2024 NFL Draft Signing Tracker

The 2024 NFL Draft was nearly a month ago. Most of the signing interest is on the players selected in the first round. Here’s an update of the signing status of the players selected in that first round as well as a brief summary of the players selected 33-257. 

First Round

1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

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

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

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

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

7. Tennessee Titans: JC Latham, OT, Alabama - Signed

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

9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

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

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

12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon - Signed

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

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

15. Indianapolis Colts: Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA -Signed

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

17. Minnesota Vikings: Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

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

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

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

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

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

24. Detroit Lions: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

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

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

27. Arizona Cardinals: Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri

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

29. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma - Signed

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

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

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

11 of the 32 players selected in the first round have signed their rookie contracts. 34.4% of the players selected in the first round have signed. 

Second Round

9/32 - signed

28.1%

The second round signings notoriously lag behind all of the other rounds. Even the first. 

Third Round

26/36 - signed

72.2%

Fourth Round

25/35 - signed

71.4%

Fifth Round

36/41 - signed

87.8%

Sixth Round

38/44 - signed

86.4%

Seventh Round

36/37 - signed

97.3%

All Rounds

181/257 - signed

70.4%

Signing data is taken from the tracking at Spotrac.com.

On May 17, just over 70% of the 257 picks are signed. There once was a time when teams didn’t really start signing draft picks until July. 

Minnesota Vikings 2024 Schedule

We’ve known the who and where of the Minnesota Vikings 2024 Schedule since the end of last season. Now, we know the when. Yesterday, the 2024 NFL Schedule was finally released. 

2024 Minnesota Vikings Schedule

Week 1:   @New York Giants (9/8)

Week 2:   San Francisco 49ers (9/15)

Week 3:   Houston Texans (9/22)

Week 4:   @Green Bay Packers (9/29)

Week 5:   New York Jets (London 10/6)

Week 6:   Bye

Week 7:   Detroit Lions (10/20)

Week 8:  @Los Angeles Rams (Thursday Night 10/24)

Week 9:   Indianapolis Colts (11/3)

Week 10: @Jacksonville Jaguars (11/10)

Week 11: @Tennessee Titans (11/17)

Week 12: @Chicago Bears (11/24)

Week 13: Arizona Cardinals (12/1)

Week 14: Atlanta Falcons (12/8)

Week 15: Chicago Bears (Monday Night 12/16)

Week 16: @Seattle Seahawks (12/22)

Week 17: Green Bay Packers (12/29)

Week 18: @Detroit Lions

***

The Vikings lose a home game as the token host of the New York Jets in London. With that in mind, the Vikings play only four home games in the first 12 weeks of the season. That’s ridiculous. 

The Vikings open the season with their most difficult stretch of the season. After the Giants, five of the next six games are against teams that made the playoffs last season. The Jets are the lone non-playoff team from last season but they’re considered a contender if their clown quarterback is healthy. The Giants game might be the only game in which they enter as the favorite. 

Three consecutive away games followed by three consecutive home games is an oddity. 

Hosting the Houston Texans (w/Danielle Hunter) and Atlanta Falcons (w/Kirk Cousins) are games of intrigue that make the talking heads giddy. 

The Vikings schedule looks more difficult with the dates in place than it did when only the “who” and the “where” were known. A schedule is funny that way. 

It’s clear that the league doesn’t expect a lot out of the Vikings this season. There’s the London game and only two prime time games. Outside of those “prime” games, the Vikings play in the early Sunday window every week but Week 16. That game is on the west coast against the Seattle Seahawks so it has to get the later start. Personally, I love the lack of attention. I prefer the early Sunday games. The more of those the better. I often lose my damn mind waiting all day for a Vikings kickoff. 

Preseason Games:

Week 1: Las Vegas Raiders

Week 2: @Cleveland Browns

Week 3: @Philadelphia Eagles

During the week preceding their preseason matchup, the Browns will host the Vikings for some joint practices. Those are always a blast. 

