Post-Draft 2024 NFL Power Rankings Have the Vikings Take a Big Jump
The Minnesota Vikings were ranked at No. 23 in NFL.com’s last power rankings back in March.
Free agency changed the landscape of Minnesota’s roster, particularly after both Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter opted to head elsewhere. However, the website’s latest NFL power rankings have seen the Vikings take a big jump.
Vikings Take a Leap in Latest NFL Power Rankings
That jump saw the Vikings move up five spots following the 2024 NFL Draft to No. 18.
NFL.com’s Eric Edholm explained Minnesota’s placement: “There’s a decent case to list the Vikings higher than this, given their targeted, aggressive approach in the draft and a theoretical upgrade at football’s most important position. J.J. McCarthy will continue to face doubters until he proves himself at the pro level, but he landed in the best environment a rookie quarterback could hope for, working with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, a strong offensive line and — perhaps most importantly — Kevin O’Connell.”
Of course, this draft was an eventful and historic one for the Vikings. They brought in a potential franchise QB with the 10th overall pick while also landing a defensive cornerstone in Dallas Turner at No. 17.
While the Vikings still have some glaring holes on their roster (defensive tackle comes to mind), they have done a great job of setting themselves up to compete in the future with their draft selections. However, some doubt still remains in their ability to compete in 2024, per Edholm.
“Then again, the Vikings might be fourth right now as a team in their own division. Their aggressive approach, which also helped land pass rusher Dallas Turner, forced them to sit out Day 2 of the draft entirely. This isn’t a team that’s yet ready to graduate to the next tier, but it’s also far easier to see them doing so after the draft,” Edholm continued.
The Vikings found themselves sandwiched between the Los Angeles Rams (No. 17) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 19), two teams that made the playoffs in the NFC during the 2023 season. However, the Vikings were also listed fourth among all NFC North teams. Both the Detroit Lions (No. 4) and Green Bay Packers (No. 8) landed in the top 10 while the Chicago Bears came in at No. 16 after landing Caleb Williams with the first overall pick.
The Vikings will begin OTAs later this month on May 20th.
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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.