Here is the Minnesota Vikings' 2024 NFL Draft Class
After months of being one of the league's most-talked about teams heading into the draft, the Minnesota Vikings' 2024 draft class is officially in.The Vikings did end up with what they hope is their quarterback of the future and they added to premium position groups, as expected.Without further ado, here's the Vikings' official 2024 draft […]
After months of being one of the league's most-talked about teams heading into the draft, the Minnesota Vikings' 2024 draft class is officially in.
The Vikings did end up with what they hope is their quarterback of the future and they added to premium position groups, as expected.
Without further ado, here's the Vikings' official 2024 draft class.
Minnesota Vikings’ Official 2024 NFL Draft Class
Round 1, No. 10 overall: QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan Wolverines
The Vikings got their guy in McCarthy and they didn’t have to trade into the top-5 like many thought they would. Minnesota traded Nos. 11, 129 (fourth round), and 157 (fifth round) to the New York Jets for Nos. 10 and 203 (sixth round). All picks involved in the trade are 2024 selections.
McCarthy has the mobility and arm strength to operate in Kevin O'Connell's system, but it's his intangibles, clutch factor, and leadership that stand out most and comprise the backbone of his skill set, so to speak.
"You really go back through and center your focus on those weighty downs, you know, those third downs where you see him [on] third-and-seven, eight, nine, 10, 11, 12, at a pretty strong clip, move the football team and generate new downs and get them down in the red zone and make some big time throws to put the ball in the end zone," said O'Connell. "When big, big moments in games, when they needed him in some ways to find a way, other ways just to make a throw, other ways to extend a play. He made a lot of those plays."
The Vikings are set up to where McCarthy can have success, as soon as he's ready to play. Justin Jefferson is the NFL's best receiver and then there's Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Aaron Jones, and Ty Chandler. Plus, a top tackle duo in Brian O'Neill and Christian Darrisaw.
Round 1, No. 17 overall: EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama Crimson Tide
The Vikings made it a point to keep quality pass rushers around after losing Danielle Hunter in free agency. They signed Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel and now, they added even more juice on Thursday night by trading up from No. 23 to No. 17 in order to draft Turner, arguably the top pass rusher in the draft.
The Vikings sent No. 157 (fifth round) in the 2024 NFL Draft, plus 2025 third- and fourth-rounders to the Jacksonville Jaguars for No. 17 overall. Minnesota is expected receive at least one comp pick that is the equivalent of a third-rounder for the loss of Kirk Cousins/Danielle Hunter, so Kwesi Adofo-Mensah shouldn't be left without a pick, there.
Regardless, the Vikings' pass rush now has three very viable options and all three players represent very viable options with high ceilings. The team got younger and more explosive at a premium position, which is always a good route to take.
Round 4, No. 108 overall: CB Khyree Jackson
A 6-foot-3, 203-pound corner with 32-3/4″ arms and a 78″ wingspan? Yea, that definitely sounds like a corner in the Brian Flores mold.
Jackson is perfect for a press-man scheme, which only makes sense that he was taken with the Vikings' first pick of the draft since trading up for Dallas Turner in Round 1. The presumptive thought coming into the weekend was the team would take a cornerback at some point and that's exactly what they did.
Jackson only started one year in college, but he took the most of the opportunity. He led the team with three interceptions in 2023, recorded 10 of his 12 pass breakups, 5.0 of his 6.0 career tackles for loss, and both of his career sacks.
Jackson played for four different schools in five years, but seemed to have found his footing during his final year in Eugene. If Flores can keep him on this trajectory, then the Vikings will have themselves a nice player by the time it's all said and done.
Round 6, No. 177 overall: OT Walter Rouse, Oklahoma Sooners
Rouse has the size, at 6-foot-5, 315-pounds and he has the athleticism and footwork to play in the NFL. The Vikings have an elite tackle duo in Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw, but could use an upgrade at the swing tackle position, even if David Quessenberry was serviceable enough in 2023 to earn a contract extension in March.
Rouse is an interesting prospect, because he wasn't on the draft radar before transferring from Stanford to Oklahoma, last year. Either way, he made the most of his new opportunity and now he has a chance to earn an NFL roster spot.
Round 6, No. 203 overall: K Will Reichard, Alabama Crimson Tide
It felt like the Vikings could draft a kicker or they'd at least sign a UDFA, so it makes sense they'd draft arguably the best kicker in the draft.
Reichard made 22/25 kicks (88.0%) and all off his PATs (55/55) in 2023. He's the all-time leading scorer in NCAA history, with 547 points, and he finished his career with a 99.3% PAT make rate, and he made 84.0% of his field goal attempts.
He also made 95% of his kick attempts under 45-yards and 70% of his kicks from 50+, per ESPN's Matt Miller.
With the Vikings being an indoor team, Reichard figures to factor in, immediately.
Round 7, No. 230 overall: C Michael Jurgens, Wake Forest
Jurgens can play center or guard, but center is his likely destination in the NFL. He's not the biggest guy, but he understands leverage and he has strong hands. His poise and football IQ is also on a high level, as well.
The Vikings need depth along the interior offensive line and Jurgens can provide that.
Round 7, No. 232 overall: DL Levi Drake Rodriguez, Texas A&M University-Commerce Lions
Rodriguez is an interesting prospect, as he played both offense and defense in high school – specifically at right tackle on offense. He also played football and baseball, showcasing his athleticism.
Rodriguez is relentless, violent, and quick as a 3T. Like any seventh-rounder, refinement is a must, but the work ethic is there to make it happen – he just needs some time and he can turn into a solid depth/rotational guy.
- Round 1, No. 10 overall: QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan Wolverines
- Round 1, No. 17 overall: EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama Crimson Tide
- Round 4, No. 108 overall (from CHI): CB Khyree Jackson, Oregon Ducks
- Round 6, No. 177 overall: OT Walter Rouse, Oklahoma Sooners
- Round 6, No. 203 overall: K Will Reichard, Alabama Crimson Tide
- Round 7, No. 230 overall: C Michael Jurgens, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- Round 7, No. 232 overall: DL Levi Drake Rodriguez, Texas A&M University-Commerce Lions
The Vikings draft went just about as scripted, outside the massive trade many had them making to get into the top-5.
Both the McCarthy and Turner trades were good moves, especially considering the fact that Minnesota should receive at least one third round compensatory pick in 2025. The losses of Danielle Hunter and Kirk Cousins should bring in one of those picks, unless the Vikings sign a free agent that qualifies as an offset.
The Vikings then added a corner like most thought and proceeded to attack the trenches, while throwing in the NCAA's all-time leading scorer in Reichard.
In all, it was a successful draft and it will be an all-timer if the first three picks turn out to be what the Vikings believe they can be.
