Minnesota Vikings (Last Year: 7-10)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
D GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Vikings have made it clear that they’re trading up for a quarterback. They acquired Houston’s first-round pick, so they have more ammo than any team in the 11-16 range to trade up for a franchise signal-caller. Ideally, the Vikings wouldn’t reach for one. They also need to bolster their weak defense, which had no answer for Jordan Love in a late meeting last year.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Minnesota did not manage its resources very well in the 2024 NFL Draft. The team acquired Houston’s first-round pick to trade up for a quarterback, but never used it. What seems to have happened was that the Vikings envisioned moving up for Drake Maye, but the Patriots wouldn’t budge. They were then unwilling to move up more than one selection for J.J. McCarthy. That was at least correct because McCarthy is the same sort of caliber of prospect as Mac Jones, so give the Vikings credit for not panicking.
The Vikings then traded up for Dallas Turner. Some considered this a sharp move, but it really wasn’t. Charlie Campbell reported that Turner would fall because some teams flagged him medically, so Turner being available at No. 17 wasn’t a surprise for most teams. The Vikings, apparently, didn’t get the memo. When the dust settled, Minnesota had no second-day selections and only three picks in the entire 2025 NFL Draft: a first-rounder and two fifths. Ouch.
Minnesota’s third day wasn’t too bad, but no pick made was graded above a B+. This was an extremely discouraging draft for the Vikings, who failed to make significant improvements to their roster, all while squandering way too many resources.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
10. J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan – C Grade
When there was speculation that the Patriots were going to draft J.J. McCarthy, I was going to write, “I thought they already drafted Mac Jones.” Well, now the Vikings drafted Mac Jones. McCarthy has a higher floor, but a very low ceiling, much like Jones. I don’t like this pick, but the Vikings at least didn’t give up significant resources to get their man, so I can’t hate on it too much.
17. Dallas Turner, DE, Alabama – C Grade
I don’t like that the Vikings are surrendering third- and fourth-round picks next year to move up just six spots. Dallas Turner may seem like a great value to some, but there are teams that flagged him medically, which is why he has fallen so far. I get the need, and Turner is a great talent, but there’s high risk with this pick.
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108. Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon – B- Grade
Khyree Jackson would have been a second-day selection if he didn’t have any problems. He’s a massive cornerback, but has some character concerns. There’s major potential here, but added risk as well.
177. Walter Rouse, OT, Oklahoma – B+ Grade
The “other” tackle for the Vikings, Walter Rouse could have gone as early as the fourth round without any complaints. This is a solid pick for the Vikings, who are wise to improve their offensive line depth for J.J. McCarthy and Aaron Jones.
203. Will Reichard, K, Alabama – B Grade
I hate early kicker picks, but taking one in the sixth round is fine. Will Reichard was our top-rated kicker, for what it’s worth, and the Vikings had to fill this need.
230. Michael Jurgens, C, Wake Forest – C Grade
The Vikings needed offensive line depth, so the need makes sense. However, we didn’t have Michael Jurgens as a draftable player. It’s seventh round though, so not a big deal.
232. Levi Drake Rodriguez, DT, Texas A&M Commerce – C Grade
We didn’t have Levi Drake Rodriguez on our radar, even as a UDFA. I guess the Vikings are getting ahead of other teams before the “eighth round,” and reaches are irrelevant here in the final frame.
Season Summary:
The Vikings had lots of promise last year, but Kirk Cousins’ season-ending injury ended all hope.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Quarterback: Kirk Cousins is an impending free agent, so the Vikings will have to start over at quarterback if they don’t re-sign him. Signed Sam Darnold
- Defensive Tackle: Minnesota had horrible play from its interior defensive linemen last year, so this position must be targeted. Signed Jerry Tillery
- Two Defensive Ends: Danielle Hunter and D.J. Wonnum are both impending free agents, so they’ll need to be retained or replaced. Signed Jonathan Greenard
- Linebacker: Jordan Hicks is another key free agent. Signed Andrew Van Ginkel and Blake Cashman
- Running Back: Alexander Mattison was a huge bust last year. Ty Chandler was better, but Minnesota may want to find a new running back. Signed Aaron Jones
- Wide Receiver: Receiver depth needs to be addressed with K.J. Osborn and Brandon Powell entering free agency.
- Cornerback Depth: Brian Flores did a great job with Minnesota’s secondary, but some cornerback depth is needed.
- Kicker: Greg Joseph is an impending free agent.
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2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Minnesota Vikings Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
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