Minnesota Vikings Offseason Workout Schedule

The Minnesota Vikings announced their offseason workout schedule. The voluntary offseason workout program will kick off on April 15. The voluntary Organized Team Activity (OTA) are scheduled for the following dates.

Monday, May 20

Tuesday, May 21

Thursday, May 23

Tuesday, May 28

Wednesday, May 29

Friday, May 31

Monday, June 10 - Thursday, June 13

The Vikings will hold their mandatory minicamp from Tuesday, June 4 through Thursday, June 6. 

The Vikings offseason schedule is different from recent years in that the mandatory minicamp is scheduled before the end of OTAs. 

All of this football work will be done at the spectacular TCO Performance Center. 

Minnesota Vikings Second Round Draft History

Last year, I ran through the First Round Draft History of the Minnesota Vikings. This year, it’s the second round. Over 63 drafts, the Vikings have selected 61 players in the second round. Here are those selections:

1961: Rip Hawkins, LB, North Carolina

1962: No Pick

1963: Bobby Bell, LB, Minnesota

1964: Hal Bedsole, TE, USC

1965: Archie Sutton, OT, Illinois

          Lance Rentzel, RB, Oklahoma

1966: Jim Lindsey, RB, Arkansas

1967: Bob Grim, WR, Oregon State

1968: Charlie West, DB, Texas-El Paso

1969: Ed White, G, California

1970: Bill Cappleman, QB, Florida State

1971: No Pick

1972: Ed Marinaro, RB, Cornell

1973: Jackie Wallace, DB, Arizona

1974: John Holland, WR, Tennessee State

          Matt Blair, LB, Iowa State

1975: Art Riley, DT, USC

1976: Sammy White, WR, Grambling

1977: Dennis Swilley, C, Texas A&M

1978: John Turner, CB, Miami

1979: Dave Huffman, C, Notre Dame

1980: Willie Teal, CB, LSU

1981: Mardye McDole, WR, Mississippi

          Robin Sendlein, LB, Texas

          Jarvis Redwine, RB, Nebraska

1982: Terry Tausch, OT, Texas

1983: No Pick

1984: No Pick

1985: Issiac Holt, CB Alcorn State

1986: No Pick

1987: Ray Berry, LB, Baylor

1988: Brad Edwards, S, South Carolina

1989: David Braxton, LB, Wake Forest

1990: No Pick

1991: No Pick

1992: Robert Harris, DE, Southern

1993: Qadry Ismail, WR, Syracuse

1994: David Palmer, RB/WR, Alabama

1995: Orlando Thomas, S, SW Louisiana

          Corey Fuller, CB, Florida State

1996: James Manley, DT, Vanderbilt

1997: Torian Gray, S, Virginia Tech

1998: Kailee Wong, LB, Stanford

1999: Jim Kleinsasser, TE, North Dakota

2000: Fred Robbins, DT Wake Forest

          Michael Boireau, DE, Miami

2001: Willie Howard, DT, Stanford

2002: Raonall Smith, LB, Washington State

2003: E.J. Henderson, LB, Maryland

2004: Dontarrious Thomas, LB, Auburn

2005: Marcus Johnson, G, Mississippi

2006: Cedric Griffin, CB, Texas

          Ryan Cook, C, New Mexico

          Tarvaris Jackson, QB, Alabama State

2007: Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina

2008: Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State

2009: Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma

2010: Chris Cook, CB, Virginia

          Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford

2011: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

2012: No Pick

2013: No Pick

2014: No Pick

2015: Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA

2016: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson

2017: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

2018: Brian O’Neill, T, Pittsburgh

2019: Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama

2020: Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State

2021: No Pick

2022: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

          Ed Ingram, G, LSU

2023: No Pick

A Breakdown:

Hall of Famers:

Bobby Bell

From 1960-65, the National Football League and upstart American Football League waged an annual recruiting war for college football players. Each league had a draft and then the race was on to get the players signed. Some unusual tactics were used. Some ran real close to kidnapping. The more established NFL usually had the edge but the AFL stole more than a few college stars. The recruiting and signing war was the reason for the NFL-AFL merger in 1966. From 1961-65, nearly all of the Vikings draft picks ended up in Minnesota. The one that got away is Bobby Bell. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Bell was the best outside linebacker of his era and one of the best outside linebackers of any era. His great career earned him a bust in Canton. I’ve spent many sleepless nights imagining Bobby Bell playing behind the great Purple People Eaters. Vikings history would be so different if Bell was part of it. 

Hall of Fame adjacent is Hal Bedsole. In 1967, the Vikings traded Bedsole, Tommy Mason, and a second round pick to the Los Angeles Rams for a first round pick. The Vikings used that first round pick to select Alan Page.

The Vikings Second Round By Position: 

Quarterbacks (2)

Bill Cappleman

Tarvaris Jackson

Running Backs (6)

Lance Rentzel - played receiver in the NFL

Jim Lindsey

Ed Marinaro

Jarvis Redwine

Toby Gerhart

Dalvin Cook

Receivers (7):

Bob Grim

John Holland

Sammy White

Mardye McDole

Qadry Ismail

David Palmer

Sidney Rice

Tight Ends (4):

Hal Bedsole

Jim Kleinsasser

Kyle Rudolph

Irv Smith Jr.

Offensive Linemen (11):

Archie Sutton

Ed White

Dennis Swilley

Dave Huffman

Terry Tausch

Marcus Johnson

Ryan Cook

Phil Loadholt

Brian O’Neill

Ezra Cleveland

Ed Ingram

Defensive Linemen (6):

Art Riley

Robert Harris

James Manley

Fred Robbins

Michael Boireau

Willie Howard

Linebackers (11):

Rip Hawkins

Bobby Bell

Matt Blair

Robin Sendlein

Ray Berry

David Braxton

Kailee Wong

Raonall Smith

E.J. Henderson

Dontarrious Smith

Eric Kendricks

Defensive Backs (14):

Charlie West

Jackie Wallace

John Turner

Willie Teal

Issiac Holt

Brad Edwards

Orlando Thomas

Corey Fuller

Torian Gray

Cedric Griffin

Tyrell Johnson

Chris Cook

Mackensie Alexander

Andrew Booth Jr.

