2024 Vikings Mock Draft: Minnesota Trades Up for Potential Franchise QB, Snatches Defensive Help in Day 2
Josh Frey
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Depending on what happens this Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, attention very quickly could turn towards the offseason in Minnesota.
This spring promises to bring a very interesting draft process for the Minnesota Vikings. They have a number of needs to fill and a large list of draft picks to work with. Here is a look at another Vikings mock draft in which Minnesota opts to trade up and snatch a potential franchise QB.
R1, P6 (via LAC): LSU QB Jayden Daniels
Chargers Get:
- R1, P15
- R4, P112
- R5, P128
- 2025 First-Round Pick
- 2025 Third-Round Pick
Vikings Get:
- R1, P6
- R4, P106
- 2025 Third-Round Pick
At this point, it is very unlikely that the Vikings will be able to get their hands on either Caleb Williams or Drake Maye in this spring’s draft. The Bears hold the No. 1 pick and won’t be willing to give that selection to their division rivals. Meanwhile, other QB needy teams exist like the Commanders and Patriots.
However, if the Vikings are willing to settle for a consolation prize, Jayden Daniels has all the makings of an NFL quarterback. If Minnesota finds a trade partner (I used the Chargers in this instance), they should do whatever they can to turn the LSU product into their potential QB of the future.
R2, P46: Ohio State DL Michael Hall
With the QB room filled out, attention now turns to the trenches. The Vikings could use additional bodies both on the edge and in the middle of their defensive line.
It would be safer to take Michael Hall in the third round, but the Vikings don’t hold a pick in that round as of now. Hall is a pass-rush savant with a litany of moves at his disposal to get behind an offensive line. He’s built like a rock and should be ready to play with the physicality required at the NFL level.
Hall could bear to be a bit more explosive out of his stance, and the lack of length is a bit of a problem for leverage, but he can still be an immediate contributor for an NFL defense.
R4, P106: Utah EDGE Jonah Elliss
The Vikings may end up needing to bolster their group of pass-rushers, considering both Danielle Hunter and D.J. Wonnum will enter free agency in the spring.
Jonah Elliss could end up going higher than this as he offers a stout presence in both the pass rush and run defense, but his skillset is still raw and needs to be developed at the NFL level. Still, he is an explosive athlete off the line of scrimmage who offers a ton of upside and put up 12 sacks this season for Utah.
R5, P159: Oregon CB Khyree Jackson
We’ve taken stabs at corners in just about every mock draft for the Vikings so far, and one theme with those players has been size. Minnesota could use more of that to help out Mekhi Blackmon and Akayleb Evans.
Khyree Jackson fits right into that mold, standing at 6’3″ and weighing in at a tad under 200 pounds. Teams won’t be missing any speed with Jackson either as he has proven capable of keeping up with any wide receiver down the field. He should run well into the 4.4s during the combine this spring.
After spending two years as a rotational player with Alabama, Jackson transferred to Oregon prior to the 2023 season and blossomed into a lockdown CB with the Ducks. He offered tremendous run support and his grit allowed him to blow up blocks and screen plays while also intercepting three passes in coverage. Jackson could be an NFL starter in a year or two if he lands with the right team.
R6, P161: Washington WR Jalen McMillan
The Vikings will need to make some sort of move at wide receiver this offseason with all three of Trishton Jackson, K.J. Osborn, and Brandon Powell set to enter free agency.
Jalen McMillan has battled through a knee injury during the 2023 season, which has led to lower stats than what he put up in 2022, but the skill as a deep threat in the passing game is there nonetheless. He surpassed 1000 yards and caught nine touchdowns during that 2022 season and just recently put up a 131-yard game against Oregon in the PAC-12 title game.
McMillan is an outstanding route runner and is always a threat to pick up yards after the catch with his insane ability to accelerate in the open field. The Vikings need that type of game-breaking, sub-4.4 speed in their offense, so the Husky should be in consideration when April rolls around.
R6, P177: Notre Dame LB Marist Liufau
Marist Liufau struggled with injuries during the early years of his collegiate career, but he has been a starter and completely injury free for two seasons now in Notre Dame’s defense. Liufau’s motor is something that should be desired by any NFL team, and despite some lackluster size at the LB position, this more than makes him worth a selection in the third day.
R6, P190: Michigan IOL Ladarius Henderson
To wrap things up, we’re again adding some interior depth to the Vikings offensive line. Minnesota has gone through the ringer in terms of injuries in 2023, and all five of the original starters on the Vikings o-line have missed at least one game. LaDarius Henderson has played both left tackle and left guard as a primary starter throughout his career and offers decent size to move into the NFL at that guard spot.
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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.