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.