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. 

Minnesota Vikings Post-Draft Roster

The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books. With the draft picks and undrafted signings, the Minnesota Vikings added 24 players to the roster. The additions puts the team’s roster at the offseason roster limit of 90 players. 

Offense (44)

Quarterbacks (4)

Sam Darnold

J.J. McCarthy

Nick Mullens

Jaren Hall

Running Backs (5)

Aaron Jones

Ty Chandler

Kene Nwangwu

DeWayne McBride

Myles Gaskin

Fullback (1)

C.J. Ham

Receivers (14)

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Brandon Powell

Jalen Nailor

Trent Sherfield

N’Keal Harry

Trishton Jackson

Lucky Jackson

Thayer Thomas

Daylen Baldwin

Malik Knowles

Ty James

Devron Harper

Jershaun Jones

Tight Ends (5)

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Johnny Mundt

Nick Muse

Trey Knox

Offensive Linemen (15)

Christian Darrisaw

Blake Brandel

Garrett Bradbury

Ed Ingram

Brian O’Neill

David Quessenberry

Walter Rouse

Michael Jurgens

Dan Feeney

Henry Byrd

Tyrese Robinson

Jeremy Flax

Doug Nester

Matt Cindric

Spencer Rolland

Defense (42)

Defensive Linemen (9)

Harrison Phillips

Jaquelin Roy

Jonathan Bullard

Jerry Tillery

Jihad Ward

Jonah Williams

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Taki Taimani

Tyler Manoa

Outside Linebackers (8)

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Patrick Jones II

Andre Carter

Gabriel Murphy

Bo Richter

Owen Porter

Inside Linebackers (8)

Ivan Pace Jr.

Blake Cashman

Brian Asamoah

Kamu Grugier-Hill

Abraham Beauplan

Dallas Gant

Donovan Manuel

K.J. Cloyd

Cornerbacks (11)

Byron Murphy Jr.

Mekhi Blackman

Shaq Griffin

Akayleb Evans

Andrew Booth Jr.

Najee Thompson

Khyree Jackson

A.J. Green III

Joejuan Williams

Jaylin Williams

Dwight McGlothern

Safeties (6)

Harrison Smith

Camryn Bynum

Josh Metellus

Theo Jackson

Lewis Cine

Jay Ward

Special Teams (4)

Kickers (2)

Will Reichard

John Parker Romo

Punter (1)

Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

Andrew DePoala

Minnesota Vikings Undrafted Free Agents

As soon as the 2024 NFL Draft ended, the race was on to sign the players that weren’t selected. The race actually starts before the draft ends. The Minnesota Vikings are supplementing their draft class with a large undrafted free agent class. Perhaps inspired by the successes of Ivan Pace Jr. and NaJee Thompson last season, the Vikings signed 17 players that went undrafted. 

Minnesota Vikings Undrafted Free Agents

Matt Cindric, OL, California

K.J. Cloyd, LB, Miami

Jeremy Flax, OL, Kentucky

Dallas Grant, LB, Toledo

Devron Harper, WR, Mercer

Ty James, WR, Mercer

Jeshaun James, WR, Maryland

Trey Knox, TE, South Carolina

Tyler Manoa, DL, Arizona

Donovan Manuel, LB, Florida International

Dwight McGlothern, CB, Arkansas

Gabriel Murphy, OLB UCLA

Doug Nester, OL, West Virginia

Owen Porter, OLB, Marshall

Bo Richter, OLB, Air Force

Spencer Rolland, OL, North Carolina

Taki Taimani, DL, Oregon

There were many mock drafts in which I targeted Arkansas corner Dwight McGlothern and UCLA edge Gabriel Murphy in the mid rounds. In the real thing, the Vikings got both as undrafted free agents. I think both will challenge for roster spots. I’m also intrigued by Taki Taimani and Dallas Grant. Taimani is a 6’3” 330lb space-eater. The Vikings don’t have a player like that on the defensive line. They could really use a player like that on the defensive line. 

Other undrafted notables:

I like seeing another Cal player on the roster. Matt Cindric joins former Golden Bear teammate Cam Bynum in Minnesota.

It’s interesting to see a pair of Mercer receivers. The Vikings could use some receiver depth. In particular, they could use receiver depth from a player with return skills. 

The Vikings now roster two outside linebackers from military academies. Last year, Andre Carter was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Army. This year, Bo Richter was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Air Force. 

Best of luck to all of the new Minnesota Vikings. 

Minnesota Vikings Draft: Day 3

The Minnesota Vikings sat out Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft. It was a damn thrill to see them return to the draft on Day 3. It wasn’t the thrills of Day 1 but that happens when over 100 players are taken off of the board. 

The Vikings Draft: Day 3 Haul:

4(108). Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon

6(177). Walter Rouse, OT, Oklahoma

6(203). Will Reichard, K, Alabama

7(230). Michael Jurgens, G/C, Wake Forest

7(232). Levi Drake Rodriguez, DT, Texas A&M-Commerce

In all of my pre-draft deliberations and mockings, I always had a mid-round cornerback indecision. Cam Hart or Khyree Jackson. At 6’3”, each is a big corner with traits unique to that sort of length. I often leaned Hart. The Vikings selected Jackson with Hart still available. 

A drafted kicker is typically the front-runner to taking the job. It would be shocking if Will Reichard is not the Vikings kicker this season, and hopefully many seasons. The kicking inconsistencies that have plagued this franchise for too damn long must end. 

Walter Rouse, Michael Jurgens, and Levi Drake Rodriguez are sixth and seventh round picks. Due to the need at the position, I assumed that tackle Walter Rouse was drafted to move inside. Left guard is currently up for the taking. Perhaps Rouse is the taker. Rouse could also have been drafted to be the team;s swing tackle. Veteran David Quessenberry hardly has that role locked down. 

If nothing else, Rouse and Michael Jurgens could provide some offensive line depth. 

Then there’s Levi Drake Rodriguez. When his draft selection hit the ticker, I couldn’t help bit wonder how I knew that name. I could not remember how I knew that name. Then I heard ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates talking about Rodriguez. Yates was tru\ying to stump Kiper. It didn’t work.Kiper knew all about Rodriguez, I feel like Vikings fans will know him soon. It’s tough to judge a player that played at the level  of Texas A&M Commerce. Rodriguez is a player that feels ready and able to surprise. 

So, the 2024 NFL Draft is in the books. Despite the wheeling and dealing of the early rounds, the Vikings came out of the draft with the following seven players. 

1(10). J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

1(17). Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

4(108). Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon

6(177). Walter Rouse, OT, Oklahoma

6(203). Will Reichard, K, Alabama

7(230). Michael Jurgens, G/C, Wake Forest

7(232). Levi Drake Rodriguez, DT, Texas A&M-Commerce

That’s a fine continuation of a productive offseason. 