Minnesota Vikings 11 Best Defenders

The quarterback situation of the Minnesota Vikings is getting the bulk of the offseason attention. That’s hardly a surprise as there’s loads of intrigue at the position. The departure of Kirk Cousins, the signing of Sam Darnold, the drafting of J.J. McCarthy, the coaching of Kevin O’Connell and Josh McCown, Nick Mullens, and Jaren Hall. There’s a lot of intriguing, moving pieces in the Vikings quarterback room and on the field. Hidden in the long shadow of the happenings of the quarterbacks is a defense being crafted by coordinator Brian Flores and his coaches. We saw hints of that defense last season. The Vikings defense was terrible with Ed Donatell guiding it in 2022. Under Flores, that same modestly talented defense was mostly decent last season. There was even a stretch, before injuries started eliminating players, during which the Vikings defense approached being dominant. It was startling to see Flores get competent play out of a defense that was no where near competent only a year before. Imagine what he could do with even a peppering of more talent. Well, he now has more talent. He also has a bunch of players that played in his defense last season. The Vikings defense is going to be a lot of fun this season. These days, football is all about the quarterback. While Darnold, McCarthy, and the quarterbacks will be the headline story in Minnesota, the Vikings defense might be the more intriguing story. 

If the first season under Flores showed us anything, he likes a position-less defense and position-less players. There will always be roles and landmarks for football defenders. I believe that Flores sees a defense filled with non-traditional players filling the traditional roles and hitting the traditional landmarks. I’ve spent my entire football life favoring the good ol’ 4-3. End, 3-technique, nose tackle, end fronting three linebackers: weak-side, middle, strong-side. Each player had the traditional build that fit their traditional roles. Behind those seven players were four defensive backs: corner, free safety, strong safety, corner. A third corner replaced one of the linebackers in passing situations. In today’s NFL, that was about 66% of the snaps. Traditional players in traditional roles. It was easy. It was easy to follow and easy to see. Flores is complicating things and I love it. A position-less defense. 

There will, of course, be game situations, dictated by down-and-distance and offensive personnel, that will put particular players on the field. Still, I’m expecting Flores will often put his 11 best defensive football players on the field. Their traditional positions will not matter. With that in mind, who are the Vikings 11 best defenders? Here’s my shot at answering that question. Front to back.

Harrison Phillips

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Ivan Pace Jr.

Blake Cashman

Byron Murphy Jr.

Khyree Jackson

Harrison Smith

Camryn Bynum

Josh Metellus

By traditional positions, that’s one defensive lineman, five linebackers, two corners, and three safeties. Including fourth-round corner Khyree Jackson might be a bit early but I have a real good feeling about his rookie season. It’s far more likely that second-year Mekhi Blackmon pairs with Byron Murphy Jr. at corner in most iterations of the Vikings defense. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if Murphy, Blackmon, and Jackson are on the field for any defensive package that includes three corners. 

The two players that truly mark the position-less nature of the Vikings potential defense are Andrew Van Ginkel and rookie Dallas Turner. By listed position, both are outside linebackers, edge rushers. By play, they may be in coverage nearly as often as they rush the quarterback. Van Ginkel has shown his position-less versatility since he entered the league in 2019. Flores coached him from 2019-21 so he knows well the player and his multiple skills. While Turner is a complete unknown as an NFL player he might be the most athletic defensive football player the Vikings have ever drafted. A 4.46 40 and 40 inch vertical are just freakish physical attributes. At Alabama, he wasn’t just a freakish athlete playing football. He was a freakishly athletic football player. I can not wait to see him on the field. The anticipation is greater than any previous drafted defensive player and rivals that of drafted offensive players like Randy Moss, Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin, and Justin Jefferson. 

I can envision a defense with Harrison Phillips, Jonathan Greenard and Van Ginkel/Turner on the line. Either one of inside linebackers Ivan Pace Jr. and Blake Cashman filling a gap, threatening a rush. A wide variety of five defensive backs in coverage. With whichever of Van Ginkel/Turner that isn’t rushing supplementing the coverage. Hell, Flores might drop both of the versatile outside linebackers and send one, or more, of the defensive backs at the quarterback. Who knows? I don’t. I can only dream about the possibilities. 

If nothing else, the Minnesota Vikings defense will be fun. It might have been lacking a bit in talent last season. Flores made the best of it. Greenard, Van Ginkel, Turner, and Jackson top the talent that was added this offseason. There’s also a couple wildcard additions in defensive tackle Jerry Tillery and corner Shaq Griffin. As a former first round pick, Tillery is a particular curiosity for me. If he finally plays to the talent that got him drafted in the first round, Flores has a strong piece on the defensive front. That’s the area of the defense that’s most lacking in talent at this point in the process. 

Quarterback isn’t the only interesting story in Minnesota. 

Minnesota Vikings 91-man Roster

Following last weekend’s rookie minicamp, the Minnesota Vikings signed tight Sammis Reyes. The Chilean-born football player attended minicamp on a tryout basis. Now, he’s a member of the Vikings. Reyes has NFL experience. As a 2021 undrafted free agent, he appeared in 11 games and made one start with the Washington Commanders. He spent the 2022 season on the practice squad of the Chicago Bears. He signed with Jacksonville Jaguars in May of 2023 and retired in August due to a concussion. His tryout in Minnesota last weekend was his return to the game. His football dream is back on track. 