Some Second Round Observations:

In 1981, the Vikings traded the 12th pick in the 1981 NFL Draft to the Baltimore COLTS for two second round picks and a fifth round pick. As a result, the Vikings had three picks in the second round. No first round pick. But three second round picks. At the time, I had mixed feelings about this trade. I could understand adding a couple more shots at picking a keeper(s). I just wasn’t sure if two seconds and a fifth equaled the 12th pick. Before the second round, I didn’t like the trade. After the second round, I liked the trade. 

Mardye McDole

Robin Sendlein

Jarvis Redwine

Mardye McDole was a receiver I liked at the 12th pick. The Vikings got him with the 39th pick. I also liked what I’d seen of Robin Sendlein and Jarvis Redwine in college. McDole, Sendlein, and Redwine played a combined 10 seasons for the Vikings. McDole did little. Sendlein started a handful of games. Redwine was a decent returner for a couple years. Hindsight makes things even more painful as Mike Singletary, Howie Long, and Rickey Jackson were second round picks that year. Russ Grimm went in the third. All four ended their great careers in Canton. The Vikings had a shot at least a couple of them. Hindsight is fun. 

During the 1983 season, the Vikings traded their 1984 second round pick for Archie Manning. The Chicago Bears damn near killed Manning in a game during the 1984 season. He retired after that season. History will hold Peyton and Eli as better quarterbacks but Archie was the more talented quarterback. History would be kinder to Archie Manning if he didn’t have to start his career with such a shit New Orleans Saints team.

The second round can be a tease. It’s close enough to the top of the draft that it’s expected to be something like a 1a. In reality, it’s more of a crap shoot than the first round and the first round is already a crap shoot. 

One of the best examples of the second round being a tease is 2002 second round pick Raonall Smith. I saw him several times while he played at Washington State. He was a terrific football player, a first round talent, and a steal in the second round. Unfortunately, the touch of a feather could put him on IR. 

Matt Blair is the only second round pick in the Vikings Ring of Honor. Ed White should join him. Jim Kleinsasser and Kyle Rudolph as well. 

Speaking of Matt Blair, several of my favorite Vikings players over the years have been selected in the second round. 

Ed White (I’ll always favor Cal players)

Matt Blair

Sammy White

Orlando Thomas

Jim Kleinsasser

E.J. Henderson

Sidney Rice

Kyle Rudolph

Eric Kendricks

Dalvin Cook

Brian O’Neill

The Vikings second round history is a mixed bag. As soon as I start thinking why bother and trade that second for a third and a fifth, the Vikings pull in a Matt Blair or a Jim Kleinsasser. Rip Hawkins was the first second round pick in franchise history. He became an immediate defensive cornerstone at middle linebacker from 1961-65. He paved the way for Lonnie Warwick, Jeff Siemon, Scott Studwell, E.J. Henderson, and Eric Kendricks. Hawkins started a strong Vikings tradition of middle linebackers. I like many of the Vikings second round picks. I really like a few of them. If the Vikings had managed to pull Bobby Bell from the Chiefs, the Vikings second round history, and franchise history, would be a whole lot different. 

Another 7-Round Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft

Four weeks from tonight, the Minnesota Vikings will be sitting out the second day of the 2024 NFL Draft. That should be fun. Until the draft opens for real on April 25th, all we have is endless speculation, debate, and mock drafts. Here’s another 7-Round Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft. 

In this mock, 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.

1. Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

4. Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State

4. Mohamed Kamara, Edge, Colorado State

5. Zak Zinter, G, Michigan

5. Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice

6. Tyrone Tracy, RB, Purdue

7. Anim Dankwah, OT, Howard

7. Willie Roberts, CB, Louisiana Tech

Personally, I’d be fine with any one of quarterbacks Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, or J.J. McCarthy. Recently, I’ve been leaning Maye. I also believe that the Vikings decision-makers like Maye. Seeing as quarterbacks coach Josh McCown coached Maye in high school, the Vikings should have a pretty accurate view of the young quarterback’s character. 

As for the cost of moving from #11 to #3, I’ve recently come to the realization that I don’t really care what it costs. I’ve been waiting too damn long for the Vikings to have a shot at the top quarterbacks in a draft. It helps that this draft has enough promising, talented quarterbacks to put two of them, and possibly three, in reasonable reach. The Vikings likely do care what a move up in the draft costs. After adding a first-round pick in a trade with the Houston Texans, it looks like the Vikings are willing to pay a hefty price. I hope that it’s enough to get this thing done and get that quarterback. 

As for the rest of this mock, I doubt that Michael Hall Jr. and Mohamed Kamara will be available in the fourth round. After securing that quarterback, defensive tackle and possibly guard are the biggest needs. I like LSU defensive tackles Jordan Jefferson and Mekhi Wingo as more realistic options than Hall in the fourth round. Perhaps Jefferson/Wingo and Zak Zinter. That’d be a nice fourth round. 

More often than not, I’ve been targeting Troy’s Kimani Vidal as a later round running back. Tyrone Tracy is another excellent option. 

Luke McCaffrey and Anim Dankwah have become mock draft constants for me. 

Until the next one. 

2024 Draft: My Favorite Quarterbacks

I last addressed my favorite quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft about a month ago. That was after the Scouting Combine and before the start of free agency. Kirk Cousins was still on the Minnesota Vikings roster. In an interview at the Combine with NFL Network honks, head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed guarded optimism that Cousins would be on the roster for the upcoming season. Despite that possibility, the Vikings were still likely to select their quarterback of the future in the 2024 NFL Draft. At the time, with the 11th pick, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, Oregon’s Bo Nix, and Washington’s Michael Penix were the most likely candidates to be that quarterback of the future. A lot has changed since then. Kirk Cousins is no longer on the roster. The Vikings also have an additional first round pick. Second-round picks this year and next were sent to the Houston Texans for the 23rd pick this year. Before the trade, a trade to the top of the draft would probably cost first round picks through. 2026. That’s pretty expensive. Probably too expensive. A trade in March for an extra first-round pick is a pretty good indication that the Vikings have an even more aggressive plan in play. With the 11th and 23rd pick this year, the Vikings have the draft capital to move up for any of this draft’s top quarterbacks not named Caleb Williams. It’s been assumed since the first pick in the draft was assured that the Chicago Bears would select USC’s Williams. Even if tempted, there’s no way the Bears, no matter the return, would send the top pick and Williams to the Vikings. With two first-round picks this year, previously unreachable quarterbacks are within reach. That draft capital also gives the Vikings the ability to outbid any team hoping to beat them to the top of the draft. 

