Ranking The Ten Best Minnesota Vikings Ahead Of The 2024 Season
We're entering a new era of Minnesota Vikings football in 2024. Kirk Cousins is in Atlanta, and the organization is shifting its focus to rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Defensive star Danielle Hunter also left this offseason, signing with the Houston Texans and leaving a big hole on the defensive line.
Through it all, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has kept his priorities straight. Don't worry about losing two aging players to free agency. Instead, reward the guys you want to build your team around. Minnesota did exactly that earlier this month by extending star wide receiver Justin Jefferson to a massive four-year contract extension worth $140 million.
With all of the changes, who are the best players on this Vikings roster? Here are ten players who will have the biggest impact during the 2024 season.
10) Jordan Addison
Jordan Addison had a great rookie season last year for Minnesota, catching 70 passes for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns. His biggest game came in Week Eight when he picked up 123 yards and two scores as the Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers 24-10. Expect Addison to be open lots in 2024 as opposing defenses try to double-team Justin Jefferson.
9) Ivan Pace Jr.
No Viking impressed me more last season than undrafted rookie Ivan Pace Jr. The former Cincinnati Bearcat made an instant impact during the preseason and earned himself a starting role early in the 2023 campaign. Pace finished the season with 102 total tackles, including 63 solo tackles, nine quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. If Pace can continue to play at this level, he'll quickly become the most valuable player on the Vikings' defense.
8) Byron Murphy Jr.
Byron Murphy Jr. is entering his sixth NFL season in 2024 and his second with the Minnesota Vikings. Last season wasn't the best for Murphy, but it was by no means terrible. He played 908 snaps and was targeted 101 times. Murphy allowed a completion percentage of 67.3%, the second-highest of his NFL career. The 26-year-old had a team-best three interceptions despite allowing that high competition percentage.
7) Brian O'Neill
The first offensive lineman on the list is left tackle Brian O'Neill, who is heading into his seventh year in purple and gold. O'Neill played 96% of the offensive snaps in 2023, allowing six sacks, per Pro Football Focus. PFF gave the veteran an overall grade of 74.5, his lowest since 2021. O'Neill is a good player who struggled with injuries last season. If he can stay healthy this fall, he'll have a massive impact on the Vikings' offense.
6) Aaron Jones
A familiar face is being added to the Vikings' offense in 2024, as the club signed running back Aaron Jones during free agency. Jones has averaged 61.2 yards per game and has scored 45 rushing touchdowns during his seven-year NFL career with the Green Bay Packers. Minnesota struggled to run the ball last season, finishing with the fourth-fewest yards in the league. If Jones can generate yardage on the ground, he's going to be extremely valuable to the Vikings.
5) Jonathan Greenard
Greenard will try to fill the hole left by Danielle Hunter, and he'll do a fantastic job. Last season with the Houston Texans, Greenard had 15 tackles for loss, 22 quarterback hits, and 12.5 sacks. PFF ranked him as the league's 30th-best edge defender, and he'll have a chance to improve that ranking by playing a huge role in the Brian Flores-led defense.
4) Harrison Smith
Harrison Smith may not be the same player he was a few years ago, but he's still extremely talented. The 35-year-old tied his career high of six quarterback hits in 2023 and added 93 combined tackles, three sacks, and three forced fumbles. He is the leader of this defense and a future Hall of Fame player who is worthy of a top-five spot on this list.
3) Christian Darrisaw
Christian Darrisaw isn't just the best offensive tackle on the Minnesota Vikings roster. He's one of the best in the entire NFL. Pro Football Focus gave Darrisaw an 82.4 overall grade for his performance last season, in which he played 982 snaps, allowing six sacks and had seven penalties. The site also ranked him as the league's fourth-best player at his position heading into 2024. Whoever starts at quarterback for Minnesota this year will be thrilled to have number 71 keeping him safe.
2) T.J. Hockenson
T.J. Hockenson is the third highest-paid tight end in the NFL, and he's earned every cent of that contract. Despite having a rough start and ending the season with an injury, Hockenson caught 95 passes for 960 yards and five touchdowns. He was one of the few bright spots in a fairly forgettable season in Minnesota. He'll continue to produce at a high level regardless of who's behind center.
1) Justin Jefferson
There aren't many players in the NFL more talented than Vikings' wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Although there were some trade rumors around the draft, Minnesota decided -- rightfully -- to keep the best player on the roster and even signed him to a four-year $140 million contract extension. JJ had a career-best 107.4 yards per game last year, despite only playing 10 games and having Nick Mullens, Josh Dobbs, and Jaren Hall at quarterback for the majority of the season. Jefferson is the face of the Vikings franchise and will play a key role in the offense again in 2024.
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