Vikings Receive Mixed Reviews for 2024 NFL Draft Haul

https://icaro.icaromediagroup.com/system/images/photos/16191502/original/open-uri20240430-77-49kjrd?1714457548
ICARO Media Group
News
30/04/2024 06h11

In the aftermath of the 2024 NFL Draft, experts have weighed in on the Minnesota Vikings' selections, providing a range of evaluations for the team's picks. While some analysts commend the Vikings for their strategic moves, others express concerns about the cost of certain trades and the balance of their overall draft class.

Chad Reuter from NFL.com awards the Vikings a solid B+ grade. Reuter highlights the Vikings' willingness to trade future picks to secure their desired players, such as quarterback J.J. McCarthy, tight end T.J. Hockenson (acquired from Detroit), and edge rusher Dallas Turner. Despite the risk, Reuter believes McCarthy and Turner have the potential to justify the investment. Additionally, cornerback Jackson is praised as a valuable fourth-round pick, possessing the qualities reminiscent of Riq Woolen. Notably, Reuter mentions lineman Rouse as a strong replacement for the departed veteran Oli Udoh, and kicker Reichard as a dependable addition.

Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports echoes Reuter's sentiments, giving the Vikings a B+ grade. Trapasso commends the Vikings for not having to sacrifice too much in their pursuit of a quarterback, as McCarthy fell into their lap. He also expresses optimism about Turner's high ceiling. However, Trapasso notes that the trade-up in the draft was costly, particularly considering what was given up initially to secure the 23rd overall pick.

Cam Mellor of Pro Football Network presents a more positive outlook, awarding the Vikings an A- grade. Although Mellor acknowledges that the Vikings' Day 3 picks lacked the same impact as other teams, he emphasizes that the franchise-defining selections of McCarthy and Turner in the first round more than compensate for the later picks. With McCarthy potentially becoming Minnesota's next franchise quarterback and Turner possessing disruptive abilities on defense, Mellor sees these two picks as major successes.

In contrast, Mel Kiper of ESPN holds a more critical viewpoint, giving the Vikings a C+ grade. Kiper raises doubts regarding whether coach Kevin O'Connell can develop McCarthy into an elite passer, suggesting that this question may linger over the Minnesota class. Kiper also takes into account the impact of Adofo-Mensah's moves on the team's 2025 draft, factoring it into his evaluation.

Overall, the Vikings' 2024 NFL Draft grade elicits a mixed response from experts. While some praise their strategic acquisitions of promising players, others voice concerns about the cost of trades and the team's overall draft class composition. Only time will tell how these new additions will shape the future of the Minnesota Vikings.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

Related