So, as a Minnesota Vikings fan, who are my favorite quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft? It depends on the day as it changes often. More often than not, it looks a little something like this.

1. Drake Maye, North Carolina

2. J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

3. Jayden Daniels, LSU

A month ago, I thought only J.J McCarthy, Bo Nix, and Michael Penix were realistic. Now, thoughts of Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels are reasonable. Perhaps due to the boldness of the trade with the Texans, I feel that one of Maye, Daniels, or McCarthy will be the Vikings quarterback of the future. It’s a dizzying feeling. Not since the selection of Daunte Culpepper with the 11th pick in the 1999 NFL Draft have the Vikings been able to grab one of the best quarterbacks in a draft. The Vikings have been searching for their next franchise quarterback since Fran Tarkenton retired in 1978. Tommy Kramer was drafted in the first round to be that quarterback. Despite a scattering of thrilling moments, injuries kept him from being the long-term answer that he had the talent to be. Culpepper looked terrific until his knee exploded. Teddy Bridgewater had potential until his knee exploded. A theme? If it is, I dearly I hope that it’s one that’s come to an end. The Vikings search for a franchise quarterback has been a long, frustrating, painful search. A problem to finding that quarterback has been the Vikings consistent ability to cobble together a competitive team. They’ve never been bad enough, consistently bad enough, or bad enough at the right time to grab a supremely talented quarterback. The closest was 2011. Their terrible 3-13 record earned them the 3rd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, that was a draft with only two top quarterbacks and two quarterback-needy teams picked ahead of the Vikings. This year is one of the most promising opportunities for the Vikings to find a potential franchise quarterback of my lifetime. It’s certainly the most promising opportunity since 1999. 

I feel that the Vikings are willing to pay the steep price for whichever quarterback Kevin O’Connell, Josh McCown, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Wes Phillips, and all of the team’s decision-makers like best. Their opinion of the quarterbacks is the only one that matters. My opinion changes daily. Most often, I like Maye. I believe that his best traits fit what I believe O’Connell values most. Then, I suddenly flip and believe that McCarthy’s intangibles and winning record are best for the Vikings. His age and so-far untapped throwing talent are also intriguing. Then, I think about the freakish athletic ability of Daniels. I really believe that the Vikings can’t go wrong with any of the three. I believe that because the Vikings have the coaches and playmakers to help any top quarterback reach their potential.

My only hope is that the Vikings make this trade into the top-2/3/4 soon. The 2024 NFL Draft is still nearly a month away. I’m not sure I have the patience to keep my anticipation in check. The Vikings need a trade partner. The only thing that can keep the Vikings from one of those three quarterbacks is the unwillingness of another team to trade. 

Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy. Oh my. 

NFL Rules Changes

At the NFL Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, NFL clubs adopted the following changes to the rules, bylaws, and resolutions. 

Approved NFL Rules Changes for 2024

By Detroit; amends Rule 15, Section 1, Article 1, to protect a club’s ability to challenge a third ruling following one successful challenge.

By Competition Committee; amends Rule 14, Section 5 Article 2, to allow for an enforcement of a major foul by the offense prior to a change of possession in a situation where there are fouls by both teams.

By Competition Committee; amends Rule 15, Section 3, Article 3, to include a ruling of passer down by contact or out of bounds before throwing a pass as a reviewable play.

By Competition Committee; amends Rule 15, Section 3, Article 9, to allow a replay review when there is clear and obvious visual evidence that the game clock expired before any snap. 

By Competition Committee; amends Rule 12, Section 2, to eliminate a potentially dangerous tackling technique. It is a foul if a player uses the following technique to bring a runner to the ground:

-grabs the runner with both hands or wraps the runner with both arms; and

-unweights himself by swiveling and dropping his hips and/or lower body, landing on and trapping the runner’s leg(s) at or below the knee.

-Penalty: For a Hip-Drop Tackle: Loss of 15 yards and an automatic first down.

By Competition Committee; for one year only, amends Rule 6, to create a new form of a free kick that is designed to: (1) resemble a typical scrimmage play by aligning players on both teams closer together and restricting movement to reduce space and speed; and (2) promote more returns. Permits the Replay Official to automatically review whether a free kick legally touched the ground or a receiving player in the landing zone. 

Some of the schematic details:

-kicker kicks from his own 35-yard line

-all 10 members of coverage team lines up on opponent’s 40-yard line

-receiving team lines up five yards away on 35-yard line

-as many as two returners line up between goal line and 20-yard line (the “Landing Zone”)

-kick must land in the “Landing Zone.”

-kicking team can’t leave until ball lands in “Landing Zone.”

-a kick that either goes out of bounds or lands short of the 20-yards line will be awarded to the receiving team at the 40-yard line.

-a kick that goes into the end zone for a touchback will be awarded to the receiving team at the 30-yard line.

Approved Bylaws for 2024

By Detroit: amends Article XVII, Section 17.16 (C) of the Constitution & Bylaws, to provide clubs with an unlimited number of designated for return transactions in the postseason.

By Pittsburgh: amends Article XVI, Section 16.6 of the Constitution & Bylaws, to move the trading deadline to the Tuesday after Week 9 games.

By Competition Committee; amends Article XVII, Section 17.16 (C), to permit each club to place a maximum of two players who are placed on an applicable Reserve List on the business day of the final roster reduction to be designated for return. Such players will immediately count as two of the club’s total designations. 

By Competition Committee; amends Article XVII, Section 17.3, to expand the Standard Elevation rules to permit clubs to elevate a bona fide Quarterback an unlimited number of times from its practice squad to its Active List to be its Emergency Third Quarterback.

Approved Resolutions for 2024

By Buffalo; to make the injury reporting rules for players who do not travel with their clubs to games away from their home city competitively fairer.

By Jacksonville; expands the 2023 preseason trial of providing a specific Hawk-Eye feed in the coaches booth for the 2024 preseason with full implementation for the 2025 season. 

