Gorski’s Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft
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As the NFL Draft draws near and the rumor mill quiets down, it's a prime opportunity to take a closer look at a mock draft for the Minnesota Vikings. They find themselves at the center of many intriguing storylines leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft.
Round 1 Pick No. 3 (Via New England): Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
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There's growing momentum behind the idea that General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is eager to trade up and secure North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. Under this scenario, Adofo-Mensah finally gets it done with interim GM Eliot Wolfe in New England.
In the deal, Minnesota sends New England, No. 11, 23 and a 2025 first round pick to land the No. 3 pick to land the talented North Carolina quarterback.
Despite experiencing a decline in completion percentage, passing yards, touchdowns, and yards per attempt, Maye remains highly regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Standing at 6-foot-4, the former Tar Heel possesses the prototypical size that Kevin O’Connell may be seeking to align with his offensive scheme.
Maye is poised to step into what could be considered one of the most favorable situations for a rookie quarterback. The team has solidified both tackle positions for the long term and boasts offensive weapons such as tight end TJ Hockenson, wide receiver Jordan Addison, running back Aaron Jones, and All-Pro WR Justin Jefferson to support him.
Round 4 Pick 108: Michael Hall Jr, DT, Ohio State
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Despite significant defensive upgrades this offseason, Minnesota has neglected to strengthen the interior of their defensive line.
Harrison Phillips is expected to maintain his starting position, with second-year rookie Jaquelin Roy potentially seeing increased opportunities. Nonetheless, there remains a gap to fill as defensive coordinator Brian Flores searches for a cornerstone player akin to "Christian Wilkins" on defense.
Hall Jr. fits the mold of Adofo-Mensah's preferred draft picks, coming from a school like Ohio State and being just 20 years old. He predominantly played in the B-gap last season, registering 24 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 22 quarterback hurries.
According to PFF, his performance was commendable with a 7.3% run stop rate, an 18.3% pass rush win rate, and a pass rush grade of 84.8. However, there's room for growth in run defense, where he graded at 69.5, hovering around average.
Nonetheless, there are numerous positive aspects to his game, suggesting he could be a valuable find for Minnesota, potentially earning a starting role as early as week 1.
Round 4 Pick 129: Malik Washington, WR, Virginia
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With wide receiver KJ Osborn departing in free agency, the team faces a significant gap at the WR3 position. Despite not addressing this need earlier in the offseason, it seems logical to seek his replacement in the upcoming draft.
Washington emerges as a potential standout sleeper in this year's draft, possibly reminiscent of "this year’s Puka Nacua or Tank Dell." Despite being one of the most productive receivers in this year's draft class, concerns may arise due to his size, standing at just 5-foot-8.
If Minnesota could secure Washington around this draft position, it could offer tremendous value. He concluded the previous season with impressive stats, tallying 111 receptions for 1,384 yards and touchdowns, and ranking first in all of college football in slot yards with 1,127.
Round 5 Pick 157: Zak Zinter, OL, Michigan
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While Minnesota has bolstered the offensive line's exterior, there's a need for interior reinforcement. Former second-round pick Evan Ingram hasn't met expectations, and the team decided not to re-sign Dalton Risner.
Zinter encountered a setback with a broken tibia and fibula following the Wolverines' victory over Ohio State in November. Consequently, he may be drafted later than warranted, potentially slipping to the third round or soon thereafter.
The former Wolverine played 12 games this past season, all of which came at right guard, allowing zero sacks or quarterback hits and only five hurries.
Round 5 Pick 167: Dwight McGlothern, CB, Arkansas
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Minnesota's cornerback group could benefit from added depth, especially considering injuries to Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans in recent years, who were expected to play significant roles and provide depth.
With Booth Jr. and Evans sidelined consistently, the team's overall depth has taken a hit, and McGlothern's upside presents good value this late in the draft.
According to PFF, McGlothern is coming off an exceptional season, ending the year with a 91.3 grade. He allowed only a 48% completion percentage when targeted and allowed opposing receivers to catch just 12 passes throughout the season.
Round 6 Pick 177: Jaheim Bell, TE, Florida State
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Starting tight end TJ Hockenson is expected to miss at least the first quarter of the season as he is still recovering from season ending knee surgery. The team is expected to rely on Josh Oliver in the meantime and re-signed both Johnny Mundt and Nick Muse.
However, despite these moves, the offense still lacks a genuine receiving threat capable of stretching the middle of the field and making plays after the catch. Without Hockenson, the tight end position feels somewhat diminished, as Oliver primarily excels in blocking roles.
Bell brings the ability to stretch the field and could emerge as a complementary option to Hockenson upon his return. Snagging a player with Bell's skill set in the later rounds of the draft could prove to be a savvy move for Minnesota.
Bell capped off the season with 39 receptions for 503 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 12.9 yards per reception.
Round 7 Pick 230: Trey Taylor, S, Air Force
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While Minnesota's secondary appears solid, it's always worth considering defensive backs in the later rounds of day three. This position is often plagued by injuries and is notoriously challenging to develop.
The team has a track record of success in identifying day three safeties, such as starting safety Camryn Bynum and hybrid safety Josh Metellus.
Taylor epitomizes the "Swiss Army Knife" player, boasting experience across various positions on the field. Last season, he logged snaps on the defensive line (17), slot (160), corner (3), box linebacker (327), and deep safety (200).
This is the type of player Flores might want to get his hands on and take his time developing.
Taylor finished the season with 73 tackles and three interceptions, earning a 89 coverage grade from PFF.
Round 7 Pick 232: Isaiah Davis, RB, South Dakota State
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Although Adofo-Mensah signed former Packers running back Aaron Jones to a one-year deal this offseason and still has former fifth-round pick Ty Chandler from North Carolina on the roster, running back may not be a pressing need. However, the team could be considering adding another back in the draft to bolster its committee.
Davis stands out as one of the most productive running backs in the 2024 draft class. Despite playing at a smaller school like South Dakota State, his impressive production shouldn't be overlooked. He ranked in the top 10 in three different categories last season, including eighth in yards after contact (936), third in carries of 15+ yards (25), and fourth in missed tackles forced (80).
Last season was Davis's best as a Jackrabbit, rushing for 1,578 yards at an average of 6.7 yards per carry, scoring 18 touchdowns, and adding 23 receptions for 199 receiving yards.
