ESPN report: Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft, Round Seven

The NFL Draft is drawing near quickly, and the Vikings are excited about what may be their most significant draft in years.

The Minnesota Vikings are in a situation they haven’t been in in years with just five days left until the NFL draft. They are in dire need of a quarterback. In the league, it’s the worst-kept secret. With rumors and allegations circulating everywhere on the internet, there has been nonstop discussion about every scenario that might possibly include the Vikings.

Until everything is said and done, it is impossible to know what they want in an NFL quarterback and in the draft overall. Therefore, if teams were open to making a deal, this mock draft is all I would do (hint, hint.) Having said that, below is my mock draft of the 2024 Vikings that I created using the ProFootballNetwork selection simulator.

Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft (Trade): Seven-Round, Pick No. 3: Quarterback Drake Maye, North Carolina

The Vikings select Drake Maye in exchange for selections 11, 23, (via Houston), and a first in 2025. In summary, I think Drake Maye is a blue-chip prospect at the most crucial position in sports, although there are a lot of think pieces on him already. Maye’s biggest weakness, in my opinion, is his footwork, which head coach Kevin O’Connell has stated on record can be improved with instruction. Josh McCown, the new quarterback coach, mentored Maye in high school and even gave incoming quarterback Sam Darnold access to his footage. Maye seems to be the right player, but everything depends on New England’s willingness to make a trade.

Original Mason McCormick South Dakota St. pick number 108.

Barring a trade, the Vikings will have plenty of time to consider their options with the selection 108, as they presently have no day-two draft picks. As of right now, Dan Feeney, who started one game for the Bears last season, and Blake Brandel, a former backup tackle turned guard, will compete for the starting left guard position in camp. McCormick attended SDSU for six years, four of which he began. He performed well in his combine testing and might be a valuable addition to an O-line room that is in need of competition for the vacant guard position.

Selection No. 129: RB Tennessee’s Jaylen Wright

The Vikings’ most significant offensive addition will be Aaron Jones, albeit he has a history of injuries. Ty Chandler has played some excellent football at times, but adding Wright to the mix might help the Vikings both now and in the future if Jones does miss any games. Wright had over 1,000 yards of total offense last season and finished the combine with a 4.38 40-yard dash. Also, he has demonstrated that he is at ease receiving passes from the backfield. The addition of Warren would make this backfield group more intriguing, as Chandler is still a developing player and Jones is just signed for a one-year contract.

Pick No. 157: Alabama’s Justin Eboigbe, a DT

Three inside defensive players are currently signed by the Vikings. None of them have seen any significant shots, with the exception of Harrison Phillips. The Vikings require assistance not only in the inside but also along the whole defensive line. The defensive line room really needs Eboigbe’s versatility, which he brings to the whole defense. Eboigbe, who suffered a herniated disk in 2022, returned to action last season and recorded 11.5 tackles for loss and 7 sacks, earning him a spot on the First Team All-SEC.

Pick 167: Erick, a TE from Iowa

Tight end has quietly emerged as a necessity heading into training camp, with T.J. Hockenson projected to miss a large chunk of the 2024 campaign. It would make sense if they wanted to add more space to a tight end room for Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, and Nick Muse. All suffered an ACL tear seven games into the season due to a knee injury. All of them are able to line up wherever on the field, which is a benefit for the Vikings when their star tight end isn’t available. He visited Minnesota in the top 30, indicating that the Vikings are clearly interested.

Khristian Boyd, DT, Northern Iowa, Pick No. 177

Boyd would be another step in bolstering a thin defensive line group—a top-30 visit. A 325-pound weight and 38 reps on the bench press demonstrate his strength, which is evident when he plays the run. A season ago, the Vikings’ run-stuffing defense was mediocre. Boyd would provide them with another player along the lines of Harrison Phillips.

DeCamerion Richardson CB, Mississippi State, pick number 230

You are selecting players to complete the roster when you select them in the seventh round. Seeking men with good qualities in the hopes that they would soon develop into valuable players. Richardson, who is 6’2″, has an alluring combination of height and quickness as seen by his 4.34 40-yard sprint time at the combine. The Vikings would be interested in this tall, quick, and physically strong cornerback who ran a lot of press-man coverage in college. Throughout his collegiate career, he participated in over 300 special teams snaps, which may come in handy while vying for a roster place.

Sundiata Anderson EDGE Grambling State, Pick No. 232

Sundiata Anderson, the third and last defensive lineman selected in Minnesota’s 2024 draft class, was a dominant force in the Southwestern Athletic Conference during his collegiate career. He finished with 20 sacks, five of which came in 2023, giving him a spot on the First Team All-SWAC. With his long arms and promising pass-rush skills, Anderson gives this defense another youthful, capable player.