***

A couple thoughts:

The Hip-Drop Tackle:

There’s been a good deal of complaining from defensive players and fans with this rule change. I don’t even recall when the Hip-Drop became a frequent tackling technique in the NFL. Its potential for injury is similar to that of the horse-collar tackle. No one seems to be debating whether that should be illegal. As with players that can’t seem to figure out how to tackle without leading with their helmet (Kerby Joseph and Kareem Jackson), just wrap up the ball-carrier. Watch a rugby game. Defensive players don’t have to tackle ball-carriers with techniques designed to injure. 

The Competition Committee could spend some time looking at offensive tactics that are designed to injure. Chop blocks. 

The Kickoff Change:

It’s going to take some time getting used to this freaky formation but the return of kick returns is promising. I’m excited to see this thing in action. 

Flea Flicker Top 5 Draft Prospects By Position

The ranking of prospects in an NFL Draft shouldn’t change throughout the evaluation process. For some reason, they always do. 

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. Jaylen Wright, Tennessee

4. Blake Corum, Michigan

5. MarShawn Lloyd, USC

Wide Receivers

1. Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

2. Rome Odunze, Washington

3. Malik Nabers, LSU

4. Brian Thomas Jr., LSU

5. Adonai Mitchell, Texas

Tight Ends

1. Brock Bowers

2. Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas

3. Theo Johnson, Penn State

4. Cade Stover, Ohio State

5. Ben Sinnott, Kansas State

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. Graham Barton, Duke

3. Zach Frazier, West Virginia

4. Cooper Beebe, Kansas State

5. Zak Zinter, Michigan

Edge Rushers

1. Dallas Turner, Alabama

2. Laiatu Latu, UCLA

3. Jared Verse, Florida State

4. Chop Robinson, Penn 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. T’Vondre Sweat, Texas

Linebackers

1. Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M

2. Payton Wilson, NC State

3. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson

4. Junior Colson, Michigan

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

Favorite Free Agent Signings: AFC

The impact signings of free agency are done. Teams are currently more focused on the 2024 NFL Draft than what remains in free agency. Here are my favorite free agent signings of the AFC.

Baltimore Ravens

Derrick Henry, RB

It’s going to be fun watching Derrick Henry running in the Baltimore Ravens offense. If just feels like a natural fit. He has so much mileage on those legs. Hopefully, he has a good year or two left. 

Cincinnati Bengals

Trent Brown, RT

Last year, left tackle Orlando Brown was my favorite signing for the Cincinnati Bengals. This year, right tackle Trent Brown is my favorite signing for the Bengals. It’s going to be a blast watching the two behemoths on either end of the Bengals offensive line. 

Cleveland Browns

Jordan Hicks, LB

Last year, Dalvin Tomlinson was my favorite signing for the Cleveland Browns. This year, my favorite signing for the Browns is another former Minnesota Vikings player. Jordan Hicks. He’s an outstanding leader and he still has something left. He was very good last year. 

Pittsburgh Steelers 

Patrick Queen, LB

It’s easy to pick Patrick Queen here. His is the only signing by the Pittsburgh Steelers that I liked. 

New York Jets

Javon Kinlaw, DT

New York Jets head coach Robert Salah signed a player that he once had a hand in drafting. Javon Kinlaw was one of my favorite defensive tackles for the Vikings. Injuries have plagued his four years in the league. If he can stay on the field, he could make an impact. 

Buffalo Bills

Curtis Samuel, WR

The Buffalo Bills signing of Curtis Samuel is one of my favorites in all of free agency. I really like his fit in the Bills offense. 

New England Patriots

Jaylinn Hawkins, S

I guess that Jaylinn Hawkins is my favorite signing for the New England Patriots. He’s my favorite simply because he played at Cal. 

Miami Dolphins

Neville Gallimore, DT

The Miami Dolphins mostly saw players leave in free agency. Their salary cap situation wasn’t great. They did sign a few players and Neville Gallimore was my favorite. He and Javon Kinlaw were two of my favorite defensive tackles in free agency. I hoped that one of them might end up in Minnesota. 

Houston Texans

Danielle Hunter, Edge

Well, this is one is easy. Danielle Hunter has been one of my favorite players since the Vikings selected him in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. His quiet excellence was easy to like. I hoped that he’d never play for another team. That rarely happens in the NFL these days. At least, Hunter is returning to his Houston home. 

Indianapolis Colts

Raekwon Davis, DT

The Indianapolis Colts appeared to focus on retaining their own free agents. They did add a few players. Raekwon Davis was another of the defensive tackles that intrigued me for the Vikings. 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Arik Armstead, DL

The Jacksonville Jaguars benefitted from the San Francisco 49ers prioritizing edge rushers over interior defenders. Arik Armstead was cut loose and Jaguars swooped in to sign him. He’ll be an asset on and off the field. 

Tennessee Titans

Lloyd Cushenberry, C

The Tennessee Titans were very active in free agency. They focused on surrounding young quarterback Will Levis with talent. That starts with the player that touches the ball first. Lloyd Cushenberry is one of the better young centers in the league. 

Kansas City Chiefs

Marquise Brown, WR

With Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs can get by with marginal receiving talent. Marquise Brown is much better than that. He has the speed that the Chiefs haven’t had since Tyreek Hill. Brown and Rashee Rice should form a nice receiving duo for Mahomes. 

Denver Broncos

None

Other than getting rid of Russell Wilson, I’m not a fan of anything that the Denver Broncos have done this offseason. 

Los Angeles Chargers

Gus Edwards, RB

The Los Angeles Chargers had one of the worst salary cap situations in the league. It cost them Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. At least they were able to keep Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. With Jim Harbaugh as head coach, the Chargers needed a running back. Gus Edwards can take some of the burden off of quarterback Justin Herbert. 

Las Vegas Raiders

Christian Wilkins, DT

From the moment the Miami Dolphins realized that they couldn’t afford to keep him, Christian Wilkins was my dream free agent addition for the Vikings. He would’ve fit in so well at the front of Brian Flores’ defense. I was convinced that he’d be playing in Minnesota. I’m sure the Vikings were involved in the bidding for Wilkins. The Raiders were willing to get to a contract that the Vikings weren’t. 

Favorite Free Agent Signings: NFC

The impact signings of NFL Free Agency are done. Teams are currently more focused on the 2024 NFL Draft. Here my favorite free agent signings among the NFC teams.

