C+
Minnesota Vikings
The jury is out on the Vikings. For now, C+.
by Jhawthorn16 ·
2024 NFL Draft
· 8 picks
· 1 steals
· 2 reaches
Somehow the biggest item on the list survived the weekend. The Vikings never addressed edge rusher, and it is the kind of gap that lingers. Fine in stretches, shaky in others: a C+.
They are betting McCarthy proves the room right and everyone else wrong. Quarterback is handled and the depth chart looks a good deal healthier for it.
So much rides on Jer'Zhan Newton that the real verdict is a season or two away.
Pick-by-Pick
In the Round 1 slot they get a pocket-collapsing interior rusher at fair value. A real need, handled.
They liked J.J. McCarthy enough to skip the value, taking him in pick 33. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
Donovan Jackson in the 108th pick is the kind of reach that only looks good if he outplays it. The biggest hole on the depth chart just got a whole lot smaller.
No drama and no debate, Moose Muhammad III went about where he belonged in No. 148. One more legitimate question on the roster, answered.
A straight-up fair deal on Justin Rogers at the 163rd overall pick, value and slot in agreement. A sensible fit for a spot that needed help.
Chau Smith-Wade at Round 5, Pick 28 is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. It adds depth where they could use a little.
Justin Walley at pick No. 179 is money in the bank, a cornerback taken below his worth. Insurance at a position that did not really ask for it.
By-the-book stuff, Jason Henderson at slot 230 squarely in line with his ranking. Useful depth more than a marquee fix.