Reyes joins the Vikings through the International Player Pathway (IPP) program and does not count against the 90-player offseason roster limit. The Vikings roster is now at 91 players. 

Offense (44)

Quarterbacks (4)

14 Sam Darnold

  9 J.J. McCarthy

12 Nick Mullens

16 Jaren Hall

Running Backs (5)

33 Aaron Jones

32 Ty Chandler

26 Kene Nwangwu

27 DeWayne McBride

37 Myles Gaskin

Fullback (1)

30 C.J. Ham

Receivers (13)

18 Justin Jefferson

  3 Jordan Addison

  4 Brandon Powell

83 Jalen Nailor

11 Trent Sherfield

13 N’Keal Harry

  8 Trishton Jackson

81 Lucky Jackson

89 Thayer Thomas

19 Malik Knowles

85 Ty James

35 Devron Harper

82 Jershaun Jones

Tight Ends (5)

87 T.J. Hockenson

84 Josh Oliver

86 Johnny Mundt

34 Nick Muse

41 Trey Knox

48 Sammis Reyes

Offensive Linemen (15)

71 Christian Darrisaw

64 Blake Brandel

56 Garrett Bradbury

67 Ed Ingram

75 Brian O’Neill

76 David Quessenberry

78 Walter Rouse

65 Michael Jurgens

69 Dan Feeney

68 Henry Byrd

79 Tyrese Robinson

63 Jeremy Flax

72 Doug Nester

73 Matt Cindric

74 Spencer Rolland

Defense (42)

Defensive Linemen (9)

97 Harrison Phillips

93 Jaquelin Roy

90 Jonathan Bullard

99 Jerry Tillery

92 Jonah Williams

50 Levi Drake Rodriguez

94 Taki Taimani

95 Tyler Manoa

Outside Linebackers (8)

58 Jonathan Greenard

43 Andrew Van Ginkel

15 Dallas Turner

91 Patrick Jones II

55 Andre Carter II

52 Jihad Ward

59 Gabriel Murphy

98 Bo Richter

57 Owen Porter

Inside Linebackers (8)

  0 Ivan Pace Jr.

51 Blake Cashman

  2 Brian Asamoah

54 Kamu Grugier-Hill

39 Abraham Beauplan

48 Dallas Gant

40 Donovan Manuel

45 K.J. Cloyd

Cornerbacks (11)

  7 Byron Murphy Jr.

  5 Mekhi Blackman

  1 Shaq Griffin

21 Akayleb Evans

23 Andrew Booth Jr.

36 Najee Thompson

31 Khyree Jackson

28 A.J. Green III

29 Joejuan Williams

38 Jaylin Williams

47 Dwight McGlothern

Safeties (6)

22 Harrison Smith

24 Camryn Bynum

44 Josh Metellus

25 Theo Jackson

  6 Lewis Cine

20 Jay Ward

Special Teams (5)

Kickers (2)

46 Will Reichard

96 John Parker Romo

Punter (2)

17 Ryan Wright

49 Seth Vernon

Long Snapper (1)

42 Andrew DePoala

Minnesota Vikings 2024 Opponents

The 2024 NFL Schedule is “scheduled” to be revealed this week. It’d be nice to have that last little detail of a season that’s only four months away. We’ve known the “who” and the “where” of the schedule since the end of the last season. We just need the “when.”  People have plans to make. 

As a refresher, here are the “who” and the “where” of the Minnesota Vikings 2024 Schedule.

Home:

Chicago Bears

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

Arizona Cardinals

San Francisco 49ers

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Atlanta Falcons

New York Jets

Away:

Chicago Bears

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

Los Angeles Rams

Seattle Seahawks

Jacksonville Jaguars

Tennessee Titans

New York Giants

Of course, there’s the annual home-and-away games against their fellow NFC North divisional foes. This year, the NFL’s schedule rotation matches the NFC North with the NFC West and AFC South. That’s 14 of the 17 games. The final three games are determined by last year’s divisional finish. The Vikings were third in the NFC North in 2023. That matches them with the NFC South’s Atlanta Falcons, NFC East’s New York Giants, and AFC East’s New York Jets. Foolishly adding the idiotic 17th game really hacked-up the symmetry of the NFL schedule. An extra inter-conference game was jammed into each team’s schedule. Last year’s 3rd-place finish in the NFC North matches the Vikings with the similarly placed team in the AFC East, the Jets. 