Minnesota Vikings

Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB

Jonathan Greenard was the biggest free agent signing by the Minnesota Vikings. Andrew Van Ginkel might be the most interesting. He’s a tremendously versatile football player. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores was the head coach when the Miami Dolphins selected Van Ginkel in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Flores knows Van Ginkel. The coach knows how to take advantage of the player’s versatility. I can’t wait to see what Flores has planned. The Vikings lost edge rushers Danielle Hunter, D.J. Wonnum, and Marcus Davenport in free agency. Greenard and Van Ginkel were priority replacements. 

Chicago Bears

Keenan Allen, WR

Technically, Keenan Allen isn’t a free agent signing. The Chicago Bears acquired him from the Los Angeles Chargers in a trade. The Chargers ridiculous salary cap situation and Allen’s huge contract were unsustainable. The Bears benefited. Allen joins D.J. Moore in an evolving offense that will benefit assumed #1 pick Caleb Williams. 

Detroit Lions

D.J. Reader, DT

It’s easy to like the Detroit Lions signing of D.J. Reader. He was a favorite of mine for the Vikings. Reader will pair nicely with emerging Alim McNeill in the middle of the Lions defensive line. 

Green Bay Packers

Xavier McKinney, S

For the second consecutive year, my favorite Green Bay Packers signing is a safety. For the Packers sake, the signing of Xavier McKinney has to be better than the signing of Tarvarius Moore. McKinney should be better. He’s a better player. 

New York Giants

John Runyan, G

The New York Giants mostly lost players in free agency. They did add a solid offensive lineman in John Runyan. 

Philadelphia Eagles

Saquon Barkley, RB

Last year, my favorite free agent signing for the Philadelphia Eagles was running back Rashaad Penny. Another year. Another running back. This year should be different as Saquon Barkley is one of the best backs in the league. If he can stay healthy, he should be a giant boost for the Eagles. 

Washington Commanders

Frankie Luvu, LB

The Washington Commanders were probably the league’s most active team in free agency. They signed several players that I liked. Dorance Armstrong, Tyler Biadasz, Austin Ekeler, Jeremy Chinn. Frankie Luvu is my favorite as I truly hoped that he’d end up in Minnesota. 

Dallas Cowboys

Eric Kendricks, LB

The Dallas Cowboys were probably the league’s least active team in free agency. They did swipe Eric Kendricks from an apparent signing with the San Francisco 49ers. Kendricks reunites with Mike Zimmer in Dallas. Kendricks was one of my favorites with the Vikings. 

Carolina Panthers

Robert Hunt, G

Damien Lewis, G

I admire teams that aggressively attack a weakness. The Carolina Panthers decided that their interior offensive line needed an upgrade. They definitely did that by signing two of the best guards on the market. Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis are tasked with keeping Bryce Young clean. 

Atlanta Falcons

Kirk Cousins, QB

It’s easier to honestly view Kirk Cousins’ time in Minnesota now that the time is done. He’s a very good quarterback. When he’s on, he’s one of the best throwers in the league. Unfortunately, he never did what the Vikings signed him to do. Win. He joined a team coming off of an NFC Championship appearance. He was expected to take that next big step. He didn’t come close. The Atlanta Falcons are clearly hoping that an older Cousins coming off an Achilles injury can do what he never did in Minnesota. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

None

I’m not a fan of any of the free agents the Tampa Bay Buccaneers added. At least they re-signed Baker Mayfield. He was my favorite free agent addition for the Buccaneers last year. 

New Orleans Saints

Chase Young, Edge

I guess that Chase Young is my favorite free agent signing for the New Orleans Saints. It’s either Young or Oli Udoh. Young has so much talent. If he can play to that talent for the Saints, he could make a huge impact opposite Cameron Jordan. 

Los Angeles Rams

Jonah Jackson, G

Like the Panthers, the Los Angeles Rams aggressively addressed their interior offensive line. The Rams re-signed Kevin Dotson to a big deal in advance of free agency. They targeted Jonah Jackson in free agency. As a rookie last year, Steve Avila made an impact at guard. He apparently will move to center. Dotson, Avila, and Jackson will form a giant, powerful interior.

San Francisco 49ers

Isaac Yiadom, CB

Isaac Yiadom is my favorite free agent addition for the San Francisco 49ers. Edge rushers Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos are bigger, more significant additions. Yiadom is my favorite as he was one of the cornerbacks that I hoped would end up in Minnesota. 

Arizona Cardinals

Jonah Williams, OT

I figured that Jonah Williams would be a long-time fixture for the Cincinnati Bengals. If he can play to the talent that made him the 11th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals added a very good offensive tackle.  

Seattle Seahawks

Jerome Baker, LB

Jerome Baker is another player I liked for the Vikings. I thought that his connection to Brian Flores might pull him to Minnesota. The Seattle Seahawks are hoping that Baker can fill the linebacker spot once occupied by franchise-fixture Bobby Wagner. 

Minnesota Vikings 2024 Coaching Staff

The Minnesota Vikings have finalized their 2024 Coaching Staff. 27 coaches will teach and coach the Vikings into champions. When I think of the number of coaches that teams employ these days, I think of Bud Grant and the handful of coaches that assisted him. Grant often asked: “What do all those coaches do?” 

Of the 27 coaches, there are some “old” coaches with new titles. The hiring of Josh McCown to coach the quarterbacks changed the roles and titles of a couple coaches. Previous quarterbacks coach Chris O’Hara is now Senior Offensive Assistant. Grant Udinski has risen from overseeing special projects to Assistant Offensive Coordinator/Assistant Quarterbacks coach. I’ve never before seen a coach with the Assistant Offensive Coordinator title. 

The Vikings WILL draft the quarterback of the future, perhaps present as well, in the upcoming draft. When that young quarterback and all of the team’s quarterbacks hit the classroom and field, there will be a team of coaches waiting for them:

Head Coach: Kevin O’Connell

Offensive Coordinator: Wes Phillips

Quarterbacks Coach: Josh McCown

Assistant Offensive Coordinator/Assistant QB Coach: Grant Udinski

Senior Offensive Assistant: Chris O’Hara

Pass Game Coodinator/Tight Ends: Brian Angelichio

Pass Game Specialist/Game Management Coordinator: Ryan Cordell

Considering the timing, the hiring of Josh McCown to coach the quarterbacks is arguably the most significant addition of the offseason. The rookie quarterback and all of the quarterbacks are entering an excellent environment. 

