ESPN 2024 NFL Mock Draft Throws Vikings a Curveball in the First Round
Even going back to this spring, many have assumed that a QB will be on the menu for the Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Kirk Cousins did not get a new contract with the team and is set to enter free agency in March, and the Vikings have not necessarily made huge strides to find a replacement plan for the future. However, in ESPN’s latest 2024 NFL mock draft, Matt Miller threw Minnesota a curveball in the first round.
ESPN 2024 NFL Mock Draft Throws Vikings a Curveball
With the 22nd overall pick, Miller opted to send Minnesota Clemson CB Nate Wiggins. Here is his rationale for that decision:
The Vikings are desperate for a franchise quarterback but probably won’t be picking high enough to get a top passer in this class. Maybe they bring back Kirk Cousins? Maybe they sign someone else or address it further down the board? Either way, I like them adding a top-flight cornerback here at No. 22 if QB isn’t an option. People at Clemson say Wiggins is the fastest player on the Tigers’ roster, and he does it at 6-foot-2. He played his best football down the stretch of the 2023 regular season before declaring for the draft and has true CB1 traits.
This would certainly be an interesting pick for the Vikings considering they gave Byron Murphy a two-year contract this offseason and have gotten some strong production out of both Akayleb Evans and Mekhi Blackmon.
However, if the Vikings are not going to take a QB early on, some extra depth at the position cannot hurt. Minnesota has often utilized just four or even three cornerbacks on defense throughout this season, and if injuries were to occur at the position, the defense could find themselves in a world of trouble on the back end.
Wiggins is a strong prospect for all the reasons mentioned by Miller. He is a long CB at 6’2″ and utilizes great athleticism to keep up with even the fastest receivers. He is willing to get physical in run defense as well, though adding extra muscle should be a point of emphasis as his NFL career approaches.
During 2023, Wiggins recorded 29 tackles, a sack, 6 passes defended, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles. He declared for next spring’s draft back on December 1st.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.