Another idiotic aspect of a 17-game schedule is half the teams having the decided advantage of nine home games. This year, the Vikings get that advantage. However, the NFL robbed them of that advantage by shipping one of their home games to Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London. My guess is that the Texans will be their opponent. It’s just a guess. 

I plan to attend the Vikings-Rams game at SoFi. This week, I finally find out when that game will be. I’ll finally be able to make plans. Finally. 

2024 NFL Draft First Round Signing Tracker

The 2024 NFL Draft was two weeks ago. With rookie minicamps popping up across the league, the signing of draft picks have picked up this past week. Here’s a look at the signing progress of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

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

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

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

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

7. Tennessee Titans: JC Latham, OT, Alabama - Signed

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

9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

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

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

12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon - Signed

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

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

15. Indianapolis Colts: Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA -Signed

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

17. Minnesota Vikings: Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

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

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

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

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

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

24. Detroit Lions: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

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

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

27. Arizona Cardinals: Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri

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

29. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma - Signed

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

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

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

Minnesota Vikings Signed A Few Draft Picks

While the current Collective Bargaining Agreement pretty much rids the league of rookie holdouts, I still hate the wait for rookies to sign their first professional contracts. I always hope that the Minnesota Vikings have their rookies signed by the start of the rookie minicamp. That didn’t happen. Again. The seven draft picks and the rest of the rookies and tryout players were on the field for their first professional practice yesterday. While a little late for my liking, the Vikings did start the draft pick signing process.

Signed:

6. Will Reichard, K, Alabama

7. Michael Jurgens, G/C, Wake Forest

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

The Details:

Will Reichard

Contract: 4 years, $4,190,620, 

Signing bonus: $170,620

Michael Jurgens

Contract: 4 years, $4,128,740

Signing bonus: $108,740

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Contract: 4 years, $4,125,988

Signing bonus: $105,988

The contract numbers are projected by draft slot rather than announced. 

The Vikings continued the draft pick signing today. 

Signed:

4. Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon

The Details:

Contract: 4 years, $4,847,148

Signing bonus: $827,148

The signing of the above four draft picks leaves three to go. 

1. J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

1. Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama

6. Walter Rouse, OT, Oklahoma

I expect Walter Rouse to sign today or tomorrow. The heavy lifting of the signing process will, of course, be the pair of first round picks, J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner. It’s only a matter of time. The current CBA made certain of that. 

Minnesota Vikings 90-man Roster

When the Minnesota Vikings signed punter Seth Vernon at the end of April, the roster was at 91 players. On Tuesday, receiver Daylen Baldwin was released. In a bit of an interesting twist, Baldwin caught the first touchdown pass thrown by J.J. McCarthy at Michigan. The swap of Vernon for Baldwin put the Vikings roster at the offseason limit of 90 players. 

Offense (43)

Quarterbacks (4)

14 Sam Darnold

  9 J.J. McCarthy

12 Nick Mullens

16 Jaren Hall

Running Backs (5)

33 Aaron Jones

32 Ty Chandler

26 Kene Nwangwu

27 DeWayne McBride

37 Myles Gaskin

Fullback (1)

30 C.J. Ham

Receivers (13)

18 Justin Jefferson

  3 Jordan Addison

  4 Brandon Powell

83 Jalen Nailor

11 Trent Sherfield

13 N’Keal Harry

  8 Trishton Jackson

81 Lucky Jackson

89 Thayer Thomas

19 Malik Knowles

85 Ty James

35 Devron Harper

82 Jershaun Jones

Tight Ends (5)

87 T.J. Hockenson

84 Josh Oliver

86 Johnny Mundt

34 Nick Muse

41 Trey Knox

Offensive Linemen (15)

71 Christian Darrisaw

64 Blake Brandel

56 Garrett Bradbury

67 Ed Ingram

75 Brian O’Neill

76 David Quessenberry

78 Walter Rouse

65 Michael Jurgens

69 Dan Feeney

68 Henry Byrd

79 Tyrese Robinson

63 Jeremy Flax

72 Doug Nester

73 Matt Cindric

74 Spencer Rolland

Defense (42)

Defensive Linemen (9)

97 Harrison Phillips

93 Jaquelin Roy

90 Jonathan Bullard

99 Jerry Tillery

92 Jonah Williams

50 Levi Drake Rodriguez

94 Taki Taimani

95 Tyler Manoa

Outside Linebackers (8)

