2024 Minnesota Vikings Seven-Round Mock Draft
This offseason could bring a lot of change for the Minnesota Vikings. The future of quarterback Kirk Cousins is still in the air, while 26 other players could hit the open market once free agency begins on March 13th.
But free agency isn't the only way the Vikings can build this team for the future. I would argue the NFL Draft is more important to this team than any free agent they bring in. Finding elite young talent who can produce at a low price is the recipe for success for Minnesota in 2024. Here's who I believe the Vikings will select in the upcoming draft.
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Pick 11 - CB Terrion Arnold
The Vikings need to add to their cornerback group, and Arnold was the top guy available during my mock draft. Arnold measures 6'0" and 189 pounds. He recorded 63 total tackles, five interceptions, and a forced fumble last season with Alabama.
At the NFL Draft Combine earlier this month, Arnold ran a 4.5-second 40-yard dash and a 1.54-second 10-yard split. His vertical jump was 37", and his broad jump was 10' 9". Next Gen Stats gave Arnold a production score of 90, the best among cornerbacks.
Arnold turns 21 on March 22nd. He would bring youth and a ton of potential to the Vikings' defense. While several draft experts have concerns about his footwork, that seems like something that can be improved through coaching.
Pick 42 - QB J.J. McCarthy
I was shocked to still see McCarthy on the board at 42. The Vikings have been linked to the Michigan QB, and the connection continued during the combine. Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell and recently hired quarterbacks coach Josh McCown met with McCarthy, who spoke highly about the interview.
With rumors that Kirk Cousins is seriously considering a move to Atlanta, McCarthy could fit nicely into the Vikings' offense. Although his college stats won't jump off the page, he has shown the ability to come up big when it matters most.
Even if Cousins re-signs with the Vikings, it makes sense to take a shot with McCarthy, who could benefit from a year behind a player like Kirk as the team looks toward the future.
Pick 109 - EDGE Jonah Elliss
The Vikings continue to add to the defense in the fourth round of this mock draft. Elliss, who played in 10 games at Utah last season, picked up 37 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and a forced fumble.
With Danielle Hunter likely heading to free agency, Minnesota must find a new, cheaper way to get pressure on opposing QBs. Elliss seems like an excellent option to do exactly that.
Pick 130 - RB Will Shipley
The Vikings have moved on from Alexander Mattison, who had an extremely disappointing 2023 season. They turn to the draft to find a young rusher who could evolve into the RB1.
Shipley can potentially impact the run, pass, and kick return game, something the Vikings should consider a huge asset. In three years at Clemson, the North Carolina native had over 3,500 scrimmage yards and 33 total touchdowns. He also averaged 28.6 yards per kick return during the 2023 season.
Minnesota struggled to run the ball last season, and many free-agent options could cost too much. Drafting Shipley 130th would provide a cheap opportunity at the position without using a high-value pick.
Pick 156 - LB Tommy Eichenberg
Undrafted rookie Ivan Pace Jr. had a fantastic first year in the NFL, and the Vikings continue to build their linebacker group with the selection of Tommy Eichenberg out of Ohio State.
Eichenberg had a stellar four-year career at Ohio State. In 2022, he led the Big Ten with 77 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and a pick-six. Eichenberg would be an interesting addition to the defense and could be fun to track during training camp and preseason action.
Pick 166 - WR Malik Washington
We all know that the Vikings are very open to drafting rookie wide receivers, and with Justin Jefferson's massive contract coming up, they will have to target these players in the draft to fill out the group.
Washington had more receiving yards this season at Virginia than the previous four seasons at Northwestern combined. While his size could be cause for concern, Washington can run great routes and get some separation from opposing DBs.
Pick 179 - DL Gabe Hall
Again, the Vikings will look for all the help they can get on the defensive line, and Gabe Hall could be a good player to add to the roster.
Hall played 41 games with Baylor over five seasons. During his career as a Bear, he had 16.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. Hall is a good run defender and is a good size. There are still a few aspects of his game that you would like to improve, but that will come with good coaching.
Pick 190 - IOL Sataoa Laumea
With their final pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Sataoa Laumea out of Utah. According to Next Gen Stats, Laumea received a 68 production score at the NFL Draft Combine, which was fourth-best among guards.
He brings a bunch of college experience with him to the pro level, and could eventually develop into an average starter or a very reliable backup.
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