Minnesota Vikings Draft: Day 2

The Minnesota Vikings Day 2 draft haul remained the same as the first day.

J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Dallas Hunter, Edge, Alabama

The Vikings had no picks on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft. Their second round pick was sent to the Houston Texans earlier in the offseason in the trade that gave the Vikings a second first round pick in this draft. Their third round pick was sent to Detroit two years ago in the trade that brought tight end T.J. Hockenson to Minnesota. In that sense, the Vikings two day haul in the 2024 NFL Draft looks more like this.

J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa

Not bad. Not bad at all. Of course, McCarthy and Turner have yet to play an NFL game. Who knows what they’ll be as NFL players. That does nothing to dampen the excitement for the possibilities in Minnesota. 

It isn’t a surprise that the Vikings came out of Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft with a quarterback.That was imperative. After watching Kirk Cousins depart for the Atlanta Falcons, the Vikings had to draft a quarterback in the first round. There was no room for a mid-round flier. They had to select a quarterback early in the first round. They had made that trade with the Texans to add an extra first round pick to help make it happen. At #11, they had to move into the top 10. Over 63 drafts, the Vikings had never selected a quarterback in the top 10. This had to be the year that changed. So, all of the expectations had the Vikings coming out of Day 1 with a quarterback at the expense of that second first and perhaps even next year’s first. The Vikings did get their quarterback. J.J. McCarthy. What wasn’t expected was that they got their quarterback without having to give the high-end assets. They still had the second first this year and their first next year. 

The quarterback was the most important draft addition but it’s the selection of Dallas Turner that makes the Vikings draft haul the beautiful bounty that it is. I can’t recall many mock drafts that didn’t have Turner selected in the top 10. If he did make it out, he didn’t make it far. There was no way he’d still be on the board when the draft made it’s way to the Vikings second first at #23. Technically, he didn’t make it to #23 as a trade up to #17 was required to secure him. I had plenty of dreamy draft day scenarios in which the Vikings somehow managed to maintain both firsts and select two difference-makers. All of them included McCarthy. None of them included Turner. There were many with Byron Murphy II. Several with Penn State edge Chop Robinson. A few with Terrion Arnold. None with Turner. That was because there was no way he’d make it to a second first round pick. It’s impossible to select two top 10 players with two picks that aren’t in the top 10. The Vikings started Day 1 with picks #11 and #23. They made their selections at #10 and #17. Somehow, the Vikings were able to add J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner. Beautiful. 

It’s rough to sit out an entire round in the NFL Draft. It’s even more rough to sit out an entire night and two rounds of drafting. The Vikings enter Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft with five picks. 

4 (108)

6 (177)

6 (203)

7 (230)

7 (232)

Unless there’s some wheeling and dealing, the Vikings are scheduled to sit out an another round, the fifth. Oregon defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus is still on the board and is immediately tempting. If he’s still there at #108, oh my, that would be tempting. However, it’s probably better to trade back a bit and add an extra pick, or two. McCarthy and Turner are wonderful additions but this Vikings team still has many holes. Defensive line, interior offensive line, cornerback, and general depth come to mind. Whatever happens, after sitting out Day 2, it’ll be fun to see the Minnesota Vikings back on the clock. 

The Picks Are In!

For a Minnesota Vikings fan, last night was a very good night. The team entered the first night of the 2024 NFL Draft with the #11 and #23 picks as well as a giant need at quarterback. Through most of the long build-up to the draft, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy had become the target of my quarterback affection. His intangibles, winning history, and excellent passing traits caught my attention. At a remarkably youthful 21 years, his best quarterback days are ahead of him. For months, I’ve liked McCarthy best. As it became clear that Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings shot-callers preferred Drake Maye, I hoped that the North Carolina quarterback would become the team’s quarterback of the future. It sounds like they really tried to make it happen. I saw a rumor that the Vikings offered three 1s, a 2, and a 3 to the New England Patriots for the #3 pick. No go. I’m not sure you can reasonably offer much more than that to move up eight spots. 

Drake Maye’s gone. The Patriots grabbed at #3. He’ll have a tough time with a rough team. Now what? In my mind it was always J.J. McCarthy. Trade up? Wait? At #11, there was a seven-pick wait. The Vikings decided to wait? It appeared to work until the draft hit #10.

Earlier this week, I was walking down the hallway at work, thinking about the draft. I was suddenly hit by the possibility that J.J. McCarthy is available with only the New York Jets at #10 in the Vikings way. I thought of the possibility of the damn dirty Jets calling the Vikings and telling the damn dirty lie that teams are lining up for their pick. In order to secure McCarthy, the Vikings would have to hand over picks to move up one spot. Are you kidding me? 

The Vikings insured themselves of securing McCarthy by paying the Jets ransom. 

The deal:

Vikings get:

1(10)

6(203)

Jets get:

1(11)

4(129)

5(157)

When I thought about this scenario earlier this week, I thought that it might cost ONLY a fourth round pick to move up one single pick. Oh well. In nearly every pre-draft scenario, I had the Vikings selecting Maye or McCaffrey in the top-10 at the expense of #11 and #23 and often their 2025 first round pick. 

The Vikings still had that #23 pick. Until they didn’t. Just as I was growing accustomed to J. J. McCarthy being a Viking, they were on the clock. Instead of the Jacksonville Jaguars at #17, it was the Vikings. Another trade. 

The deal:

Vikings get:

1(17)

Jaguars get:

1(23)

4(167)

2025 3rd

2025 4th

That’s a steep price to move up six spots. Sometimes you have to forget about the picks in a trade like this and think about the player. The Vikings gave up those four picks for Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner. Nearly every pre-draft mock, thought, whatever had Turner as the first defensive player selected. It was difficult to imagine him being available after the 10th pick. 

The Minnesota Vikings first round haul:

J.J. McCarthy

Dallas Turner

Quarterback of the Future (maybe present)

Elite Pass Rusher

That’s a fine start. 

Final Flea Flicker Mock Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft is tonight. In honor of the great event, here’s a final mock draft. 

The Minnesota Vikings must come out of the first round with a candidate to be their next quarterback of the future. I believe that Kevin O’Connell, Josh McCown, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, and the rest of the team’s shot-callers prefer North Carolina’s Drake Maye. Personally, I’m partial to Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy but I’m just a slappy on a couch. The Vikings have significant draft capital. If they choose to spend enough of it, I believe that they can pry the #3 from the Patriots and bring Maye to Minnesota. Will they spend it? That’s the big question. The answer will come tonight. For this final mock draft, the Patriots do not accept what is offered and the Vikings turn to McCarthy. 

The Vikings trade #11 and #23 to the Chargers for #5. In reality, there’s probably a future pick involved to balance things. For this fake trade, only this year’s first round picks are significant. 