58 Jonathan Greenard

43 Andrew Van Ginkel

15 Dallas Turner

91 Patrick Jones II

55 Andre Carter II

52 Jihad Ward

59 Gabriel Murphy

98 Bo Richter

57 Owen Porter

Inside Linebackers (8)

  0 Ivan Pace Jr.

51 Blake Cashman

  2 Brian Asamoah

54 Kamu Grugier-Hill

39 Abraham Beauplan

48 Dallas Gant

40 Donovan Manuel

45 K.J. Cloyd

Cornerbacks (11)

  7 Byron Murphy Jr.

  5 Mekhi Blackman

  1 Shaq Griffin

21 Akayleb Evans

23 Andrew Booth Jr.

36 Najee Thompson

31 Khyree Jackson

28 A.J. Green III

29 Joejuan Williams

38 Jaylin Williams

47 Dwight McGlothern

Safeties (6)

22 Harrison Smith

24 Camryn Bynum

44 Josh Metellus

25 Theo Jackson

  6 Lewis Cine

20 Jay Ward

Special Teams (5)

Kickers (2)

46 Will Reichard

96 John Parker Romo

Punter (2)

17 Ryan Wright

49 Seth Vernon

Long Snapper (1)

42 Andrew DePoala

Throwback Thursday: Minnesota Vikings 2022 Draft Class

The Minnesota Vikings hired manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in January of 2022. His first draft was expected to transform the team. Every first draft of a GM is expected to be transformative. So far, this draft hasn’t come close to that. 

Minnesota Vikings 2022 Draft Class

1. Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

2. Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

2. Ed Ingram, G, LSU

3. Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma

4. Akayleb Evans, CB, Missouri

5. Esezi Otomewo, DT, Minnesota

5. Ty Chandler, RB, North Carolina

6. Vederian Lowe, OT, Illinois

6. Jalen Nailor, WR, Michigan State

7. Nick Muse, TE, South Carolina

At the time, I really liked this draft. I was one of the few Vikings fans that didn’t mind the first round trade with the Detroit Lions. The Vikings dropped back 20 spots from 12 to 32. In doing so, they bypassed Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton. On the surface of the deal, they passed on Hamilton at #12 and selected Lewis Cine at #32. After two seasons, that decision doesn’t look good. Critics seem to forget the significant pre-draft questions swirling around Hamilton. In fact, Cine looked like the much safer safety pick, especially with the final pick of the first round. With Cine, Andrew Booth Jr., and Brian Asamoah, this draft was supposed to provide the building blocks for a new Vikings defense. Throw in Akayleb Evans and Esezi Otomewo and potential was added at every level of the defense. 

Fast forward two years and only Evans has seen any significant snaps on defense. Cine lost nearly all of his rookie season to a brutal broken leg in the fourth game. His recovery appeared to go smoothly but this was the sort of injury that can shake a psyche. That might be the bigger recovery question. Who knows? Only Cine can know. A bigger obstacle for Cine is probably the talent at safety on the Vikings. Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum were already established at starters. Then, Josh Metellus emerged last year as a talented, versatile defender. At the time Cine was drafted, perhaps the team’s decision-makers thought that a Smith retirement would’ve cleared the path to the field by now. Smith’s snaps might be monitored during his 13th season. That could provide Cine with an opportunity. It could be his last opportunity. With his aggressive man-coverage ability, Booth might be one of the team’s best corner fits for Brian Flores’ defense. Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistency have plagued him for two years. Like Cine, this season could be his final opportunity. After some occasional flashes as a rookie, Asamoah was penciled in as one of the starting linebackers last summer. Instead, he was slowed by an injury early in training camp and undrafted rookie Ivan Pace Jr. emerged. Now, Asamoah has Pace and free agent addition Blake Cashman ahead of him. Like Cine and Booth, this season could be Asamoah’s final opportunity. Evans started a couple games as a rookie. Just as he was starting to make his mark in the defense, he was lost to concussions. The concussion concerns were significant enough that his first season was cut short after ten games. With a new helmet and revised tackling techniques, Evans was primed for a breakout season in year two. He started 15 games but his play was inconsistent and became even more inconsistent over the final games. 2023 third-round pick Mekhi Blackmon has probably passed Evans on the cornerback depth chart. It’s possible that Byron Murphy Jr., Blackmon, free agent addition Shaq Griffin, and perhaps even 2024 fourth-round pick Khyree Jackson are all positioned ahead of Evans. After 17 starts over two seasons, Evans might be competing for his Minnesota future in training camp. I saw significant potential in Esezi Otomewo during his rookie season. I saw enough potential that I thought that he could be a breakout contributor in his second season. He never got a second season with the Vikings as a he didn’t make it out of training camp. 

