison Phillips

Syracuse

Trishton Jackson

Tennessee

Theo Jackson

Texas-El Paso

Aaron Jones

Texas A&M-Commerce

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Toledo

Dallas Gant

Tulane

Ryan Wright

UCLA

Gabriel Murphy

USC

Jordan Addison

Mekhi Blackmon

Sam Darnold

Vanderbilt

Trent Sherfield

Joejuan Williams

Virginia Tech

Christian Darrisaw

John Parker Romo

Wake Forest

Michael Jurgens

Washington 

Myles Gaskin

Byron Murphy Jr. 

Weber State

Jonah Williams

West Virginia

Doug Nester

Western Kentucky

Lucky Jackson

Wisconsin

Andrew Van Ginkel

Fifth-Year Option Tracker

Of the 32 players selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, 18 had their fifth-year options picked up. That’s a far better showing than last year when only 12 players selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft had their fifth-year options picked up. This little bureaucratic procedure is often the first sign as to how teams view the progress of their recent first round picks. So, the first round of the 2021 draft has been much more successful than the first round of the 2020 draft. Actually, 19 of the 32 players selected in the 2021 NFL Draft are scheduled to reach the fifth year with the team that drafted them. The Baltimore Ravens signed receiver Rashod Bateman to a modest extension earlier this offseason. It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the 2021 first rounders. Four of the five quarterbacks (Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones) selected in the top half of the first round had their options declined. Only Trevor Lawrence has approached the success expected of a quarterback selected at the top of a draft.  

Here’s the full list of 2021 first round picks with their fifth-year options. 

Players who had their options picked up are in bold:

1.   Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars - $25.664 million

2.   Zach Wilson, QB, Denver Broncos (via trade w/Jets) - $22.408

3.   Trey Lance, QB, Dallas Cowboys (via trade w/49ers) - $22.408

4.   Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons - $10.878

5.   Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals - $21.816

6.   Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins - $15.591

7.   Penei Sewell, OT, Detroit Lions - $19.04

8.   Jaycee Horn, CB, Carolina Panthers - $12.472

9.   Patrick Surtain II, CB, Denver Broncos - $19.802

10. DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles - $15.591

11. Justin Fields, QB, Chicago Bears - $25.664

12. Micah Parsons, LB, Dallas Cowboys - $24.007

13. Rashawn Slater, OT, Los Angeles Chargers - $19.04

14. Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, New York Jets - $15.313

15. Mac Jones, QB, New England Patriots - $25.664

16. Zaven Collins, LB, Arizona Cardinals - $13.251

17. Alex Leatherwood, OT, Las Vegas Raiders - no option/released

18. Jaelan Phillips, LB, Miami Dolphins - $13.251

19. Jamin Davis, LB, Washington Commanders - $14.483

20. Kadarius Toney, WR, Kansas City Chiefs (via trade w/Giants) - $14.345

21. Kwity Paye, Edge, Indianapolis Colts - $13.387

22. Caleb Farley, CB, Tennessee Titans - $12.472

23. Christian Darrisaw, OT, Minnesota Vikings - $16.037

24. Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers - $6.79

25. Travis Etienne, RR, Jacksonville Jaguars - $6.143

26. Greg Newsome II, CB, Cleveland Browns - $13.377

27. Rashod Bateman, WR, Baltimore Ravens

28. Payton Turner, Edge, New Orleans Saints - $13.387

29. Eric Stokes, CB, Green Bay Packers - $12.472

30. Gregory Rousseau, Edge, Buffalo Bills - $13.387

31. Odafe Oweh, LB, Baltimore Ravens - $13.251

32. Joe Tyron-Shoyinka, Edge, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - $13.251

Penei Sewell and DeVonta Smith had their fifth-year options picked up by the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively. Both, then, signed big, long-term extensions with their teams. As mentioned earlier, the Ravens signed Rashod Bateman to a modest extension rather than bother with the fifth-year option. 

Favorite Draft Picks: AFC

Here are some of my favorite draft picks of the AFC teams.

Baltimore Ravens

1. Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

I often have a tough time selecting a favorite Ravens draft pick. They typically have about five or six contenders. While I do like Penn State edge Adisa Isaac, it’s easy to go with Nate Wiggins.

Cincinnati Bengals 

2. Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan

Perhaps it’s from following J.J. McCarthy fairly close for the past couple seasons but I really liked several of the Michigan players. Kris Jenkins was one of my favorites.

Pittsburgh Steelers

4. Mason McCormick, G, South Dakota State

I really liked the Steelers draft. I really liked the way the team addressed their needs on the offensive line. There are several contenders for my favorite Steelers pick. I’m going with the talented guard from little South Dakota State, Mason McCormick. 