1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): 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. Minnesota Vikings (via LA Chargers): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

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

7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

10. New York Jets: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

11. Los Angeles Chargers (via Minnesota): Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

13. Las Vegas Raiders: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

14. New Orleans Saints: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

15. Indianapolis Colts: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

16. Seattle Seahawks: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

19. Los Angeles Rams: Liatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

21. Miami Dolphins: Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

23. Los Angeles Chargers (via Minnesota): Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

25. Green Bay Packers: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State

27. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston): Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri

28. Buffalo Bills: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

29. Detroit Lions: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon

30. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

31. San Francisco 49ers: Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

It’s finally time for the REAL draft. In the REAL one, I expect a team looking for a QB to trade into the first round for Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. 

What If?

What if the Minnesota Vikings didn’t need a quarterback? With two first round picks, that’s a dreamy proposition.

Here’s a seven-round mock draft, if the Vikings didn’t need a quarterback.

1(11). Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

1(23). Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State

4(108). Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame

4(129). Jacob Cowing, WR, Arizona

5(157). Zak Zinter, G, Michigan

5(167). Jordan Jefferson, DT, LSU

6(177). Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy

7(230). Anim Dankwah, OT, Howard

7(232). AJ Barner, TE, Michigan

Not picking on Day 2 is, and will be, a problem. If the Vikings still had their second round pick, they wouldn’t have that second first round pick. 

As for the “What if” picks, Byron Murphy II and Chop Robinson would look so beautiful in purple. They might be my two favorite defensive players in the entire draft. Grabbing both of those players eases the pain of passing on a first round corner. Getting Cam Hart in the fourth further eases that pain. 

This fake draft feels defensive-centric. That’s mostly because the first three picks are on that side of the ball. The Vikings defense needs an influx of defensive talent. They can’t solely rely on the scheming of Brian Flores. This draft actually leans toward the offense in numbers - 5:4. Zak Zinter is the only one of the five offensive players that probably projects as an eventual starter. 

Mock drafts are a fun way to become familiar with the players. They can also lead to draft crushes. A couple immediately come to mind. I developed a special fondness for George Kittle in 2017 and Karl Brooks last year. I didn’t think either would make it past the fourth round. I was constantly scheming ways for the Vikings to get Kittle as early as the third round. I happily grabbed Brooks in the fourth round of nearly every mock draft. I was stunned when the 49ers selected Kittle in the fifth round and the Packers selected Brooks in the sixth round. Kittle has proved that he is, and was, a first round talent. The fifth round? That was insane. It’s early for Brooks but he had a nice rookie season for the Packers. All of this is to say that mock drafts are fun but the ranking/slotting of players is nothing like that of the teams. There’s no agreement between the amateur drafters and the professionals. Hell, there’s few agreements between the professionals. 

This draft is a good time for the Vikings to need a quarterback. There are arguably four with potential to be special. The Vikings aren’t currently in position to grab one of the four. At #11, they are close and they have the draft capital to get closer. As important, the team’s shot-callers have repeatedly expressed a willingness to spend what it might take to get where they need to get. Still, they need to find a team willing to trade. Unfortunately, the move up to get the quarterback will require the picks that are needed to boost the talent on the defense. Quarterback is too damn important. If you don’t have one, you have to get one. Everything else is secondary. If the Vikings are successful in their attempts to get that quarterback, they’ll probably be left with seven Day 3 picks to supplement the rest of the team. Seven is a nice total. Day 3 isn’t the best day to find impact players. Kittle and Brooks were Day 3 picks. Gold can be found in those rounds. The Vikings defense needs some immediate impact players. I figure they need a couple defensive linemen, at least one corner, an edge rusher, and maybe some linebacker depth. That would take five of those seven picks. The Vikings have offensive needs beyond that quarterback. They need immediate help on the interior offensive line and all-around depth. Oh boy, so many needs and so few picks. At least, there’s the undrafted free agents. With Ivan Pace Jr., Najee Thompson, and perhaps Andre Carter, the Vikings did well in that market last year. They could use another undrafted windfall. 

One more day. 

Top 10 Minnesota Vikings First Round PIcks

The 2024 NFL Draft is only two days away. During this time, most of my football thoughts are on this year’s fast-approaching draft. Every now and then I think about drafts of the past. Those thoughts brought this. 

The Top 10 Minnesota Vikings First Round Picks

10. Robert Smith, RB, Ohio State, 21st pick 1993

Robert Smith is one of the biggest “what ifs” in Vikings franchise history. Just about every malady from chicken pox to a torn ACL slowed his NFL start. Once he finally got his footing in the NFL he was rarely slowed. In fact, the only thing that slowed him was his early retirement at 28. If he’d put up the numbers in his first four seasons that he put up his final four seasons, Smith would be honored in Canton. 

10. Keith Millard, DT, Washington State, 13th pick 1984

Through his first five seasons with the Vikings, Keith Millard was on an all-timer pace. He routinely had his way with the blocking schemes designed to slow him. It was a blast to watch. 1989 was his best season. 18 sacks, NFL Defensive Player of the Year, third in the MVP voting. The attention paid to Millard that year helped defensive end Chris Doleman reach 21 sacks. Injuries sadly shortened Millard’s great career.

10. Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame, 29th pick 2012

Harrison Smith has been a playmaking force all over the Vikings defense since his first game. He plays everywhere. He can do everything. In my book, he’s been the best safety in football over the past decade. He should get Hall of Fame consideration five years after his retirement. 

10. Kevin Williams, DT, Oklahoma State, 9th pick 2003

When I think of Kevin Williams I often think of a play he made as a rookie against the Kansas City Chiefs. At the snap, he flashed through Will Shields, dispatched Tony Richardson as if he wasn’t there, and tackled Priest Holmes at a spot closer to the quarterback than the line of scrimmage. At the time, each of those players was among the best in the game at their position. Shields is a Hall of Famer. Williams made each look like they didn’t belong in his league. He’s the sort of defensive tackle that the Vikings have been seeking since he departed Minnesota. Defensive tackles like Kevin Williams don’t come around too often. 

10. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU, 22nd pick 2020

After only four seasons, Justin Jefferson enters this list of great Vikings first round picks. In another four seasons, he should be in the top half of this list. I never thought that a Vikings receiver would ever enter the elite orbit of Cris Carter and Randy Moss. Then along came Jefferson. He’s remarkable. Moss had the freakish athletic ability. Carter had the hands and body control. Jefferson has emerged as the best receiver in the league with unrelenting competitiveness and technique. He’s a great, fun football player. 

