The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2024 NFL Draft on April 25 with nine picks over the three-day event.
In the first round, the Vikings traded up with the New York Jets from No. 11 to No. 10 to take Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. They did not have to give up their second first-round selection at No. 23.
But instead of waiting until 23, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah saw an opportunity and took it, trading up six spots to No. 17 and selecting Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner.
Minnesota did not have a pick on Day 2, but on Day 3, the team began loading up on defenders. In the fourth round, the Vikings took Oregon cornerback Khyree Jackson.
Watch the following spots the rest of the day: corner, interior defensive line and edge rusher. Minnesota could also seek a guard and potential late-round skill players. Leave Saturday with cornerbacks and a bunch of darts thrown on defense, and Minnesota will have accomplished its draft goals.
Keep coming back here throughout the draft for analysis and grades for each Vikings pick.
NFL Draft 2024 tracker: Live blog, picks and analysis
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Draft pick grades: Round 1 | Rounds 2-3
Full draft order: Team picks for all 257 selections
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NFL Draft 2024 ‘The Beast’ Guide: Dane Brugler’s scouting reports and player rankings
Round 1
No. 10 (from Jets): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
How he fits
What an offseason for the Vikings. Minnesota, which made pre-draft moves to gain the ammo necessary to make this move, jumps up to snag its next franchise quarterback just months after losing its last one. Goodbye Kirk Cousins, hello J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy’s skill set has had NFL evaluators on alert for three years, though his work inside Michigan’s run-heavy offense made it difficult to project what he’ll be immediately in the NFL. A very tough, aggressive passer in the mold of his former coach (Jim Harbaugh), McCarthy’s an unquestioned winner: 63-3 since high school. He may need to learn behind Sam Darnold for a minute, but I love his long-term fit with Kevin O’Connell and think he could be more ready than some believe. — Nick Baumgardner
Dane Brugler’s analysis
McCarthy’s evaluation feels incomplete, which creates even more projection than normal, but his passing skills, pocket athleticism and mental makeup are all ascending and provide optimism for his NFL future. Although bumps along the way should be expected, he has the package of tools to become an NFL starter early in his career.
Grade: A
Alec Lewis’ analysis
• Why J.J. McCarthy (and those close to him) saw the Vikings as a ‘dream scenario’
Live on The Athletic Football Show’s draft show, @DPBrugler reacts to the Vikings drafting J.J. McCarthy at No. 10 overall.https://t.co/cHhKHwelvy pic.twitter.com/DK51SaKqlO
— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) April 26, 2024
No. 17 (from Jaguars): Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
How he fits
After losing Danielle Hunter in free agency, the Vikings needed some pass-rush punch. Minnesota jumped up six spots and grabbed arguably the draft’s most athletic pass rusher in Turner, who was considered a possible top-10 pick. It was a need probably equal to cornerback. However, the value was too good to pass up.
One of the nation’s top edge rushers last year, Turner was a consensus first-team All-American after posting 11 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. Turner (6-2 1/2, 247) solidified his first-round status with an impressive combine. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds, he posted a vertical jump of 40 1/2 inches and his arms measured 34 3/8 inches. He should replace Hunter quite nicely. — Scott Dochterman
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Turner is a long, explosive edge rusher with the body twitch, hand usage and play strength to leverage blocks and be disruptive in multiple ways. He has the freaky tools to be a potential impact player in the NFL who should continue to improve as his body and rush attack mature.
Grade: A
Alec Lewis’ analysis
• In J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner, Vikings add potential cornerstone contributors
Round 2
No picks
Round 3
No picks
Round 4
No. 108: Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon
Alec Lewis’ analysis
Jackson is a long (6-foot-3), athletic corner who is competitive and feisty. He led Oregon in interceptions and passes defended last season while allowing only one touchdown in coverage.
He’s a Brian Flores type of guy. Several weeks ago, a reporter asked the defensive coordinator if the team was set at cornerback after signing Shaq Griffin. “You can never have enough corners,” he responded, smiling. Minnesota drafted Mekhi Blackmon last year, but adding Jackson gives the cornerback room a different body type and vibe.
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Jackson is still learning how to be disciplined and read routes, but his improvements in 2023 are encouraging as are his competitive spirit and ability to disrupt air space with his rare size. He is at his best as a press-man cornerback who can also be productive on special teams.
Round 5
No picks
Round 6
No. 177 (from Panthers via Jaguars)
No. 203 (from Jets)
Round 7
No. 230 (from Falcons via Browns and Cardinals)
No. 232 (from Broncos via Texans and 49ers)
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(Photo of Khyree Jackson: Eric Evans Photography)