2024 Minnesota Vikings Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Kevin O’Connell

Assistant Head Coach/Outside Linebackers: Mike Pettine

Offensive Coordinator: Wes Phillips

Defensive Coordinator: Brian Flores

Special Teams Coordinator: Matt Daniels

Offense:

Quarterbacks: Josh McCown

Assistant Offensive Coordinator/Assistant Quarterbacks: Grant Udinski

Senior Offensive Assistant: Chris O’Hara

Run Game Coordinator/Running Backs: Curtis Modkins

Receivers: Keenan McCardell

Assistant Receivers/Quality Control: Tony Sorrentino

Pass Game Coodinator/Tight Ends: Brian Angelichio

Offensive Line: Chris Kuper

Assistant Offensive Line: Shaun Sarrett

Pass Game Specialist/Game Management Coordinator: Ryan Cordell

Quality Control: Derron Montgomery

Offensive Assistant: Ben Ellefson

Assistant to the Head Coach: Henry Schneider IV

Defense:

Defensive Line: Marcus Dixon

Assistant Defensive Line: Patrick Hill

Inside Linebackers: Mike Siravo

Assistant Inside Linebackers: Thad Bogardus

Defensive Backs: Daronte Jones

Safeties: Michael Hutchings

Defensive Assistant: Imarjaye Albury

Quality Control: Lance Bennett

Special Teams:

Assistant Special Teams: Dalmin Gibson

Flea Flicker Post-Free Agency Mock Draft

Free agency isn’t done. NFL free agency is never really done. The initial spending fury represents the bulk of the additions. That’s about done. It’s time for a new mock draft. I usually avoid predicting trades on top of predicting player selections. There are simply too many variables. I am predicting a trade in this Flea Flicker mock draft and all future Flea Flicker mock drafts this year. After trading a couple of second-round picks to the Houston Texans for the 23rd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, I’m certain that the Minnesota Vikings will use their two first-round picks to move into the top-5 picks to select a quarterback. I’m so certain of this that I’m ignoring my decades-long aversion of mock draft trades. I figure that there are four potential landing spots. I rank them as follows:

#2-remote

#3-hopeful

#4-probable

#5-possible 

For this mock, I’m going with the hopeful possibility. 

The Vikings trade #11, #23, and a 2025 first to the Patriots for #3. In reality, there are probably some later picks involved to balance things. For this fake trade, only the first round picks are significant. 

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

2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

3. Minnesota Vikings (trade w/New England): Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

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

5. Los Angeles Chargers: Rome Odunze, Washington 

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: Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

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

11. New England Patriots (trade w/Minnesota): Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

12. Denver Broncos: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

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

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

15. Indianapolis Colts: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

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

17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

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

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

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

21. Miami Dolphins: Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

23. New England Patriots (trade w/Minnesota): Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

25. Green Bay Packers: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

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

28. Buffalo Bills: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

29. Detroit Lions: Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington

30. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

31. San Francisco 49ers: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU

Until the next one. 

More Reinforcements

The Minnesota Vikings continue to add to the defense. It’s no secret that the Vikings intend to find a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft. The draft capital possibly needed to insure that quarterback is perhaps the main reason the Vikings have used free agency to focus on the defense. Another reason to focus on defense is that side of the ball needed, and still needs, a lot of help. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores worked wonders with modest talent last season. Imagine what he could do with a more talented bunch. Yesterday, the Vikings signed a couple more defensive players. 

Jihad Ward, OLB

Kamu Grugier-Hill, LB

Drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Jihad Ward has spent most of his eight years in the league playing defensive end. He played outside linebacker last season for the New York Giants. The Vikings list him as an outside linebacker. At 6’5” and 285lbs, he’s about the size of most of the current players on the Vikings defensive line. Flores likes position versatility from his players. It would appear that Ward provides that. Like Ward, Kamu Grugier-Hill was selected in the 2016 NFL Draft. Also like Ward, Grugier-Hill has journeyed the league. Both have some solid starting experience. Both should provide solid depth for the Vikings. 

The two new defensive reinforcements join a growing list of defensive reinforcements signed in free agency. 

Jonathan Greenard, OLB

Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB

Blake Cashman, LB

Jerry Tillery, DL

Shaquille Griffin, CB

Jonah Williams, DL

Jihad Ward, OLB

Kamu Grugier-Hill, LB

Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Blake Cashman were signed to be immediate starters. Jerry Tillery and Shaquille Griffin could join them in the starting lineup. Jonah Williams joins Ward and Grugier-Hill as additions with starting experience. 

Safety is the one position group with zero free agent additions. That’s hardly a surprise. Even before Harrison Smith decided to return for his 13th season, safety was one of the deepest position groups on the team. The Vikings needed to address every other position on the defense. They have. They needed to add some experience to a young, inexperienced cornerback group. They signed Shaquille Griffin. They needed to sign a linebacker to replace Jordan Hicks. Cashman returned to his Minnesota home. They needed linebacker depth. Grugier-Hill should fill that role. After losing Danielle Hunter, D.J. Wonnum, and Marcus Davenport in free agency, the Vikings needed an overhaul of their edge rushers. Enter Greenard, Van Ginkel, and Ward. While the Vikings did add some defensive line reinforcements in Tillery, Williams, and perhaps Ward, that position group still needs some help. If nothing else, they need some size. Harrison Phillips and Jaquelin Roy are the heaviest and both tip the scales at just over 300lbs. If Tillery can tap into the potential that made him a first round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. If Roy can emerge in his second season. If Phillips can hold up as the current penciled-in nose tackle. That’s a lot of “ifs.” If all of that happens, the Vikings could field an effective rotation of defensive linemen. As it stands now, the defensive line still needs reinforcements. 

The Vikings will probably open the 2024 season with six new starters on defense. A lot still has to be sorted but five of those new starters could come from this defensive free agency class. 

A Defensive Overhaul?

The Minnesota Vikings defense has undergone a near complete overhaul since head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah were hired after the 2021 season. Only safety Harrison Smith remains from the best days of the Mike Zimmer era. Old and diminishing talent combined with Ed Donatell’s shockingly passive schemes combined for a horrible defense in 2022. Brian Flores somehow put together an improved and competent defense last year. The Vikings defense needed an overhaul and this offseason has pretty much completed it. 

