Vikings mock draft 1.0: Adding selections by moving down and fortifying the trenches
As the Minnesota Vikings look ahead to the 2024 NFL Draft, the franchise finds itself in a fascinating position. After an up-and-down 2023 season, the Vikings are eyeing improvements to continue their push for NFC contention. With a potent offense led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, talented wide receiver Justin Jefferson, and an emerging defense, the Vikings are in a unique situation: they could stand pat and select a top-tier prospect, or they could use their draft capital to make strategic moves to fortify their roster.
In this mock draft 1.0, we’ll explore the potential for the Vikings to make multiple selections by moving down in the draft. Given the team’s current roster, the biggest areas of focus for Minnesota should include upgrading their offensive and defensive lines, adding depth to the secondary, and preparing for the eventual transition from Kirk Cousins to a new quarterback. By moving down in the first round and stockpiling more picks, the Vikings could set themselves up for future success while addressing their most pressing needs.
The Minnesota Vikings: 2024 Draft Needs
Before diving into specific draft picks, it’s important to outline the Vikings’ most pressing needs heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. Although Minnesota has a solid core of talent, several positions need strengthening to keep the team competitive in the NFC North and beyond.
- Offensive Line
- The Vikings’ offensive line has been an area of concern for several years. While they’ve made strides, Minnesota still needs to bolster the front to ensure Cousins has ample protection. The Vikings need both a right tackle and more interior depth to establish a more consistent running game and keep their quarterback upright.
- Defensive Line
- Minnesota’s defense has been inconsistent, with the defensive line often being the root cause of many breakdowns. The Vikings need to add more pass rushers, particularly on the interior, and should look to add depth to their defensive line rotation. An influx of youthful energy on the line would help support a defense that, at times, has struggled to generate pressure.
- Cornerback
- While the Vikings have solid cornerbacks in Patrick Peterson and Cam Dantzler, both are not guaranteed long-term fixtures. Adding more youth and athleticism to the cornerback group will be essential for the Vikings’ secondary, especially with the rise of high-powered offenses in the NFC.
- Quarterback of the Future
- Though Cousins is still playing at a high level, his contract is up soon, and the team must eventually consider the next quarterback to lead the franchise. Whether through a trade or by selecting a quarterback in the draft, the Vikings could be looking for someone to develop behind Cousins, or possibly even find a starter of the future who could take over sooner rather than later.
- Wide Receiver Depth
- While Justin Jefferson is one of the top wide receivers in the league, the Vikings could use additional depth in the receiving corps to take pressure off of him. If Minnesota intends to run a more balanced offense, it could be beneficial to find a solid second or third option to complement Jefferson.
With these needs in mind, let’s take a look at a mock draft scenario that sees the Vikings moving down to accumulate more selections while addressing these key positions.
Vikings Mock Draft 1.0: A Strategic Move Down
In this mock draft, the Vikings decide to trade down from their first-round pick (No. 23 overall) to add more picks and stockpile capital for future years. By doing so, Minnesota can secure multiple key contributors across their roster while targeting positions of need.
Round 1 (Pick 30): Trade Down with the Indianapolis Colts
The Vikings find a trade partner in the Indianapolis Colts, who are eager to move up for a quarterback. The Colts are sitting at No. 30 and offer the Vikings a package that includes the Colts’ 2024 second-round pick (No. 42 overall) and a future fourth-rounder. This deal allows the Vikings to drop seven spots in the first round while adding valuable additional picks.
With the pick now at No. 30, the Vikings target OT Cody Mauch from North Dakota State. Mauch is an athletic and versatile offensive lineman with a strong pedigree from the FCS level. He has the potential to be a starter at right tackle, but his ability to play inside at guard gives Minnesota valuable flexibility along the offensive line. Mauch’s nasty edge in the run game and his pass protection skills are key areas that will allow the Vikings to protect Kirk Cousins while also creating more lanes for their running backs. With several promising quarterbacks expected to go in the first round, this trade down works well for Minnesota as they address a clear weakness on the line.
Pick: Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State
Round 2 (Pick 42): Interior Defensive Line Depth
In the second round, the Vikings look to address their defensive line, an area that was underwhelming during the 2023 season. Minnesota needs a disruptive force who can generate consistent pressure up the middle. At No. 42, the Vikings select DT Tuli Tuipulotu from USC.
Tuipulotu is a force in the middle of the defense, with a combination of size (6’4”, 290 pounds) and explosiveness. He’s an interior pass rusher who can collapse the pocket and disrupt the opposing quarterback’s timing. His motor never stops, and he’s a problem for offensive linemen to deal with. By selecting Tuipulotu, the Vikings add a player who can contribute as both a pass rusher and run stopper, improving a defensive line that needs an infusion of talent.
Pick: Tuli Tuipulotu, DT, USC
Round 2 (Pick 55): Cornerback of the Future
With their second pick in the second round, the Vikings now focus on bolstering their secondary. They select CB Kelee Ringo from Georgia, a physical cornerback with the size (6’2”, 210 pounds) and speed to match up with the NFL’s top receivers. Ringo’s combination of length, athleticism, and ball skills make him an intriguing prospect. With Patrick Peterson’s age catching up to him and Cam Dantzler’s inconsistency, adding Ringo would give the Vikings a cornerback with the potential to be a long-term starter.
Ringo has the physicality to challenge receivers at the line of scrimmage and can play a variety of roles in the secondary. His development behind Peterson and Dantzler will help ensure that the Vikings have a solid cornerback trio going forward.
Pick: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Round 3 (Pick 70): Wide Receiver Depth
The Vikings turn their attention to adding depth to the wide receiver position in the third round. Despite having Justin Jefferson as their No. 1 target, the Vikings could benefit from adding a talented second receiver to keep defenses from solely focusing on Jefferson. Minnesota selects WR Josh Downs from North Carolina.
Downs is an explosive and smooth route runner with strong hands and the ability to make plays after the catch. With great quickness and a reliable set of hands, he can be an immediate contributor as a slot receiver, giving Kirk Cousins another reliable target. His presence will force defenses to spread their coverage and provide Cousins with another weapon in the passing game.
Pick: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Round 4 (Pick 104): Linebacker for Depth
In the fourth round, the Vikings choose to add depth at linebacker, an area that has shown flashes but lacks consistent play. Minnesota takes LB Drew Sanders from Arkansas. Sanders is a versatile linebacker who excels both against the run and in coverage. His range and athleticism give the Vikings a potential starter who can develop behind the current linebacker core, adding depth and competition to the unit.
Pick: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
Round 5 (Pick 140): Quarterback Development
Although Kirk Cousins is still playing at a high level, the Vikings recognize the importance of preparing for the future at quarterback. Minnesota selects QB Jake Haener from Fresno State in the fifth round. Haener is an intelligent and accurate passer who can learn behind Cousins and be developed into a potential starting quarterback. His leadership and ability to read defenses make him an intriguing prospect with upside.
Pick: Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State