Cleveland Browns

3. Zak Zinter, G, Michigan

Another Michigan player. If not for a brutal injury at the end of last season, Zak Zinter might’ve gone a round, or two, earlier. 

Buffalo Bills

2. Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

Unlike most of my favorite draft picks, Keon Coleman reached this lofty honor after the draft. His media interactions have been hilarious. On and off the field, he’s going to be a fun player. 

New York Jets

5. Qwan’tez Stiggers, CB, Toronto Argonauts

I discovered Qwan’tez Stiggers when I was startled that a Canadian Football League cornerback was playing in the East West Shrine Game. It was a “what the hell is going on here” moment. Then I learned about Stiggers’ unusual football path. I was soon a fan. 

New England Patriots

1. Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Through the pre-draft process, J.J. McCarthy and Drake Maye emerged as my favorite quarterbacks for the Vikings. I liked McCarthy but I hoped for Maye because it seemed like the Vikings preferred him. Through it all, I really came to like Maye. I feel bad that he fell to a team that really has nothing to offer him. That tends to happen when the most talented quarterbacks are selected by the least talented teams.

Miami Dolphins

1. Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State

How can you not like a football player named Chop? He’s also a terrific football player. He emerged as one of my favorites as soon as I saw him choppin’ it up on the Penn State defense. 

Indianapolis Colts

1. Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

Due to the USC, UCLA, and Washington’s destruction of the Pac-12 conference, the Cal-UCLA rivalry was already coming to an end. Still, I’m glad that Cal no longer has to face Laiatu Latu. He was a menace and I’m glad that he’s now in the NFL.

Jacksonville Jaguars

2. Maason Smith, DT, LSU

Prior to the draft, Maason Smith said that he might be selected late in the first round. I was hopeful that he was nuts. Due to an injury-impacted college career, I had pre-draft hopes that Smith might be available when the Vikings finally selected on Day 3. The Jaguars grabbed him with the 16th pick of the second round. He wasn’t nuts. 

Houston Texans

2. Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia

The Texans selected Kamari Lassiter with the pick that once belonged to the Vikings. I’m not sure if that’s why Lassiter is the pick here.

Tennessee Titans

2. T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas

Between JC Latham and T’Vondre Sweat, the Titans selected about 700 lbs of football players with their first two picks. Sweat had a bit of a yo-yo of a draft evaluation process. He started it as a possible first or second round pick. Then a DUI arrest dropped him to a possible Day 3 pick in the minds of many. Finally, he was selected with the sixth pick of the second round. Despite the DUI mistake, Sweat was one of the more intriguing players in the draft. 

Kansas City Chiefs

1. Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

Patrick Mahomes is a ridiculously talented quarterback. An aspect of that ridiculous talent is that it doesn’t really matter the talent at the other end of his passes. He simply makes his offense go. Anyway, in Xavier Worthy, Andy Reid and the rest of the team’s play-designers will now have a player with insane speed. A fun offense gets more fun. 

Los Angeles Chargers

3. Junior Colson, LB, Michigan

Another Michigan player. It’s no wonder this team won a national title. It was peppered with many terrific players in this draft. Most great teams are. The Wolverines had a terrific defense. Junior Colson and Mike Sainristil were the heartbeat of that defense. 

Denver Broncos

5. Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri

I wasn’t a fan of the Broncos draft. Maybe it’s because I’m not a fan of the clown that coaches them. It came down to Oregon receiver Troy Franklin and Kris Abrams-Draine. I went with the aggressive corner from Missouri.

Las Vegas Raiders

1. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Some talent evaluators had Brock Bowers as the most talented player in the draft. After the quarterbacks, he could reasonably have been selected anywhere from #4 to apparently #13. Bowers will be a top target for any quarterback the Raiders trot onto the field. 

Favorite Draft Picks: NFC

Here are some of my favorite draft picks of the NFC teams.

Minnesota Vikings

1. J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

It’s gotta be the quarterback. I’ve grown so damn tired of the Vikings settling for quarterbacks. Finally, they aggressively sought to draft a talented quarterback. Now, J.J. McCarthy has to develop into the team’s first franchise quarterback since Fran Tarkenton retired after the 1978 season.

Chicago Bears

1. Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

In a draft filled with talented receivers, Rome Odunze emerged as my favorite. It’s a shame he ended up in Chicago. 

Detroit Lions

1. Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

2. Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri

The Detroit Lions secondary was a mess last year. They clearly wanted to remedy that situation in this draft. Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. are two of the best five best players on the Lions defense and they haven’t played a snap. 

Green Bay Packers

7. Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane

The Packers selected their quarterback of the future in the seventh round.

