Analyst Lists Two Prospects the Vikings Should Target in the 2024 NFL Draft
Josh Frey
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Many are expecting the Minnesota Vikings to move up the 2024 NFL Draft board in order to select a quarterback.
However, what happens if the Vikings don’t end up finding a willing trade partner in order to make that move happen? After all, it takes two to tango when it comes to swinging trades. If a trade is unable to come to fruition, an NFL.com analyst — Chad Reuter — has two prospects in mind for the Vikings in the draft.
Two Prospects Who Could Be on the Vikings’ Radar in the Draft
The first of these picks is QB Bo Nix, who has become one of the more controversial quarterback prospects of this class. However, it may come down to either Nix or Michael Penix if the Vikings are unable to secure a trade up the board.
“Nix doesn’t possess elite physical attributes — though they are very similar to former Vikings starter Kirk Cousins’ — but the demand for quarterbacks, combined with Nix’s experience and competitive nature, could cause the Vikings to secure him at No. 11 instead of waiting for their second Thursday night selection 12 picks later,” Reuter suggested.
Of course, another Kirk Cousins-esque quarterback may not be the most appealing idea for many Vikings fans. I myself have not been particularly high on Nix throughout this draft process, but he does have a couple things working in his favor in this instance.
If Nix were to go to Minnesota, he would jump into an offensive scheme that is very ready to support a young passer. He will be throwing to a dynamic receiving duo in Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson while also having the support of an improving offensive line and a QB whisperer at head coach in Kevin O’Connell. It should also be noted that the Vikings have conducted a private workout with Nix this spring.
By staying put and selecting Nix, it also gives the Vikings an opportunity to select another immediate impact player with the 23rd overall pick. Reuter suggests that EDGE Laiatu Latu out of UCLA could be the best fit with that selection.
“Latu suffered a serious neck injury early in his college career but led the FBS with 21.5 tackles for loss (and tied for fourth with 13 sacks) last season, flashing the quickness and heavy hands to beat tackles outside. He would be a nice add late in the first for Brian Flores’ revamped edge rushing corps,” Reuter wrote.
A selection at edge rusher this high could be a bit of a head scratcher after the Vikings spent big money to bring in Jonathan Greenard while also handing Andrew Van Ginkel a two-year contract.
There are a couple things to keep in mind, though. Greenard has played 12 or fewer games in three of his first four NFL seasons, and he finally had his first breakout season during 2023. What if he is unable to replicate that 12.5-sack production outside of Houston?
Meanwhile, Van Ginkel is a very versatile defender, but he has never been an overly productive pass rusher, surpassing five sacks just twice in his first five NFL seasons. Latu can focus on being a pass rushing threat while Van Ginkel can provide run support and occasionally drop back into coverage.
All in all, the Vikings could go in a number of different directions in the draft this year, particularly if they decide to keep both of their first-round picks. This is just one outcome that allows them to fill a need at quarterback while also bringing in help for their defense.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.
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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.