9. Joey Browner, S, USC, 19th pick 1983

After Joey Browner took apart his Los Angeles Rams team, head coach John Robinson called him the game’s best defensive player. As with Millard, injuries shortened Browner’s career. If not for those injuries he’d be in the Hall of Fame. Despite an injury-shortened career, he has a legitimate Hall of Fame case. Especially after safety peer Kenny Easley made it. There are many Vikings fans of a certain age that consider Joey Browner their favorite player. He was a great, fun football player. 

8. Chuck Foreman, RB, Miami, 12th pick 1973

For his first five years, Chuck Foreman was one of the best, if not the best, running back in the league. He was certainly the most versatile back. In 1975, he was seven rushing yards shy of leading the NFC in rushing, receptions, and touchdowns. There was no talk of a Triple Crown because there was never a thought that a running back could lead those three categories. Only Hall of Famers rank higher than Foreman on this list. There’s a legitimate argument that he should join them in Canton. 

7. Chris Doleman, DE, Pittsburgh, 4th pick 1985

Just like I have that particular memory of Kevin Williams, I have a particular memory of Chris Doleman. It’s a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. It’s a game against Anthony Munoz. Some consider Munoz the best offensive tackle the game’s ever seen. Doleman made him look pedestrian. He made a lot of very good offensive linemen look pedestrian. 

6. Ron Yary, OT, USC, 1st pick 1968

Ron Yary was arguably the best offensive tackle of his era. First pick in the draft, six time first-team All-Pro, two time second-team All-Pro, seven Pro Bowls, 1970s All-Decade Team. 

5. Carl Eller, DE, Minnesota, 6th pick 1964

Carl Eller’s playing size is listed as 6’6” and 247 lbs. As a little, California kid falling for the Vikings in the early 1970s, Eller seemed twice that size. He was a beast of a football player and one of the reasons I’ve been a Vikings fan since the early 1970s. 

4. Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma, 7th pick 2007

Adrian Peterson was a beast of a back. One of the best I’ve ever seen. He has the greatest rushing game in NFL history. He was eight yards from the greatest rushing season in NFL history. Three-time rushing champ, five time first-team All-Pro, seven Pro Bowls, 2010s All-Decade Team, 2012 MVP. Adrian Peterson is a Hall of Famer five years after he retires. 

3. Randall McDaniel, OG, Arizona State, 19th pick 1988

His funky stance was noticeable. His athleticism and ability to dominate defenders was even more noticeable. He’s one of the best guards to ever play in the league. Nine time first-team All-Pro, 12 Pro Bowls, 1990s All-Decade Team, NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

2. Randy Moss, WR, Marshall, 21st pick 1998

Randy Moss scared defenses more than any receiver I’ve ever seen. Blanket double, even triple, coverage often wasn’t enough coverage to keep him from catching a pass. He’s arguably the most physically gifted receiver that’s ever played. Four time first-team All-Pro, six Pro Bowls, 2000s All-Decade Team, NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

1. Alan Page, DT, Notre Dame, 15th pick 1967

Alan Page gets the #1 spot because he was a fantastic football player. He’s also my favorite all-time player. Page was the first defensive football player to be named the league’s MVP. For the young folk, he was the Aaron Donald of his day. Page was so quick off the snap. He just tore up offensive lines. Six time first-team All-Pro, three time second-team All-Pro, nine Pro Bowls, two time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1971 MVP, 1970s All-Decade Team, NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. 

***

Perhaps I’m being overly hopeful but Christian Darrisaw is on his way to earning a spot on this list. 

Hall of Famers

Alan Page

Randy Moss

Randall McDaniel

Carl Eller

Ron Yary

Chris Doleman

Will be a Hall of Famer

Adrian Peterson

Have a Hall of Fame Case

Chuck Foreman

Joey Browner

Kevin Williams

Harrison Smith

Building a first-year eligible Hall of Fame Case

Justin Jefferson

If not for the injuries that dismantled his career, Keith Millard would be in the Hall of Fame company of fellow Vikings defensive linemen Page, Eller, Doleman, John Randle, eventually Jared Allen, and hopefully Kevin Williams. 

Flea Flicker Top 5 Draft Prospects By Position

It’s finally Draft Week and I was thinking of the best prospects at each position. Again. 

Top 5 Draft Prospects By Position

Quarterback

1. Caleb Williams, USC

2. Jayden Daniels, LSU

3. Drake Maye, North Carolina

4. J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

5. Michael Penix Jr., Washington

Running Backs

1. Jonathon Brooks, Texas

2. Trey Benson, Florida State

3. MarShawn Lloyd, USC

4. Blake Corum, Michigan

5. Jaylen Wright, Tennessee

Wide Receivers

1. Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

2. Rome Odunze, Washington

3. Malik Nabers, LSU

4. Brian Thomas Jr., LSU

5. Ladd McConkey, Georgia

Tight Ends

1. Brock Bowers

2. Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas

3. Theo Johnson, Penn State

4. Cade Stover, Ohio State

5. AJ Barner, Michigan

Offensive Tackles

1. Joe Alt, Notre Dame

2. Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State

3. Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State

4. JC Latham, Alabama

5. Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma

Interior Offensive Linemen

1. Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon

2. Zach Frazier, West Virginia

3. Graham Barton, Duke

4. Cooper Beebe, Kansas State

5. Zak Zinter, Michigan

Edge Rushers

1. Laiatu Latu, UCLA

2. Dallas Turner, Alabama

3. Chop Robinson, Penn State

4. Jared Verse, Florida State

5. Bralen Trice, Washington

Defensive Tackles

1. Byron Murphy II, Texas

2. Johnny Newton, Illinois

3. Darius Robinson, Missouri

4. Kris Jenkins, Michigan

5. Brandon Dorlus, Oregon

Linebackers

1. Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M

2. Payton Wilson, NC State

3. Junior Carlson, Michigan

4. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson

5. Cedric Gray, North Carolina

Cornerbacks

1. Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

2. Terrion Arnold, Alabama

3. Cooper DeJean, Iowa

4. Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

5. Nate Wiggins, Clemson

Safeties

1. Tyler Nubin, Minnesota

2. Javon Bullard, Georgia

3. Kamren Kinchens, Miami

4. Calen Bullock, USC

5. Jaden Hicks, Washington State

 

One More Minnesota Vikings 7-Round Mock Draft?

It’s Draft Week! Finally, Draft Week. I’m tired of mock drafts. I’m weary from all of the draft speculation and guesses. I’m ready for the real damn thing. So, here’s another Minnesota Vikings 7-Round Mock Draft. Hopefully, it’s the last one. 

In this mock, just like many mocks, the Vikings trade their two 2024 first round picks and a 2025 first round pick to the New England Patriots for the third pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. It might take more than three #1s. If it does, the Vikings better get something pick-wise in return. Anyway, it’s the inclusion of this year’s two #1s that impact this mock draft. The Vikings are sending those to the Patriots for the third pick in the draft. 

1. Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

4. Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College

4. Maason Smith, DL, LSU

5. Anthony Gould, WR, Oregon State

5. Nehemiah Pritchett, CB, Auburn

6. Beaux Limmer, C, Arkansas

7. Dallas Gant, LB, Toledo

7. AJ Barner, TE, Michigan

The quarterback. This offseason, so much, too much, has been said about the Vikings pursuit of their next quarterback. For me, it’s simple. Since Fran Tarkenton retired after the 1978 season, I’ve watched the Vikings mostly settle for their next quarterbacks. Forty-five years. 45! Enough! I’m to the point where I don’t even care what it costs to move up for a quarterback. If Kevin O’Connell, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Josh McCown, and all of the team’s decision-makers see Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy as the answer, GO GET HIM. I’m so tired of the Vikings taking sad, token swings at the quarterback position. 

As for the rest of this mock draft, the Vikings are currently scheduled to sit out Day 2 of the draft. After quarterback, I see interior defensive and offensive line as the Vikings biggest needs. Usually, I lean defensive line with their first pick in the fourth round. It’d be a beautiful thing if Christian Mahogany is still available. Run, don’t walk, to the podium. Adding Maason Smith would make the fourth round a raging success. 

I really like Anthony Gould and Nehemiah Pritchett in the fifth round. Beaux Limmer would be another gift for the interior offensive line. Dallas Gant and AJ Barner are seventh round fliers at positions that could use added numbers. 

Lance Zierlein’s Mock Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft is finally next week. In honor of the draft being a week away here is a draft from another of my favorite NFL.com talent evaluators. Lance Zierlein. 

1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): Caleb Williams, QB, USC

2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

3. New York Giants (via New England): Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

4. Minnesota Vikings (via Arizona): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

5. Los Angeles Chargers: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

6. New England Patriots (via NY Giants): Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

8. Atlanta Falcons: Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

10. New York Jets: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

11. Arizona Cardinals (via Minnesota): Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

12. Denver Broncos: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

13. Las Vegas Raiders: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

14. New Orleans Saints: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State 

15. Indianapolis Colts: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

16. Arizona Cardinals (via Seattle): Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

19. Los Angeles Rams: Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

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

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

23. Seattle Seahawks (via Arizona): Graham Barton, IOL, Duke

24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

25. Green Bay Packers: Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota 

26. Washington Commanders (via Tampa Bay): Amarius Mimis, OT, Georgia

27. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston): Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

28. Buffalo Bills: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

29. Detroit Lions: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

30. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

31. San Francisco 49ers: Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia

Flea Flicker One-Week Out Mock Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft is only one week from today. I wish that it was today. Here’s another mock draft. It’s a lot like the last one. 

The Vikings trade #11 and #23 to the Cardinals for #4. In reality, there are probably some future picks involved to balance things. For this fake trade, only this year’s first round picks are significant. 

1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): Caleb Williams, QB, USC

2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

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

4. Minnesota Vikings (via Arizona): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

5. Los Angeles Chargers: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State 

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

7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

10. New York Jets: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

11. Arizona Cardinals: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

13. Las Vegas Raiders: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

14. New Orleans Saints: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

15. Indianapolis Colts: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

16. Seattle Seahawks: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

19. Los Angeles Rams: Liatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

21. Miami Dolphins: Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

23. Arizona Cardinals: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

25. Green Bay Packers: Graham Barton, OL, Duke

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

27. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston): Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri

28. Buffalo Bills: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

29. Detroit Lions: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon

30. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

31. San Francisco 49ers: Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

Until the FINAL one. 

Bucky Brooks’ Mock Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft is finally next week. In honor of the draft being a week away here is a draft from one of my favorite talent evaluators in the media. Like his podcast partner Daniel Jeremiah, Bucky Brooks is easily one of the best in the media for the simple reason that he once did it professionally. This mock is a favorite as the Minnesota Vikings are selecting North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye without trading up from #11. Keeping the 23rd pick and selecting Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean would be a special thing. 

1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): Caleb Williams, QB, USC

2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

3. New England Patriots: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

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: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

10. New York Jets: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

11. Minnesota Vikings: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

12. Denver Broncos: Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

13. Las Vegas Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

14. New Orleans Saints: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

15. Indianapolis Colts: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

16. Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

19. Los Angeles Rams: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

21. Miami Dolphins: Jackson Powers Johnson, C, Oregon

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

23. Minnesota Vikings: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

24. Dallas Cowboys: Graham Barton, IOL, Duke

25. Green Bay Packers: Payton Wilson, LB, North Carolina State

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

27. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston): Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri

28. Buffalo Bills: Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois

29. Detroit Lions: Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State

30. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

31. San Francisco 49ers: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia

Daniel Jeremiah’s Mock Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft is finally next week. In honor of the draft being a week away here is a draft from one of my favorite talent evaluators in the media. Daniel Jeremiah is easily one of the best in the media for the simple reason that he once did it professionally. 

1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): Caleb Williams, QB, USC

2. Washington Commanders: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

3. New England Patriots: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

4. Minnesota Vikings (via Arizona): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

5. New York Jets (via LA Chargers): Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

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

7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

10. Los Angeles Charger (via NY Jets): Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

11. Arizona Cardinals: Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

12. Denver Broncos: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

13. Las Vegas Raiders: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

14. New Orleans Saints: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

15. Indianapolis Colts: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

16. Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

18. Cincinnati Bengals: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

19. Los Angeles Rams: Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

21. Miami Dolphins: Graham Barton, IOL, Duke

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

23. Arizona Cardinals(via Houston/Minnesota): Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

24. Dallas Cowboys: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon

25. Green Bay Packers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri

27. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston): Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

28. Buffalo Bills: Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois

29. Detroit Lions: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

30. Baltimore Ravens: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

31. San Francisco 49ers: Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

Best Minnesota Vikings Draft Picks By Round

The 2024 NFL Draft is nearly a week away. It will be the 64th draft in the franchise history of the Minnesota Vikings. There were 20 rounds in the 1961 NFL Draft. There were also only 14 teams in the NFL. There are only seven rounds and 32 teams today. This is a look back at some of the best Minnesota Vikings picks in each round of the past 63 drafts.

Best Minnesota Vikings Draft Picks By Round

Best First Round Pick

1967. Alan Page, DT, Notre Dame

13 Vikings players have busts in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Six of those players came to Minnesota by way of the first round.

Carl Eller (1964)

Alan Page (1967)

Ron Yary (1968)

Chris Doleman (1985)

Randall McDaniel (1988)

Randy Moss (1998)

Kevin Williams (2003) should join them one day. Adrian Peterson (2007) will be get a bust in a couple years. Harrison Smith (2012) is building a Hall argument. Justin Jefferson (2020) is currently on the right path. Any of them could be the pick here. Alan Page is my pick. Perhaps I’m a bit biased as he’s my favorite player from my six decades with the team. Even with that bias, picking the first defensive player to be named NFL MVP (1971) and one of the finest defensive tackles to ever play isn’t a questionable decision. 