New York Giants

3. Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky

Andru Phillips was one of the corners I hoped would find his way to Minnesota. Unfortunately, the Vikings didn’t have a Day 2 pick.

Dallas Cowboys

3. Cooper Beebe, G, Kansas State

Cooper Beebe was another player I hoped would be selected by the Vikings. Again, no Day 2 pick made that difficult.

Washington Commanders

2. Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan

Between Johnny Newton and Mike Sainristril, the Commanders selected two of my favorite players in the entire draft. I’ll go with Sainristril as my favorite. It won’t be long until he was one of the better nickel corners in the league. 

Philadelphia Eagles

1. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

When the Vikings traded from #23 to #17 in the first round, I wouldn’t have been disappointed if it was for Quinyon Mitchell. I prefer Dallas Turner but I wouldn’t have been disappointed if Mitchell was the target. With transferring to bigger schools being all the rage in college football, Mitchell showed loyalty to Toledo. Sticking with the smaller school did nothing to hinder his NFL projection. He was the top corner in the draft. 

Atlanta Falcons

1. Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

I like Michael Penix Jr. but he’s the pick simply because his selection came just over a month after the Falcons gave Kirk Cousins a bunch of money. Cousins left Minnesota partly because the Vikings were honest with him about adding a quarterback early in this draft. The Falcons weren’t honest with him. I think that’s hilarious.

New Orleans Saints

5. Bub Means, WR, Pittsburgh

It’s easy to like a receiver, or any player, named Bub. As for his football potential, Bub Means was a receiver I hoped the Vikings might consider later in the draft.

Carolina Panthers

1. Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

The Panthers finally decided to draft a talented receiver for last year’s #1 pick, Bryce Young. I wasn’t convinced that Jonathan Mingo was that player last year. I’m more convinced that Xavier Legette is that player this year. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

1. Graham Barton, C, Duke

I liked Graham Barton before the draft and I like him now because he has the versatility to play anywhere on the offensive line. Very few players can do that. He’s projected to play on the interior. 

San Francisco 49ers

2. Renardo Green, CB, Florida State

The 49ers selected a few players that I really liked. Despite my fondness for receivers Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing, I’m going with the feisty cornerback from Florida State, Renardo Green. 

Seattle Seahawks

1. Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

This one’s easy. Byron Murphy II was one of my favorite players in the draft. If the Vikings didn’t need to address their quarterback situation, Murphy probably would’ve been the pick at #11. 

Los Angeles Rams

3. Blake Corum, RB, Michigan

From following J.J. McCarthy somewhat closely the past couple seasons, it was easy to fall for Blake Corum. He’s a fun runner. 

Arizona Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Marvin Harrison Jr. edges out Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson. Rome Odunze might’ve been my favorite receiver in this draft but Harrison wasn’t far behind. 

 

Some Of My Favorite Team Drafts

Giving team grades immediately following the NFL Draft is even more ridiculous exercise than mock drafts. I’d rather pick favorite drafts. Here are some of my favorite team drafts from the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Minnesota Vikings

1. J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

1. Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

4. Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon

6. Walter Rouse, OT, Oklahoma

6. Will Reichard, K, Alabama

7. Michael Jurgens, G/C, Wake Forest

7. Levi Drake Rodriguez, DT, Texas A&M-Commerce

Of course, the Minnesota Vikings had one of my favorite drafts. I was on board with the Vikings trading a bunch to get where they needed to get to secure their quarterback of the future. They had plenty of draft capital to spend as they entered this draft with two #1s this year and a #1 next year. All three #1s were the keys to a new quarterback. The Vikings had to come out of the first round, the top of the first round, with that quarterback. I was to the point where I really didn’t care what it cost. I’ve spent too many decades watching the Vikings settle for a quarterback. Enough. Be agressive. Throughout the draft process, I had J.J. McCarthy and North Carolina’s Drake Maye as my 1a and 1b. I mostly leaned McCarthy but figured that the Vikings shot-callers preferred Maye. I assumed that they needed to get into the top-5 for either. The Vikings tried to get to #3 for Maye. When that failed, they waited for McCarthy. They were more brave than I would’ve been. It turned out to be a brilliant strategy as the Vikings were able to select McCarthy after an insurance trade-up from #11 to #10. It was brilliant as they were able to get their quarterback without giving up their second #1 this year and their #1 next year. Never in my most optimistic pre-draft dreams did I see the Vikings getting their quarterback and an impact defensive player in the first round. There was no way that defensive player could be Alabama edge Dallas Turner. He was a top-10 player and arguably the top defensive player in this draft. The Vikings added two foundational players in the first round. Sitting out Day 2 was rough. I spent that evening thinking about Day 1. Day 3 brought another potential defensive starter in Oregon corner Khyree Jackson. After a slow start to his college career, his best football is ahead of him. His 6’4” length is his super power. Oklahoma offensive tackle Walter Rouse and Wake Forest G/C Michael Jurgens provide offensive line depth and potentially more. One of the Vikings most glaring holes is interior offensive line. Rouse projects as the team’s swing tackle. Perhaps, he can bump inside. More likely, Jurgens emerges as a sleeper candidate for playing time. The Vikings really need someone to emerge at left guard. The Vikings, and all Vikings fans, hope that Will Reichard ends the team’s long-runnning kicking woes. Then there’s Levi Drake Rodriguez. Along with interior offensive line, defensive line is big need. I expected the Vikings to select a defensive lineman earlier than the seventh round. Rodriguez might be the most interesting player to come out of this draft. He’s a live-wire in an interview. He looks like a live-wire on the field. The energy he brings is infectious. It’s fairly easy to see McCarthy, Turner, Jackson, and Reichard making an early and significant impact. I can easily see the possibility of Rodriguez putting this draft class over the top. 

