One Name at Each Position for Vikings Fans to Know at the 2024 NFL Combine
Josh Frey
|
The 2024 NFL combine is set to begin in just one week.
At the event, prospects in this year’s NFL Draft will have an opportunity to meet and interview with teams while also showcasing their skillsets on the practice field. This year, 321 prospects have been invited to participate. Here is one name at each position for Vikings fans to know as the combine gets closer.
QB Jayden Daniels
The LSU pipeline runs deep in Minnesota, and it very well could continue to flow in 2024. Jayden Daniels is one of the top QB prospects in this spring’s draft, and his combination of terrific arm strength and elite athletic ability makes him a very intriguing candidate to become the next Vikings quarterback. Daniels will test out ridiculously well athletically, only garnering that much more attention for the Heisman winner heading into the spring.
RB Jaylen Wright
Jaylen Wright is a very sturdy running back who should measure in at right around 5’11” and 210 pounds. Because of this size, it is impressive that he so often displayed some elite speed and twitch throughout his career at Tennessee. Given the Vikings’ lack of success in the running game during 2023, they could target another running back later on in the draft.
WR Ricky Pearsall
Ricky Pearsall is a very twitched up wide receiver who is capable of covering a ton of ground in a hurry. Being right at six feet tall and under 200 pounds, Pearsall is most effective as a speed threat out of the slot. With the Vikings potentially needing a new WR3/4 with both K.J. Osborn and Brandon Powell entering free agency, Pearsall is a name to keep an eye on.
TE Jaheim Bell
Currently, the only healthy tight end on Minnesota’s roster is Josh Oliver. Of course, that could change if T.J. Hockenson’s ACL injury heals faster than expected, but the Vikings could very well be in need of extra depth at the position this offseason. Jaheim Bell is a very athletic tight end, but being a bit undersized, he will likely be more useful as a receiver than a blocker.
OL Brandon Coleman
Brandon Coleman proved to be a very versatile offensive lineman throughout his career at TCU, playing at least a handful of snaps at every position other than center. In 2023, he split his time at left tackle and left guard. Seeing as the Vikings could use some more depth across their o-line and potentially need a starter at left guard, Coleman should be an intriguing prospect heading into the combine.
EDGE Laiatu Latu
Laiatu Latu won’t blow anyone away with elite athleticism, but he is a very technically sound pass rusher. The UCLA product has multiple countermoves in his arsenal that always keeps blockers guessing, and he can be a productive player in run defense as well. If he simply tests out as an average to slightly above average athlete, that should help Latu’s draft stock tremendously.
DT Jer’Zhan Newton
The best part of Jer’Zhan Newton’s game is his versatility, and this skillset is what ultimately should land him among the top defenders in the 2024 NFL Draft. The defensive tackle has an innate ability to impact the game both as a pass-rusher and run-stuffer because of his freakish athletic ability, but size and length could be a bit of a problem. With Minnesota’s needs at defensive tackle, there certainly is a chance that the Vikings have their eyes on him at the combine.
LB Payton Wilson
Payton Wilson dealt with injuries during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, but he has since proven that he can be a jack of all trades at the linebacker position. He is a proficient run-stopper, has the athleticism to step back in coverage, and he is slithery enough to pass-rush off the edge. Wilson should test out very well, and the Vikings may need to replace Jordan Hicks this offseason.
CB Quinyon Mitchell
Quinyon Mitchell is expected to test out as a freak athlete next week. After a very productive career at Toledo, Mitchell put everyone on notice with an equally impressive showing at the Senior Bowl. The Vikings could be in the mix for a cornerback in the first round, depending on how things go in free agency. Mitchell would be a very strong selection, and his testing should be very fun to watch.
S Tyler Nubin
The safety spot likely isn’t one that will be a major concern for the Vikings in this year’s draft. Minnesota has selected players at the position in each of the past four years, and now, they are enjoying the fruits of that labor with strong production from players like Camryn Bynum and Josh Metellus. However, Tyler Nubin, a Minnesota Gopher, is poised to be one of the first safeties off the board, and a strong week at the combine could ensure that happens.
“Playing with Fire” and “a Dangerous Game.” NFL Analyst Sends Vikings a Warning
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.