Best Second Round Pick

1974. Matt Blair, LB, Iowa State

It’s safe to say that the Vikings don’t have a strong second round history. I have Matt Blair as the best of the bunch. He had a terrific 15-year career in Minnesota. He earned six consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl and was named All-Pro in 1980. He was named one of the 50 Greatest Vikings and is inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor. The dedicated historians of the Pro Football Researchers Association inducted Blair into the Hall of Very Good. That’s the first stop of many players on their way to an eventual bust in Canton. I’m not sure if Matt Blair ever gets there but his career is worthy of Hall of Fame consideration as a Senior candidate. 

Some of the second round contenders:

Ed White (1969)

Sammy White (1976)

Dennis Swilley (1977)

Orlando Thomas (1995)

Jim Kleinsasser (1999)

E.J. Henderson (2003)

Cedric Griffin (2007)

Phil Loadholt (2009)

Kyle Rudolph (2011)

Eric Kendricks (2015)

Dalvin Cook (2017)

Brian O’Neill (2018)

Best Third Round Pick

1961. Fran Tarkenton, QB, Georgia

The best third round pick in the franchise history of the Minnesota Vikings is without question.

Best Fourth Round Pick

2010. Everson Griffen, DE, USC

If Everson Griffen didn’t have to wait behind Jared Allen for his starting shot, his career would probably shine even brighter. Once he entered the starting lineup in 2014, he was one of the league’s best pass rushers. He was a terrific, fun football player.

Some of the fourth round contenders:

Roy Winston (1962)

Paul Flatley (1963)

Reggie Rutland (1987)

Mewelde Moore (2004)

Ray Edwards (2006)

Brian Robison (2007)

Camryn Bynum (2021)

Best Fifth Round Pick

1992. Ed McDaniel, LB, Clemson

The best fifth round pick in Vikings franchise history comes down to Ed McDaniel and Stefon Diggs. I’m going with McDaniel because he played well for longer in Minnesota than Diggs. Ed McDaniel is one of the more underrated players in team history. It didn’t help that he was often overlooked during his career. He was named to one Pro Bowl but should’ve gone to a few more. For much of the 1990s he was the Vikings best defensive player not named John Randle. 

Best Sixth Round Pick

1998. Matt Birk, C, Harvard

Matt Birk is the only Vikings sixth round pick to make a sustained contribution. Next is probably the player that replaced him at center, John Sullivan. Drafted as an offensive tackle, Birk was soon moved to center. He became the starter in his third season and led one of the better offensive lines in team history for nearly a decade. He was a regular on the Pro Bowl roster, making it six times. 

Josh Metellus is a current former sixth-round pick that could go on to a real nice career. 

One of the biggest “what ifs” in Vikings franchise history is tight end Joe Senser. Drafted in the sixth round of the 1979 NFL Draft, he didn’t play as a rookie, showed promise in 1980, and exploded in 1981. 79 catches, 1004 yards, and eight touchdowns. This was an era in which tight ends were truly starting to emerge as offensive weapons. Kellen Winslow, Ozzie Newsome, and Dave Casper were starting or in the middle of their Hall of Fame careers. Senser entered their orbit in 1981. He had a modest season during the strike-shortened 1982 season and suffered a knee injury in 1983 that wiped out that season. He tried to return in 1984 but wasn’t the same and retired after the season. Just as he was emerging as one of the league’s best tight ends his career was over. It did clear the way for the best seventh-round pick in team history. 

Best Seventh Round Pick

1982. Steve Jordan, TE, Brown

While I do like Steve Jordan as the best seventh round pick in team history, it’s not an easy decision. A couple corners make it difficult.

Bobby Bryant (1967)

Carl Lee (1983)

 

Any of Steve Jordan, Bobby Bryant, and Carl Lee could be the choice here. I have Jordan now but tomorrow I might lean toward Bryant. Anyway, those with a greater say than me on matters like this agree. Jordan is the only one of the three that’s been inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor. He’s arguably the best tight end in franchise history. Just as Joe Senser was becoming a sad story of what might’ve been, Jordan was emerging as an impact player. 68 catches in 1985 and the first of six consecutive Pro Bowls in 1986. By comparison, Lee made three Pro Bowls and an All-Pro. Bryant made two Pro Bowls. 

Best Eighth Round Pick

1981. Wade Wilson, QB, East Texas State

Pickings are going to get slim from Best Eighth Round Pick to the Best Twentieth Round Pick. That’s one of the reasons there are only seven rounds now. 

Wade Wilson is an easy pick as the Best Eight Round Pick in team history. He made 48 starts over his ten years in Minnesota. In 1988, he started ten games. He guided his team to a 7-3 record in those ten starts and was named to the Pro Bowl. 

Best Ninth Round Pick

1977. Scott Studwell, LB, Illinois

No offense to Terry Allen and Brad Johnson, this decision is nearly as easy as picking Fran Tarkenton as the best of the third rounders. 

Best Tenth Round Pick

Stu Voigt, TE, Wisconsin

Stu Voigt was the tight end of my youth. He was a reliable pass catcher and very good blocker. He was probably the Vikings best blocking tight end until Jim Kleinsasser came along. 

Best Eleventh Round Pick

1961. Jerry Mays, DT, SMU

Jerry Mays had a terrific football career. Unfortunately, that terrific career was with the Kansas City Chiefs. Until the NFL-AFL merger agreement in 1966, there was an annual race to sign draft picks between the two leagues. The Vikings signed most of their draft picks but a couple got away. Mays was one of them. His ten year career with the Chiefs is littered with all-star games and All-Pro honors. 

The best 11th round pick in Vikings franchise history is either Mays or Godfrey Zaunbecher. While it’s disappointing that Mays made a terrible decision in 1961, he’s an easy pick here.

Best Twelfth Round Pick

1986. Jesse Solomon, LB, Florida State

Just as Jesse Solomon was emerging as an impact player in the Vikings defense, he was shipped to Dallas in the ridiculous Herschel Walker trade. Solomon’s inclusion in that damn trade bothered me the moment it was made. 

Best Thirteenth Round Pick

1965. Dave Osborn, RB, North Dakota

The NFL Draft dropped from 17 to 12 rounds in 1977. Dave Osborn is a real easy choice for best 13th round pick. He was named one of the 50 Greatest Vikings. His 972 yards in 1967 was a franchise record until Chuck Foreman took over. 

Best Fourteenth Round Pick

1967. Jim Hargrove, LB, Howard Payne

Jim Hargrove gets the nod for hanging around for three seasons. No other fourteenth round pick lasted more than a single season. 

