An Updated Look at the 2024 Vikings Draft Picks
Josh Frey
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While much of this week has revolved around free agency news, the Minnesota Vikings have also made a key move in regard to the 2024 NFL Draft.
On Friday, they swung a major trade to acquire the 23rd overall pick in this spring’s draft, giving them two first-round picks. As a result, they join the Arizona Cardinals and the Chicago Bears to form a trio of teams with multiple first-rounders. Following the trade, here is a look at the updated list of draft picks for the Vikings, and what it could mean for them as they attempt to fill out the remaining holes on their roster.
A Look at the Vikings Draft Picks
As of now, the Vikings still hold nine selections in the 2024 NFL Draft:
- No. 11
- No. 23 (via CLE through HOU)
- No. 108
- No. 129 (via DET)
- No. 157 (via CLE)
- No. 167 (via KC)
- No. 177 (via CAR through JAX)
- No. 230 (via ATL through CLE and ARI)
- No. 232 (via DEN through SF and HOU)
Of course, the major change here is that, instead of holding a second-round pick this spring (No. 42), the Vikings hold those two first-round selections. There are a couple different routes that the Vikings can take with those picks.
Firstly, they can package them to move further up the draft board and snatch a top QB in this year’s class. The New England Patriots at No. 3, who recently signed Jacoby Brissett in free agency, could be an option. In fact, according to the Rich Hill trade value chart, by offering both Nos. 11 and 23 for No. 3, the Vikings would actually be overpaying for the trade.
The Vikings’ two first-rounders combine for a value of 603 points while the No. 3 overall pick holds a value of 514 points according to the chart. Of course, this does not account for any competition in regard to that pick. If teams like, say, the Denver Broncos or New York Giants also want to move up the board, the Vikings may have to throw a future first-round selection into the mix in order to move up.
However, if a trade cannot be made, Minnesota still sits in terrific position to fill needs on their roster. If J.J. McCarthy were to sneak down to the No. 11 pick, the Vikings could grab him there, and then pursue a cornerback like Ennis Rakestraw or Terrion Arnold with the No. 23 pick.
Vice versa, if McCarthy does not make it to No. 11 (there is a growing sentiment that NFL teams view the Michigan product as the QB3 of this class), the Vikings could snatch a defensive tackle at No. 11 such as Byron Murphy or Johnny Newton with that 11th pick while taking a shot on Michael Penix at No. 23.
Regardless, this trade has opened up a number of different options for the Vikings in this spring’s draft as they look to build a competitive team in 2024 and beyond. It should be a fun draft weekend for the Vikings and their fan base.
The 2024 NFL Draft officially kicks off on Thursday, April 25th.
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.