Will The Minnesota Vikings Select This Defensive Star In The 2024 NFL Draft?
Many people expect the Minnesota Vikings to make a move for a quarterback during the 2024 NFL Draft. But with the possibility of Kirk Cousins returning behind center, it's not hard to imagine the Vikings going a different route with the 11th-overall pick.
One of the top NFL Draft analysts believes the Vikings may use their first-round selection to help build their defensive front. Here's a look at the pick and what it could mean for Minnesota.
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Vikings Build On Defense?
In his latest mock draft, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com had the Minnesota Vikings selecting Dallas Turner out of Alabama with the 11th draft pick.
Turner recorded 53 combined tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and two forced fumbles in 14 games with the Crimson Tide last year. His play earned him a PFF grade of 81.6.
"Anytime you see a potential 10+ sack player, you pull the trigger," writes Clint Goss of StadiumRant when breaking down Turner in his Top 100 prospects article, and he's 100% right.
Why Drafting Turner Makes Sense For Minnesota
The Vikings have a lot of financial decisions to make. Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter are the two top names who would become free agents next month, never mind the mega-contract that Justin Jefferson will be looking to sign. You won't be able to keep them all, and with a contract clause which prevents the team from using the franchise tag on Hunter, he seems like the leading candidate to play for another team next season.
Without Hunter, Minnesota will need to find pressure from somewhere, and Turner has shown the ability to be that guy. Plus the Vikings won't need to pay the $20 million (or more) that Spotrac.com expects Danielle Hunter to receive this off-season.
Final Thoughts
I'm not totally against the Vikings drafting a QB early in the draft. However, I'm not sure if the right guy will be there at 11. Could Minnesota move up? Maybe. But would they be willing to part ways with the assets required to do that? I don't know.
I've said it all season and I'll say it again. I believe running it back with Kirk Cousins is the right choice for Minnesota. He was playing at an elite level before his injury and will slide back into the lineup seamlessly this summer.
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