Best Fifteenth Round Pick

1971. Jeff Wright, DB, Minnesota

Jeff Wright was the only contributor that came out of the dreadful 1971 draft. First round pick Leo Hayden and Wright were the only draft picks (out of 17 rounds!) that even made the team. Hayden is one of the Vikings all-time draft busts. At least they had Wright. He stepped into the Vikings secondary in 1973 after Karl Kassulke was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident as he was heading to training camp. Wright paired with the great Paul Krause from 1973-77 to form a solid safety duo. 

Mike Mercer (1961) deserves mention for scoring the first points in Vikings franchise history. 

Best Sixteenth Round Pick

None

No sixteenth round pick ever made the team. 

Best Seventeenth Round Pick

1973. Dave Winfield, TE, Minnesota

In 1973, the Vikings took a 17th round flier on a local legend. Instead of playing football for his hometown team, Dave Winfield decided to go on to a Hall of Fame baseball career. 

As for a 17th round pick that actually played for the Vikings, there’s Bob Lee (1968). He played in Minnesota for eight years with 11 starts. The Vikings were 9-2 in those 11 starts. Lee’s most memorable run as the Vikings quarterback ended in the 1977 NFC Championship game. 

Best Eighteenth Round Pick

None

No eighteenth round pick ever made the team. 

Best Nineteenth Round Pick

None

No nineteenth round pick ever made the team. 

Best Twentieth Round Pick

1964. Milt Sunde, G, Minnesota 

The Vikings opened the 1964 NFL Draft with Carl Eller in the first round and closed it with Milt Sunde in the twentieth. Both were selected out of the University of Minnesota. From 1964-74, Sunde started 112 games at guard. He had one Pro Bowl nod in 1966. 

Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft Tracker

The 2024 NFL Draft is creeping closer. 11 more days of eager speculation. 

Here are some of the most recent mock draft predictions for the Minnesota Vikings.

NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah:

1(4): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Projected trade: Vikings send #11 and #23 to the Arizona Cardinals for #4.

NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks:

1(11). Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

1(23). Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

Brooks doesn’t include trades in his mocks so the Vikings get lucky in his projection.

NFL.com’s Charles Davis:

1(11). J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

1(23). Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

NFL.com’s Eric Edholm:

1(4). Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Another projected trade with the Cardinals.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein:

1(11). Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

NFL.com’s Cynthia Frelund:

1(11). Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

It should be noted that the mock drafts of Zierlein and Frelund were posted before the Vikings acquired a second first round pick from the Houston Texans. 

NFL.com’s Chad Reuter: 

1(4). J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Another projected trade with the Cardinals.

3(71). Brandon Dorlus, DT, Oregon

4(108). Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College

The Athletic’s Alec Lewis:

1(17). Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

Perhaps to be a bit different, Lewis predicts a trade back with the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

1(23). Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

2(48). Cooper Beebe, G, Kansas State

4(129). Marist Liufau, LB, Notre Dame

5(157). Jalyx Hunt, Edge, Houston Christian

5(167). MarShawn Lloyd, RB, USC

6(177). Nehemiah Pritchett, CB, Pittsburgh

7(230). Jordan Whittington, WR, Texas

7(232). JD Bertrand, LB, Notre Dame

The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman:

1(4). J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner:

1(4). J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.:

1(11). J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

1(23). Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

ESPN’s Field Yates:

1(5). J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Projected trade: The Vikings acquire the fifth pick from the Los Angeles Chargers. 

ESPN’s Jordan Reid:

1(11). J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

ESPN’s Matt Miller:

1(3). Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Projected trade: The acquire the third pick from the New England Patriots.

4(108). Myles Harden, CB, South Dakota

4(129). Javontae Jean-Baptiste, DE, Notre Dame

5(157). Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville

5(167). Nehemiah Pritchett, CB, Auburn

6(177). Jha’Quan, WR, Tulane

7(230). Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, WR, Georgia

7(232). Cedric Johnson, DE, Mississippi

Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer:

1(11). J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

1(23). Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois

4(108). Tommy Eichenberg, LB, Ohio State

4(129). Renardo Green, CB, Florida State

5(157). Bub Means, WR, Pittsburgh 

5(167). Tyler Davis, DT, Clemson

6(177). Cedric Johnson, Edge, Mississippi

7(230). Cody Schrader, RB, Missouri

7(232). Zakhari Franklin, WR, Mississippi

CBS Sports’ Will Brinson:

1(5). J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Projected trade: The Vikings send #11 and #23 to the Los Angeles Chargers for #5.

CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson:

1(5). J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Another projected trade with the Chargers.

CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso:

1(3). Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Projected trade: The Vikings trade all the way to #3 with the New England Patriots. 

***

Nearly every mock draft of note since the trade for an an extra first has the Vikings selecting J.J. McCarthy or Drake Maye. This must happen. 

11 more days. 

Minnesota Vikings Top-30 Visits

A big part, perhaps the final part, of the long, extensive draft evaluation process is the Top 30 visits. Teams are allowed to bring up to 30 prospects to team facilities. These visits are done in a variety of ways and for a variety of reasons. Some visits are done in groups. Teams often observe how the young men interact with each other. Some visits are done on a more individual basis. Teams do not announce these visits. They are often leaked through the prospects representatives or perhaps the prospects themselves. It can be difficult to put the list of visits together. The website Walter Football has been doing so for years. 

It’s the Minnesota Vikings visits that matter most. Through the efforts of Walter Football, Tyler Forness (now with the Sporting News), and SI’s Will Ragatz, I’ve pieced together a list of 20 prospects that have visited the magnificent TCO Performance Center and met with Vikings coaches and personnel people. 

Minnesota Vikings Top-30 Visits

Erick All, TE, Iowa

Javon Baker, WR, Central Florida

Khristian Boyd, DT, Northern Iowa

Millard Bradford, S, TCU

McCallan Castles, TE, Tennessee

Joshua Cephus, WR, Texas-San Antonio

Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State

Donovan Jennings, OT, South Florida

Dillon Johnson, RB, Washington

Marshawn Kneeland, Edge, Western Michigan

Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

Gabriel Murphy, Edge, UCLA

Spencer Rolland, OL, North Carolina

Maason Smith, DT, LSU

Taki Taimani, DT, Oregon

Charles Turner III, Center, LSU

Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

Blake Watson, RB, Memphis

The Quarterbacks

Then there’s the quarterbacks. This Vikings offseason is one of change at the all-important quarterback position. For that reason, it’s probably the team’s most important offseason in years, even decades. The Vikings haven’t brought in any of the quarterbacks. Instead, it’s the Vikings that have been doing the visiting. They have visited, or will visit, all of the top quarterbacks other than Caleb Williams. The Chicago Bears might as well Williams now as the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. As for the remaining consensus top quarterbacks, the Vikings have sent, or will send, a party of people to visit with them and put them through class work and drills. 

