With the 2023 NFL regular season coming to an end, it’s time to start taking a look at the 2024 rookie class. Heading into week 17, the Vikings have a 25% chance to make the playoffs, which isn’t great. Despite having a good defense, the offense has really struggled to get going.

 

Now, a lot of the Vikings struggles are due to the injuries they’ve suffered as a team. Kirk Cousins went down for the year, and even Justin Jefferson missed a significant amount of time. Despite all the misfortunes, the Vikings have had a solid season nonetheless. I believe Cousins will be back on the Vikings in 2024, and with the right draft picks, they can make a playoff push.

 

First-Round Pick: 15th Overall

 

The pick: Jer'Zhan Newton, Defensive Line, Illinois

 

Jer'Zhan Newton falling to the Vikings at pick 15 is the best possible pick they could make. Not only is Newton easily the best player on the board at this point, but the Vikings are in dire need of a defensive tackle. In 2023, both Jonathan Bullard and Dean Lowry looked awful, ranking 87/129 and 113/129 for defensive linemen on PFF.

 

Newton is a 6′ 2″ 295 lb defensive lineman who’s excellent at rushing the passer but can also play the run game very well. In Newton’s junior and senior season, he racked up 114 total tackles, 22.5 tackles for a loss, and 13 sacks. During his time at Illinois, Newton displayed fanatic gap penetration, quickness and he has a multitude of pass-rushing moves in his bag.  

 

 

Second-Round Pick: 47nd Overall

 

The pick: Kalen King, Cornerback, Penn State

 

The Vikings defense was great in 2023, but they really need some help at the cornerback position. Byron Murphy Jr and Akayleb Evans were both underwhelming, which can be backed by PFF. Murphy was ranked 88/123 for corners, and Evans ranked 70/123 according to PFF. 

 

Using Tankathon, Kalen King is being drafted around pick 34, so getting him at 47 is excellent value. King had his best statistical season in 2022, recording three interceptions and 30 tackles. In 2023, King was more of a shutdown corner, showing incredible agility, speed, and physicality. King may not be the best ball hawk in the class, but he can recognize routes well and take away any easy receptions. 

 

 

 

2024 Minnesota Vikings 3 Round NFL Mock Draft

 

 

2024 Simulated 1st Round NFL Mock Draft