This offseason’s defensive arrivals:

Jonathan Greenard, OLB

Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB

Blake Cashman, LB

Jerry Tillery, DL

Jonah Williams, DL

Shaquill Griffin, CB

Defensive departures:

Danielle Hunter, OLB

D.J. Wonnum, OLB

Marcus Davenport, OLB

Khyiris Tonga, DT

Jordan Hicks, LB

Here’s a then and now look at the Vikings defensive overhaul:

2021 Vikings Defense

DE	Danielle Hunter
DT	Armon Watts
DT	Dalvin Tomlinson
DE	Everson Griffen
LB	Anthony Barr
LB	Eric Kendricks
LB	Nick Vigil
CB	Patrick Peterson
CB	Bashaud Breeland
S	Harrison Smith
S	Xavier Woods

Only Harrison Smith

Current 2024 Vikings Defense

DE	Jerry Tillery
NT	Harrison Phillips
DE	Jaquelin Roy
OLB	Jonathan Greenard
LB	Ivan Pace Jr.
LB	Blake Cashman
OLB	Andrew Van Ginkel
CB	Byron Murphy Jr.
CB	Mekhi Blackman
S	Harrison Smith
S	Cam Bynum
NB	Josh Metellus

In his first year as the Vikings defensive coordinator, Brian Flores found a way to play Josh Metellus all over the defense. I expect more of the same this year. Due to his versatility and Flores’ willingness to play him anywhere, it’s impossible to pencil Metellus in at any one position. Calling him a nickel back is easy. It’s also misleading. He plays linebacker or pass rusher as often as he’s in coverage. Josh Metellus is everywhere. 

It was brutal to see Danielle Hunter leave in free agency. Since he was drafted in 2015, he’s been one of my favorites. It was easy to admire his quiet excellence. If he had to leave, it was good to see him return home to Houston. If I had to endure the combined loss of Danielle Hunter and Harrison Smith, I’m not sure where I’d be emotionally. 

I really like what the Vikings have been able to do with modest resources. Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel are probably better fits for Flores’ defense than D.J. Wonnum, Marcus Davenport, and even Danielle Hunter. The latter three are very good pass rushers but more traditional defensive ends than outside linebackers. I really like the current state of the Vikings linebackers, inside and outside. Ivan Pace Jr. emerged as a defensive star last season as an undrafted rookie. Blake Cashman is a strong addition. Greenard and Van Ginkel will be a fun, versatile duo. Topped by Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum, safety remains a strong, deep group. Hopefully, 2022 first-round pick Lewis Cine finally emerges. Even if he does, I’m not sure where he plays. Backups and special teams stalwarts, Theo Jackson and Jay Ward can play. Cornerback continues to be something of a puzzle. It’s a young group. Byron Murphy Jr. is the veteran leader and he’s only 26. If nothing else, yesterday’s signing of Shaquille Griffin brings some much-needed experience and leadership to the group. The defensive line needs some work/additions. It’ll look a lot better if new addition Jerry Tillery plays to the talent that got him drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. At 6’6” and nearly 300lbs, he looks the part of a difference-making defensive lineman. Harrison Phillips is a solid player and team leader. I’m not sure if he’s at his best as a nose tackle. With the current defensive line group, he might play there by default. The Vikings could really use a big, 330lb, space- and block-eater. I like second-year Jaquelin Roy as a breakout candidate. If everything breaks the Vikings way with players reaching their real/imagined potential, a rotation of Harrison Phillips, Jonathan Bullard, Jerry Tillery, Jaquelin Roy, and newly signed Jonah Williams could be effective. They just need that big guy in the middle. 

It’s a defensive overhaul. 

Minnesota Vikings 64-Man Roster

Every offseason brings changes. It feels like this offseason has brought more change than usual to the Minnesota Vikings roster. Perhaps that’s just because long-time franchise fixtures like Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter have moved to new teams. About one week into the offseason and the signing flurry of free agency, the Vikings roster has 64 players. At 11 players, receiver is the largest position group. At the other end, inside and outside linebacker have only four players each. Defensive line is probably the position group most in need of upgrades. Unless the promising Jaquelin Roy emerges in his second season or new signee Jerry Tillery plays to his one-time first round draft status, the Vikings will struggle to field a solid defensive front. Fortunately, it’s only March. Here’s an early look at the roster of the Minnesota Vikings. 

Minnesota Vikings 64-Man Roster

Offense (34)

Quarterback (3)

     Sam Darnold

12 Nick Mullens

16 Jaren Hall

Running Back (5)

      Aaron Jones

32 Ty Chandler

26 Kene Nwangwu

37 Myles Gaskin

27 DeWayne MacBride

Fullback (1)

30 C.J. Ham

Wide Receiver (11)

18 Justin Jefferson

  3 Jordan Addison

  4 Brandon Powell

83 Jalen Nailor

     Trent Sherfield

  9 Trishton Jackson

81 Lucky Jackson

13 N’Keal Harry

89 Thayer Thomas

     Malik Knowles

85 Daylen Baldwin

Tight End (4)

87 T.J. Hockenson

84 Josh Oliver

86 Johnny Mundt

34 Nick Muse

Offensive Linemen (10)

71 Christian Darrisaw

64 Blake Brandel

56 Garrett Bradbury 

67 Ed Ingram

75 Brian O’Neill

76 David Quessenberry

     Dan Feeney

68 Henry Byrd

79 Tyrese Robinson

63 Coy Cronk

Defense (27)

Defensive Line (5)

97 Harrison Phillips

93 Jonathan Bullard

78 Jaquelin Roy

     Jerry Tillery

     Jonah Williams

Outside Linebacker (4)

     Jonathan Greenard

     Andrew Van Ginkel

91 Patrick Jones

55 Andre Carter II

Inside Linebacker (4)

40 Ivan Pace Jr.

     Blake Cashman 

33 Brian Asamoah

39 Abraham Beauplan

Cornerback (8)

  7 Byron Murphy Jr.

21 Akayleb Evans

11 Mekhi Blackmon

23 Andrew Booth Jr.

36 Najee Thompson

38 Jaylin Williams  

29 Joejuan Williams

     A.J. Green III

Safety (6)

22 Harrison Smith

24 Camryn Bynum

44 Josh Metellus

25 Theo Jackson

20 Jay Ward

  6 Lewis Cine

Special Teams (3)

Kicker (1)

     John Parker Romo

Punter (1)

14 Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

42 Andrew DePaola

Minnesota Vikings Free Agency Ledger

The start of the legal tampering period was a week ago. Here’s a look at players added and lost over the past week. 