Jayden Daniels

Drake Maye

J.J. McCarthy

Michael Penix Jr.

Bo Nix

I’ve wondered if the Vikings will send the party to visit with Spencer Rattler but so far it’s only the above five quarterbacks. 

NFL Draft Attendees

Thirteen of the prospects expected to be selected early in the 2024 NFL have accepted invitations to attend the April 25th event in Detroit. Of course, the list is topped by the quarterbacks that are expected to be the first three players selected. 

NFL Draft Attendees

Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama

Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri

Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

The league wanted to keep the number of attendees at no more than 15 players. They also wanted the players to be those most likely to be selected in the top half of the first round. No one wanted one of those dreaded green room waits that routinely grabs extended screen time. 13 players accepted invitations. Reportedly, a few more were invited. Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt and Georgia tight end Brock Bowers opted to spend their big night with their families and declined their invitations. Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy apparently took a different path to the same decision. He was invited but when he didn’t respond the league moved on. That’s an odd way to treat such a significant event. I absolutely understand opting to spend the big night with family rather than under the glare of the bright lights. Whisked here, pulled over there, I’d rather be somewhere comfortable with those that got me to this moment. Oh well. It’s still weird that McCarthy didn’t even respond. Maybe the invite got lost in the mail. 

The next tier of quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft are Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. and Oregon’s Bo Nix. Apparently the NFL doesn’t see either as likely to be drafted in the top half of the first round as neither were invited. 

Of the attendees, I suppose this Minnesota Vikings fan would most like to see Drake Maye put that Vikings hat on his head. This draft is all about finding the team’s quarterback for the next decade-plus. My favorite for the role has been whittled down to Maye and McCarthy. I can easily see either in what I believe is Kevin O’Connell’s desired offense. The Vikings have two first round picks (11th and 23rd). A dream first round would have Maye and Missouri defensive tackle Darius Robinson wearing Vikings hats. Unfortunately, both first round picks are probably needed to trade into the top five to get that quarterback. 

Congratulations to the 13 attendees. Hopefully, your stay in Detroit is a short one. 

Two-Weeks-Out Flea Flicker Mock Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft is two weeks from today. I wish that it was today. Here’s another mock draft. 

The Vikings trade #11 and #23 to the Cardinals for #4. In reality, there are probably some future picks involved to balance things. For this fake trade, only this year’s first round picks are significant. 

1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): Caleb Williams, QB, USC

2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

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

4. Minnesota Vikings (via Arizona): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

5. Los Angeles Chargers: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State 

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

7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

10. New York Jets: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

11. Arizona Cardinals: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

13. Las Vegas Raiders: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

14. New Orleans Saints: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

15. Indianapolis Colts: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

16. Seattle Seahawks: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

19. Los Angeles Rams: Liatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

21. Miami Dolphins: Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

23. Arizona Cardinals: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

25. Green Bay Packers: Graham Barton, OL, Duke

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

27. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston): Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri

28. Buffalo Bills: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

29. Detroit Lions: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon

30. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

31. San Francisco 49ers: Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

Until the next one. 

Minnesota Vikings 7-Round “What If” Mock Draft

Nearly everything that the Minnesota Vikings have done this offseason has been part of an earnest attempt to add a promising, young quarterback. A quarterback of the future. Perhaps present too. 

This Vikings offseason, so far:

-watched Kirk Cousins sign with the Atlanta Falcons

-hired Josh McCown as quarterbacks coach

-signed Sam Darnold as a potential “bridge” quarterback

-acquired a second first-round pick from the Houston Texans

The Vikings have created a tremendous landing spot for a rookie quarterback. They are loaded with offensive playmakers like Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, Jordan Addison, and Aaron Jones. They have strong bookend protectors in Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. Kevin O’Connell is an offensive-minded, former quarterback. He’s an emerging play-designer and play-caller. The addition of fellow former quarterback Josh McCown as quarterbacks coach is one of the biggest additions of the offseason. O’Connell has also re-organized the responsibilities of his coaching staff to allow for him to work more closely with his quarterbacks. Everything that the Vikings have done this offseason has been with adding a high-end, rookie quarterback in mind. The aggressiveness of those intentions is best seen in the addition of a second, first-round pick. The Vikings clearly intend to use that pick and other picks to better position themselves in the draft for that quarterback. The Vikings need to pick earlier than #11 to grab one of the top-3/4 quarterbacks. I believe that it will happen. I believe that the Vikings will pay what it costs to insure that Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy is putting on a Vikings hat on draft night. 

However. What if the Vikings can’t find a trade partner? What if the Vikings can’t meet the draft trade price? This is a 7-Round Mock Draft with that unfortunate possibility in mind. 

1(11). Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

1(23). Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

4(108). Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame

4(129). Malik Washington, WR, Virginia

5(157). Zak Zinter, G, Michigan

5(167). Braiden McGregor, Edge, Michigan

6(177). Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy

7(230). Anim Dankwah, OT, Howard

7(232). Jordan Magee, LB, Temple

While this draft doesn’t go as hoped as the Vikings can’t get to the top of the draft. It takes two to make a trade and there wasn’t a partner to be found. The Vikings still get a first-round quarterback. What’s crazy about quarterbacks and the draft these days is that there are nearly always quarterbacks taken at the top of the draft. The quality of those quarterbacks vary wildly. There have been drafts in which Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix might’ve gone in the top-10. I know that I’d rather have either over Zach Wilson or Trey Lance. Even at the time, I couldn’t understand how Wilson and Lance were top-3 picks. Anyway, I feel that the Vikings present a terrific situation for any talented, young quarterback. One of the knocks on Penix and Nix is that each is a couple years older than Maye and McCarthy. I like the potential of Penix. If the Vikings can’t make that big draft trade, I’d be happy with Penix. I’d be thrilled with Byron Murphy II. He might be my favorite non-quarterback in this draft. He also fills the greatest need on the defense. 

As for the rest of this draft:

Cam Hart-I’d be thrilled with this pick. 

Malik Washington-Thrilled!

Zak Zinter-Thrilled!

Braiden McGregor-Should find a role in the edge rotation.

Kimani Vidal-This pint-sized powerhouse has intrigued me throughout the draft process.

Anim Dankwah-A developmental offensive tackle. 

Jordan Magee-Frankly, I’m surprised that PFF still has him available in the seventh.

This “What if” scenario isn’t the best. The Vikings must do what they’ve never done in their 63 years, and all of my years. They must aggressively get that quarterback. They’ve waited, I’ve waited, too damn long. Still, it takes two teams to make a draft trade work. There’s always that chance it doesn’t get done. If that unfortunate scenario plays out, I’d be happy with the above draft. After all, I’m used to the Vikings settling on the quarterback that falls to them.