2024 Minnesota Vikings Draft Class Review

Alright, now that the dust has settled on the draft. Lets take a look at what the Vikings did in the 2024 draft. I will be going pick-by-pick and analyzing the draftee and any trades the Vikings conducted around those picks.

Round 1 Pick 10: J.J. McCarthy (QB - Michigan)
Minnesota traded up one spot from the 11th pick with the New York Jets to select the fifth QB in the draft, JJ McCarthy. While we might look back on this in a few years and doubt the reasons for trading up, I don't think we will have any doubts about whether drafting McCarthy was the right choice. JJ was a multi-year starter for the 2023 champ Wolverines and has done everything his team asked of him. His former coach, now the head coach of the LA Chargers, Jim Harbaugh has had no shortage of good things to say about McCarthy in the last several months, and it sounds like McCarthy's wish was to play for the Vikings. At the moment, seems like this could be a perfect match for both sides. Obviously, a lot remains to be seen about how McCarthy will or won't develop in the NFL. He will have no shortage of weapons around him and plenty of protection in front of him whenever he does make his NFL debut. 
Now, the trade the team conducted to nab McCarthy: 
Minnesota receives: No. 10 overall, No. 203 overall
New York receives: No. 11 overall, No. 129 overall, and No. 157 overall
Not sure if this will be great for future draft capital, but the Vikings got the QB they wanted and for the immediate future this is all that matters.

Round 1 Pick 17: Dallas Turner (EDGE - Alabama)
Well, before the draft began, Minnesota had possession of picks 11 and 23. Suddenly in the middle of the first round the Vikings traded up with the Jaguars to grab Dallas Turner, who almost everyone didn't think would fall this far down the board. Turner was by far the best edge rusher in the draft this year and Minnesota couldn't just watch him fall to someone else before they could pick him at 23. This trade will most likely be more then worth it! Turner is the edge rusher that will most definitely replace longtime Viking Danielle Hunter who signed with Houston before the draft. I am looking forward to seeing how Turner plays for the purple and gold!
Trade:
Minnesota receives: No. 17 overall
Jacksonville receives: No. 23 overall, No. 167 overall, 2025 3rd round, 2025 4th round

Round 4 Pick 8: Khyree Jackson (CB - Oregon)
A whole lotta folks like Jackson's outlook in the NFL, and while I am not too familiar with his game - he comes from a school with some good defenses. So, I of course like him too! Picking a defensive back in the 4th round isn't a bad option for Kwesi since the defense continues to improve. I think Brian Flores is going to revel in the opportunity to coach Jackson to be a great corner for Minnesota.

Round 6 Pick 1: Walter Rouse (OT - Oklahoma)
Rouse projects to be a good left tackle in the pros and can hold his ground against edge rushers. It will be interesting to see how he can do against the pro edge rushers that are commonly seen in this league. I wouldn't expect him to start though with the Vikings o-line in a good spot right now.

Round 6 Pick 27: Will Reichard (PK - Alabama)
Reichard broke the NCAA's career points record in his senior season. He is a decently accurate place kicker with high hopes moving to the pro level. Minnesota could very well start Will this season, as his main competition will be John Parker Romo who was signed back in March. The Vikings kicker from the last several seasons, Greg Joseph, walked in free agency and signed with Green Bay in March.

Round 7 Pick 10: Michael Jurgens (C - Wake Forest)
Another great depth pick from Kwesi, Jurgens was a strong center for Wake Forest. He would do pretty well if thrust into the lineup at some point this next season. I am not sure about his future prospects though, that remains to be seen.

Round 7 Pick 12: Levi Drake Rodriguez (DT - Texas A&M-Commerce)
Most folks will discount Rodriguez due to the talent level he faced at the FCS level, but I don't think that changes the fact that he has real raw talent. He will probably sit lower on the depth chart for a couple years before seeing any game action, however Minnesota's interior defensive line is not nearly as strong as it used to be - so Levi could get a shot this year.

Overall, I think Minnesota had a good draft this year. They got what they wanted. Next year will be a different story but if Kwesi wants more draft picks next year, he has time to get them.

Can't wait for training camp to begin!!!
​#SKOL