Five of the Vikings first six picks in the 2022 NFL Draft were defensive players. All (especially Cine, Booth, and Asamoah) were expected to be foundational defenders by year three. Instead, all might be competing for roster spots this summer. 

The 2022 Minnesota Vikings draft was defensive-centric. The top of the draft was defensive. The bottom of the draft was offensive. There were as many offensive players selected in 2022 as defensive players. The offensive players have been much more successful. Ed Ingram has been the starting right guard since the first game of his rookie season. At best, he’s shown steady improvement since that first start. He hasn’t played so well that it’s his job until retirement but he’s shown enough improvement that he might eventually become that guy. It says more about his draft class mates than it does his own play but Ed Ingram has been the best player in the Vikings 2022 draft. By the end of his second season, Ty Chandler was the starting running back. The coaches really like him but it didn’t stop them from adding veteran Aaron Jones in free agency. Chandler might one day be the team’s top back but for this season he’ll be 1b in a running duo with Jones. Vederian Lowe was traded to the New England Patriots last August. The Vikings received a sixth-round pick in return. So, they got much more out of Lowe than they’ve gotten from their defensive picks. Jalen Nailor looked like he was headed to a breakout season last year. Then a hamstring injury in training camp derailed that momentum. He returned to the field during the latter half of the season. It was a brief return as a concussion ended his season. If he can stay on the field, Nailor could emerge as a challenger for the #3 receiver job. Nick Muse has hung around the roster for two seasons. He could have a role as the third tight end until starter T.J. Hockenson returns from a torn ACL.

After two seasons, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s first draft hasn’t been a good one. Only Ed Ingram has been a full-time starter. Ty Chandler is a contributor. Jalen Nailor might be. The defensive players that were supposed to be the hallmark of this draft might be looking at the final opportunities with the team. Outside of Ingram and Akayleb Evans, the sixth-round pick received for Vederian Lowe might be the best return from the Minnesota Vikings 2022 Draft Class. 

The Numbers Are In!

The Minnesota Vikings released the jersey numbers of the players added to the roster this offseason. There were also a few players that swapped jersey numbers. 

Veteran Free Agent Jersey Numbers

  1 - Shaq Griffin, CB

11 - Trent Sherfield, WR

14 - Sam Darnold, QB

28 - A.J. Green II, CB

33 - Aaron Jones, RB

43 - Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB

49 - Seth Vernon, P

51 - Blake Cashman, LB

52 - Jihad Ward, OLB

54 - Kamu Grugier-Hill, LB

58 - Jonathan Greenard, OLB

69 - Dan Feeney, C/G

92 - Jonah Williams, DL

96 - John Parker Romo, K

99 - Jerry Tillery

Swapped Jersey Numbers

  0 - Ivan Pace Jr., LB 

  2 - Brian Asamoah, LB

  8 - Trishton Jackson, WR

17 - Ryan Wright, P

19 - Malik Knowles, WB

36 - NaJee Thompson, CB

- Pace switched to his college number after the welcome departure of Marcus Davenport

- Asamoah gave up #33 to Aaron Jones

- Jackson gave up #9 to J.J. McCarthy

- Ryan Wright gave up #14 to Sam Darnold

- Knowles flipped from #81 to #19

- NaJee Thompson flipped to his “original” #36

2014 Draft Class

  9 - J.J. McCarthy, QB

15 - Dallas Turner, OLB

31 - Khyree Jackson, CB

46 - Will Reichard, K

50 - Levi Drake Rodriguez, DT

65 - Michael Jurgens, IOL

78 - Walter Rouse, OT

2014 Undrafted Class

35 - Devron Harper, WR

40 - Donovan Manuel, LB

41 - Trey Knox, TE

45 - K.J. Cloyd, LB

47 - Dwight McGlothern, CB

48 - Dallas Gant, LB

57 - Owen Porter, OLB

59 - Gabriel Murphy, OLB

63 - Jeremy Flax, OL

72 - Doug Nester, OL

73 - Matt Cindric, OL

74 - Spencer Rolland, OL

82 - Jeshaun Jones, WR

85 - Ty James, WR

94 - Taki Taimani, DT

95 - Tyler Manoa, DT

98 - Bo Richter, OLB

-39 new players with new jersey numbers

- 5 returning players with new jersey numbers

2024 NFL Draft First Round Signing Tracker

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

1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

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

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

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

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

7. Tennessee Titans: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

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

9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

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

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

12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

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

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

15. Indianapolis Colts: Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

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

17. Minnesota Vikings: Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

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

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

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

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

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

24. Detroit Lions: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

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

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

27. Arizona Cardinals: Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri

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

29. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

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

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

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

A Way Too Early Minnesota VIkings 53-man Roster Projection

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

Offense (25)