Signed:

Jonathan Greenard, Edge

Andrew Van Ginkel, Edge

Blake Cashman, LB

Aaron Jones, RB

Sam Darnold, QB

John Parker Romo, K

Jerry Tillery, DT

Trent Sherfield, WR

Dan Feeney, G/C

Re-Signed:

Theo Jackson, S

Nick Muse, TE

Johnny Mundt, TE

Blake Brandel, OL

David Quessenberry, OT

Brandon Powell, WR

Jonathan Bullard, DT

Signed Elsewhere:

Kirk Cousins, QB

Danielle Hunter, Edge

Jordan Hicks, LB

Marcus Davenport, Edge

D.J. Wonnum, Edge

K.J. Osborn, WR

Khyiris Tonga, DT

Hakeem Adenji, OT

Thanks to the ledger loss of a quarterback and elite pass rusher (Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter), the Vikings are currently projected to receive two third-round compensatory picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.  That should help as a significant deal was made last week. In a swap of draft picks with the Houston Texans, the Vikings gained a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The details of the deal:

Vikings receive:

First-round pick (23rd overall)

Seventh-round pick (232nd overall)

Texans receive: 

Second-round pick (42nd overall)

Sixth-round pick (188th overall)

2025 Second-round pick

The Vikings now have the draft capital to make an even bigger move up the draft board for a quarterback. 

It’s been an active first week of the offseason. 

Another Minnesota Vikings 7-Round Mock Draft

Friday’s acquisition of a second first-round pick screams for another Minnesota Vikings 7-Round Mock Draft. 

On Friday, the Vikings swapped some picks with the Houston Texans. 

Vikings receive:

First-round pick (23rd overall)

Seventh-round pick (232nd overall)

Texans receive: 

Second-round pick (42nd overall)

Sixth-round pick (188th overall)

2025 Second-round pick

The Vikings now have the following picks in the 2024 NFL Draft:

First Round: 11th overall

First Round: 23rd overall

Fourth Round: 108th overall

Fourth Round: 129th overall

Fifth Round: 157th overall

Fifth Round: 167th overall

Sixth Round: 177th overall

Seventh Round: 230th overall

Seventh Round: 232nd overall

So, the Vikings are currently scheduled to sit out the second day of the draft. That isn’t great. If it brings the quarterback that they desperately need, it’s well worth it. 

Minnesota Vikings 7-Round Mock Draft

In this mock, the Vikings trade the 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.

1. Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

4. Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame

4. Maason Smith, DT, LSU

5. Zak Zinter, G, Michigan

5. Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire

6. Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice

7. Anim Dankwah, OT, Howard

7. Erick All, TE, Iowa

If this mock comes to be, Drake Maye is the Vikings quarterback of the future, perhaps present too. In these days, there’s a mad rush to get a highly drafted quarterback on the field. A quarterback selected as early as the third pick of the draft is expected to start early. 

I’d be very surprised if Cam Hart and Maason Smith are still available in the fourth round. If the Vikings were able to find them on Day 3, it’s as if they didn’t sit out Day 2.

This mock only has two defensive players. If the Vikings come out of the draft with eight players, I expect more than two defensive players. While the focus of free agency has been on the defense, there’s still a serious lack of players on the defensive front. There are currently only four defensive linemen on the roster. Further depth is needed at cornerback, edge, and linebacker. In this mock, I liked the offensive players available at each pick. Currently, the biggest need on offense is a left guard. 

These are exciting times. The Vikings are getting their quarterback. 

Movin’ On Up

The Minnesota Vikings traded two second round picks (and a late-round pick) to the Houston Texans for a first-round pick (and a late-round pick). The particulars:

Vikings receive:

First-round pick (23rd overall)

Seventh-round pick (232nd overall)

Texans receive: 

Second-round pick (42nd overall)

Sixth-round pick (188th overall)

2025 Second-round pick

The Vikings now have two first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. Why would the Minnesota Vikings make such a trade of draft picks more than a month before the draft? It makes no sense to make this move to target a particular player, or players, at #23. Targeting a player, or players, in March? That’s the sort of move a team makes during the draft. The only reason to make this trade now is to add the necessary draft capital to make a second even more significant move to the top of the draft. The Vikings are movin’ on up to secure their quarterback. Minnesota general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is cooking now. By the various draft trade value charts, the two-first rounders are enough to get to the #3 pick held by the New England Patriots and an additional top pick away from the #2 pick held by the Washington Commanders. Both teams are also looking for quarterbacks. Would either be willing to give up their best shot at one for the Vikings bounty of picks? That remains to be seen but I don’t see Adofo-Mensah making this trade with the Texans now if there isn’t a good chance of the bigger trade later. He’s clearly spoken to his counterparts with the Commanders, Patriots, Arizona Cardinals (at #4), and perhaps Los Angeles Chargers (at #5). I believe that the #2 or #3 pick is the target. The trade with the Texans was an aggressive move. The timing of it also alerts the rest of the league of their intentions. It’s not like they need any alerting. Everyone knows that the Vikings need a quarterback. They’ve been looking for their next franchise quarterback since Fran Tarkenton retired in 1978. My immediate reaction to the trade was that a second trade was also going to come in advance of the draft. Mainly because I don’t think that the Vikings make first move without firm plans to make the second. For my own sanity, my hope is that the second trade comes soon. I won’t rest easy until the Vikings secure the pick that gets them their quarterback. 

Now, which of the quarterbacks intrigues the Vikings the most?

Jayden Daniels

Drake Maye

J.J. McCarthy

I’m not including Caleb Williams because I’m assuming that he’s the pick of the Chicago Bears at #1. I consider that pick and that quarterback untouchable. My guess is that the Vikings would be thrilled with any of Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and J.J. McCarthy. Rumors have it that Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell likes Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy for his offense. Would Jayden Daniels interest O’Connell if they hold the #2 pick? Who knows? What I do know is that come draft day it’s looking much more likely that the Minnesota Vikings will be selecting near the top of the 2024 NFL Draft.