Top NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah confirms belief on who Minnesota Vikings will target in first round

How the Minnesota Vikings handle the first round of the NFL Draft is going to be pivotal for a number of teams, especially those that need a quarterback. The prevailing thought is that the Vikings want to trade down, especially since they have just four picks in this year's draft. Next year, they are projected […]

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Derrick Harmon forces a fumble from Idaho Vandals quarterback Jack Layne as the Oregon Ducks host the Idaho Vandals Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.
Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard/USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

How the Minnesota Vikings handle the first round of the NFL Draft is going to be pivotal for a number of teams, especially those that need a quarterback.

The prevailing thought is that the Vikings want to trade down, especially since they have just four picks in this year's draft. Next year, they are projected to have 9-10, so the possibility remains that they could end up using capital from next year to buy a draft pick. They could also use it to move up if there is a game-changing player sliding down the board.

youtube placeholder image

One of the interesting things about the Vikings at 24 is if there are multiple players they like, what will they do? NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah has them sticking and picking with Oregon Ducks DT Derrick Harmon.

The expectation is the Vikings will address either the offensive or defensive line here, even after making additions at those spots through free agency. Harmon can learn from Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave before becoming a full-time starter.

There are three things that are really interesting with Jeremiah's selection of Harmon at 24:

  • Michigan DT Kenneth Grant was one the board and went to the Baltimore Ravens at 27
  • Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen didn't get selected in the first round
  • Vikings are addressing either the offensive or defensive lines

Over the last few days, there has been an interesting theme of the defensive tackles falling down the board, and this is the latest example of that. All three of the most likely defensive tackles are available for the Vikings, which is fascinating in itself.

Getting a player like Harmon would be a good developmental player behind both Allen and Hargrave would be a smart move, but is it the best option with both Grant and Nolen on the board? That in itself is up to interpretation.

Related Articles