Quarterbacks (3)

Sam Darnold

J.J. McCarthy

Jaren Hall

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

Running Backs (3)

Aaron Jones

Ty Chandler

Kene Nwangwu

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

Fullback (1)

C.J. Ham

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

Receivers (5)

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Brandon Powell

Jalen Nailor

Trent Sherfield

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

Tight Ends (4)

T.J. Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Johnny Mundt

Nick Muse

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

Offensive Linemen (9)

Christian Darrisaw

Blake Brandel

Garrett Bradbury

Ed Ingram

Brian O’Neill

David Quessenberry

Walter Rouse

Michael Jurgens

Dan Feeney

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

Defense (25)

Defensive Linemen (5)

Harrison Phillips

Jaquelin Roy

Jonathan Bullard

Jerry Tillery

Levi Drake Rodriguez

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

Outside Linebackers (5)

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Andre Carter

Gabriel Murphy

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

Inside Linebackers (4)

Ivan Pace Jr.

Blake Cashman

Brian Asamoah

Kamu Grugier-Hill

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

Cornerbacks (5)

Byron Murphy Jr.

Mekhi Blackman

Khyree Jackson

Andrew Booth Jr.

Najee Thompson

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

Safeties (6)

Harrison Smith

Camryn Bynum

Josh Metellus

Theo Jackson

Lewis Cine

Jay Ward

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

Special Teams (3)

Kickers (1)

Will Reichard

Punter (1)

Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

Andrew DePoala

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

***

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

Minnesota Vikings Roster By College

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

Air Force

Bo Richter

Alabama

Dallas Turner

Will Reichard

Alabama-Birmingham

DeWayne McBride

Arizona

Tyler Manoa

Arizona State

N’Keal Harry

Arkansas 

Dwight McGlothern

Army

Andre Carter II

Augustana (S.D.)

C.J. Ham

BYU

Jaren Hall

California

Cam Bynum

Matt Cindric

Central Florida

Shaq Griffin

Cincinnati

Ivan Pace Jr.

Clemson

Andrew Booth Jr.

Eastern Illinois

Kamu Grugier-Hill

Florida

Jonathan Greenard

Jonathan Bullard

Brandon Powell

Florida International

Donovan Manuel

Georgia

Lewis Cine

Georgia Southern

Najee Thompson

Illinois

Jihad Ward

Indiana

Dan Feeney

Jaylin Williams

Iowa

T.J. Hockenson

Iowa State

Kene Nwangwu

Kansas State

Malik Knowles

Kentucky 

Jeremy Flax

LSU
Justin Jefferson

Ed Ingram

Jaquelin Roy

Jay Ward

Marshall

Andrew Beauplan

Owen Porter

Maryland

Jeshaun Jones

Mercer

Devron Harper

Ty James

Miami

K.J. Cloyd

Michigan 

Josh Metellus

J.J. McCarthy

Daylen Baldwin

Michigan State

Jalen Nailor

Minnesota

Blake Cashman

Missouri 

Akayleb Evans

North Carolina

Ty Chandler

Spencer Rolland

North Carolina State

Garret Bradbury

Thayer Thomas

Notre Dame

Harrison Smith

Jerry Tillery

Oklahoma

Brian Asamoah II

Tyrese Robinson

Walter Rouse

Oklahoma State

A.J. Green III

Oregon

Johnny Mundt

Khyree Jackson

Taki Taimani

Oregon State

Blake Brandel

Pittsburgh

Brian O’Neill

Patrick Jones II

Portland State

Seth Vernon

Princeton

Henry Byrd

Rutgers

Andrew DePaola

San Jose State

Josh Oliver

David Quessenberry

South Carolina

Nick Muse

Trey Knox

Southern Mississippi 

Nick Mullens

Stanford

Harrison Phillips

Syracuse

Trishton Jackson

Tennessee

Theo Jackson

Texas-El Paso

Aaron Jones

Texas A&M-Commerce

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Toledo

Dallas Gant

Tulane

Ryan Wright

UCLA

Gabriel Murphy

USC

Jordan Addison

Mekhi Blackmon

Sam Darnold

Vanderbilt

Trent Sherfield

Joejuan Williams

Virginia Tech

Christian Darrisaw

John Parker Romo

Wake Forest

Michael Jurgens

Washington 

Myles Gaskin

Byron Murphy Jr. 