The other favorite team drafts

Arizona Cardinals

1. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

1. Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri

2. Max Melton, CB, Rutgers

3. Trey Benson, RB, Florida State

3. Isaiah Adams, OT, Illinois

3. Tip Reiman, TE, Illinois

3. Elijah Jones, CB, Boston College

4. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, S, Texas Tech

5. Xavier Thomas, Edge, Clemson

5. Christian Jones, OT, Texas

6. Tejhaun Palmer, WR, UAB

7. Jaden Davis, CB, Miami

It’s easy to like the Arizona Cardinals draft as Marvin Harrison Jr. and Darius Robinson were two of my favorites. It didn’t end with those two. Max Melton, Trey Benson, and Elijah Jones, and Xavier Thomas emerged as favorites after learning more about them.

Cincinnati Bengals

1. Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

2. Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan

3. Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama

3. McKinley Jackson, DT, Texas A&M

4. Erick All, TE, Iowa

5. Josh Newton, CB, TCU

6. Tanner McLachlan, TE, Arizona

6. Cedric Johnson, Edge, Mississippi

7. Daijahn Anthony, S, Mississippi 

7. Matt Lee, C, Miami

The Cincinnati Bengals sure like their offensive tackles on the huge side. Amarius Mims makes a tremendously beefy group even more beefy. Kris Jenkins is a favorite. I really wanted him in Minnesota. Jermaine Burton, McKinley Jackson, Erick All, Josh Newton, Cedric Johnson all intrigued me during the long pre-draft process.

Detroit Lions

1. Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

2. Ennis Rakestraw, CB, Missouri

4. Giovanni Manu, OT, British Columbia

4. Sione Vaki, S, Utah

6. Mekhi Wingo, DT, LSU

6. Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College

I hate including the Detroit Lions on this list but I can’t deny what they did in this draft. Their secondary was a joke last year. They sure addressed that joke in this draft. Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw. Mekhi Wingo and Christian Mahogany were a couple players I would’ve liked to see in Minnesota.

Los Angeles Chargers

1. Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

2. Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

3. Junior Colson, LB, Michigan

4. Justin Eboigbe, DT, Alabama

5. Tarheeb Still, CB, Maryland

5. Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame

6. Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy

7. Brenden Rice, WR, USC

7. Cornelius Johnson, WR

Joe Alt, Ladd McConkey, Junior Colson, and Justin Eboigbe all project as early contributors, if not starters. I really liked later picks Cam Hart and Kimani Vidal. And the Chargers added Jerry Rice’s kid. 

Los Angeles Rams

1. Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

2. Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State

3. Blake Corum, RB, Michigan

3. Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami

5. Brennan Jackson, Edge, Washington State

6. Tyler Davis, DT, Clemson

6. Joshua Karty, K, Stanford

6. Jordan Whittington, WR, Texas

6. Beaux Limmer, C, Arkansas

7. KT Leveston, G, Kansas State

The Los Angeles Rams finally returned to the first round. Despite not having a first round pick for so many years, I feel like I’ve often liked their drafts. From Jared Verse to KT Leveston, the Rams added 10 players with intriguing potential. 

Pittsburgh Steelers

1. Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

2. Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia

3. Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan

4. Mason McCormick, G, South Dakota State

6. Logan Lee, DT, Iowa

6. Ryan Watts, CB, Texas

The Pittsburgh Steelers attacked their offensive line situation much like the Lions attacked their cornerback situation. Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick will soon be starting for the Steelers. Now, they just need a quarterback.