Four Positions Should Be Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s Focus in the Final Day of the 2024 Vikings Draft
Josh Frey
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The first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft are in the books.
However, we still have a long ways to go before the draft officially is a wrap. In fact, we’ve only seen 100 of the eventual 257 prospects get their names called this weekend. Saturday offers Kwesi Adofo-Mensah an opportunity to fill final needs before the event wraps up. Here are four positions that should be the focus of the final day of the 2024 Vikings draft.
Defensive Tackle
The Vikings swung and missed on multiple big-name free agents at the defensive tackle position this offseason. Minnesota’s defense heavily relied on their edge rushers to carry their pass rush in 2023, and they need to find some sort of defensive tackle presence to take on part of the burden this year.
Of course, heading into the third day of the draft, we’ll likely be seeing the Vikings take chances on flyers rather than solidified starters, but names like Khristian Boyd could be very intriguing for Minnesota. Boyd racked up 40 pressures during the 2023 season, which ranked second among defensive linemen in the FCS.
Offensive Line
As of now, the Vikings employ just nine offensive linemen. Only three of those players reside at offensive tackle, and all five positions could use some extra depth on the final day of the draft. Javion Cohen out of Miami (FL) and Tanor Bortolini out of Wisconsin could be interesting names on the interior.
The offensive tackle position was picked through during rounds 1-3, but Frank Crum could be a name to keep an eye on out of Wyoming. The 6’8″ tackle ran one of the fastest 40-yard dashes among all OTs at the combine (4.94 seconds) and has excellent burst off the line of scrimmage to get set up in pass protection.
Cornerback
There are plenty of bodies in the Vikings’ cornerback room right now, but do they all fit the type of defense that Brian Flores wants to run? After a heavy zone coverage scheme took the forefront last year, the Shaq Griffin signing might indicate that the Vikings DC wants to run a bit more man coverage in 2024.
If that is the case, there are a couple strong CBs to keep an eye on during the final rounds of the draft. Cam Hart out of Notre Dame could be one because of his imposing size and strength in press coverage. Meanwhile, Josh Newton, a TCU product played some of the most man coverage in the entire FBS, and on his 185 coverage snaps in man, he was targeted 23 times and allowed just eight receptions. He doesn’t bring elite size, but Newton plays like a bulldog.
Wide Receiver
The Vikings can no longer rely on K.J. Osborn to be their steady WR3 presence in the offense. Brandon Powell provides insurance at the position, but Minnesota would be wise to bring in some additional talent at the position.
Of course, I have been driving the Jamari Thrash hype train for awhile now, and lo and behold, he is still available heading into the third and final day of the draft. Thrash’s route running ability allows him to work all over the field, and his speed can make him a big play threat alongside Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Focus.
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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.