Weber State

Jonah Williams

West Virginia

Doug Nester

Western Kentucky

Lucky Jackson

Wisconsin

Andrew Van Ginkel

Fifth-Year Option Tracker

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

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

Players who had their options picked up are in bold:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

27. Rashod Bateman, WR, Baltimore Ravens

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

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

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

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

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

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

Favorite Draft Picks: AFC

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

Baltimore Ravens

1. Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

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

Cincinnati Bengals 

2. Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan

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

Pittsburgh Steelers

4. Mason McCormick, G, South Dakota State

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

Cleveland Browns

3. Zak Zinter, G, Michigan

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

Buffalo Bills

2. Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

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

New York Jets

5. Qwan’tez Stiggers, CB, Toronto Argonauts

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

New England Patriots

1. Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

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

Miami Dolphins

1. Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State

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

Indianapolis Colts

1. Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

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

Jacksonville Jaguars

2. Maason Smith, DT, LSU

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

Houston Texans

2. Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia

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

Tennessee Titans

2. T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas

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

Kansas City Chiefs

1. Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

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

Los Angeles Chargers

3. Junior Colson, LB, Michigan

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

Denver Broncos

5. Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri

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

Las Vegas Raiders

1. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

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

Favorite Draft Picks: NFC

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

Minnesota Vikings

1. J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

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

Chicago Bears

1. Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

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

Detroit Lions

1. Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

2. Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri

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

Green Bay Packers

7. Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane

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

New York Giants

3. Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky

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

Dallas Cowboys

3. Cooper Beebe, G, Kansas State

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

Washington Commanders

2. Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan

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

Philadelphia Eagles

1. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

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

Atlanta Falcons

1. Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

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

New Orleans Saints

5. Bub Means, WR, Pittsburgh

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

Carolina Panthers

1. Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

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

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

1. Graham Barton, C, Duke

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

San Francisco 49ers

2. Renardo Green, CB, Florida State

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

Seattle Seahawks

1. Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

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

Los Angeles Rams

3. Blake Corum, RB, Michigan

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

Arizona Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

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

 

Some Of My Favorite Team Drafts

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

Minnesota Vikings

1. J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

1. Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

4. Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon

6. Walter Rouse, OT, Oklahoma

6. Will Reichard, K, Alabama

7. Michael Jurgens, G/C, Wake Forest

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

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

The other favorite team drafts

Arizona Cardinals

1. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

1. Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri

2. Max Melton, CB, Rutgers

3. Trey Benson, RB, Florida State

3. Isaiah Adams, OT, Illinois

3. Tip Reiman, TE, Illinois

3. Elijah Jones, CB, Boston College

4. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, S, Texas Tech

5. Xavier Thomas, Edge, Clemson

5. Christian Jones, OT, Texas

6. Tejhaun Palmer, WR, UAB

7. Jaden Davis, CB, Miami

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

Cincinnati Bengals

1. Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

2. Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan

3. Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama

3. McKinley Jackson, DT, Texas A&M

4. Erick All, TE, Iowa

5. Josh Newton, CB, TCU

6. Tanner McLachlan, TE, Arizona

6. Cedric Johnson, Edge, Mississippi

7. Daijahn Anthony, S, Mississippi 

7. Matt Lee, C, Miami

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

Detroit Lions

1. Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

2. Ennis Rakestraw, CB, Missouri

4. Giovanni Manu, OT, British Columbia

4. Sione Vaki, S, Utah

6. Mekhi Wingo, DT, LSU

6. Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College

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

Los Angeles Chargers

1. Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

2. Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

3. Junior Colson, LB, Michigan

4. Justin Eboigbe, DT, Alabama

5. Tarheeb Still, CB, Maryland

5. Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame

6. Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy

7. Brenden Rice, WR, USC

7. Cornelius Johnson, WR

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

Los Angeles Rams

1. Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

2. Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State

3. Blake Corum, RB, Michigan

3. Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami

5. Brennan Jackson, Edge, Washington State

6. Tyler Davis, DT, Clemson

6. Joshua Karty, K, Stanford

6. Jordan Whittington, WR, Texas

6. Beaux Limmer, C, Arkansas

7. KT Leveston, G, Kansas State

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

Pittsburgh Steelers

1. Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

2. Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia

3. Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan

4. Mason McCormick, G, South Dakota State

6. Logan Lee, DT, Iowa

6. Ryan Watts, CB, Texas

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