EAGAN, Minn. — A wild couple of weeks of free agency — a span that included a substantial trade by the Vikings — have passed since Version 4.0.
We delayed posting this version until after the Annual League Meeting, at which Owners voted to dramatically alter kickoffs, and Vikings leadership participated in media sessions, discussing the recent trade to acquire a second first-round pick, the value of having a prospect participate in a private workout and more takeaways.
The Minnesota Vikings hold the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and have eight additional picks. The reverse order of the previous regular season standings determines the draft order.
The Vikings have picked inside the top 12 just 23 times in franchise history. Twice those selections netted a quarterback, Christian Ponder (2011 No. 12 pick) and Daunte Culpepper (1999 No. 11 pick).
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Other notable top 12 selections include Adrian Peterson (2007 No. 7 pick), Bryant McKinnie (2002 No. 7 pick), Kevin Williams (2003 No. 9 pick) and Anthony Barr (2014 No. 9 pick). Three players selected in the top 12 — Carl Eller (1964 No. 6 pick), Ron Yary (1968 No. 1 pick), and Chris Doleman (1985 No. 4 pick) — made it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The 2024 NFL Draft will be held from April 25-27. The first round begins on April 25. Rounds 2 and 3 follow on April 26, and the final four rounds will occur April 27.
Here is the fifth version of our Vikings 2024 Mock Draft Tracker, which includes 18 recent predictions from across football media (Version 1.0 and Version 2.0 and Version 3.0 and Version 4.0).
Quarterback (17 projections) strengthened its hold from Version 4.0 on the position the experts believe the Vikings will address with their first pick of the night or by trading up.
Eleven prognosticators predicted former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy to the Vikings, either at No. 11 or through a trade-up by Minnesota. North Carolina product Drake Maye was projected to Minnesota in five mocks.
View photos of the Vikings 2024 coaching staff.
Kevin O'Connell - Head Coach
Matt Daniels - Special Teams Coordinator
Brian Flores - Defensive Coordinator
Wes Phillips - Offensive Coordinator
Mike Pettine - Assistant Head Coach/Outside Linebackers
Brian Angelichio - Passing Game Coordinator/Tight Ends
Ryan Cordell - Game Management Coordinator/Passing Game Specialist
Marcus Dixon - Defensive Line
Michael Hutchings - Safeties
Daronte Jones - Passing Game Coordinator/Defensive Backs
Chris Kuper - Offensive Line
Keenan McCardell - Wide Receivers
Josh McCown - Quarterbacks
Curtis Modkins - Running Game Coordinator/Running Backs
Mike Siravo - Inside Linebackers
Imarjaye Albury Sr. - Defensive Assistant
Lance Bennett - Quality Control – Defense
Thad Bogardus - Assistant Inside Linebackers
Ben Ellefson - Offensive Assistant
Dalmin Gibson - Assistant Special Teams
Pat Hill - Assistant Defensive Line
Derron Montgomery - Quality Control - Offense
Chris O'Hara - Senior Offensive Assistant
Shaun Sarrett - Assistant Offensive Line
Tony Sorrentino - Assistant Wide Receivers
Grant Udinski - Assistant Offensive Coordinator/Assistant Quarterbacks
Here's a look at our fifth Vikings 2024 Mock Draft Tracker:
ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr.
March 19, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 11: J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan
The Vikings are now the most interesting team in this draft. They just acquired another first-round pick in a deal with the Texans (No. 23), giving them the capital to move up and take a quarterback if they got the opportunity. But how far could they move up? Remember, it takes two sides to make a trade. Would the Giants [at No. 6] want to risk missing out on one of the top receivers? Would the Titans [at No. 7] want to risk missing out on their preferred tackle? Would the Falcons [at No. 8] or Bears [at No. 9] want to risk not getting the edge rusher they like? There's not an easy match, unless Minnesota is willing to give up a lot of future picks, which is certainly possible.
In this scenario, the Vikings could land their quarterback of the future anyway. With Kirk Cousins gone and Sam Darnold added on a one-year deal, it's clear they have to add competition. All sides point to that competition coming from a rookie. McCarthy is the No. 21 prospect on my Big Board, but I can see why some teams would covet him much higher. He has intriguing physical traits and can make every throw. Either way, if Minnesota really wants to try to move up in Round 1 for a quarterback, I could see it waiting until draft day to see how the board shakes out.
The predicted pick at No. 23: Cooper DeJean, Cornerback, Iowa
We're back around to the Vikings, who acquired this pick in a deal with the Texans last week. I gave them a Kirk Cousins replacement at No. 11, and if they're keeping this selection, they have to address a secondary that ranked 28th in passing yards allowed to receivers (3,019) last season. I like the front-seven additions of Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, but Minnesota hasn't made moves at cornerback.
I'm a huge fan of DeJean, who's still recovering from a broken leg suffered in November. He's a ball hawk — he had seven interceptions over his final 23 college games — with excellent technique. He also isn't afraid of sticking his head in and making a tackle.
Click here for Kiper's full mock draft, and check out the deeper explanations he gave during a conference call last week.
The Athletic's NFL Staff (Alec Lewis handled Vikings selection)
March 21, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 3: Drake Maye, Quarterback, North Carolina
Projected trade: Vikings send No. 11, No. 23, a 2025 first-round pick and a second-round pick in 2026 to the Patriots for No. 3.
Look, climbing this high and parting with three first-rounders is not for the faint of heart. But if you're going to swing, why not swing big? The Vikings connection to Maye is well-known: Quarterbacks coach Josh McCown coached him at Myers Park High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. But even before McCown, Vikings scouts had eyed Maye for several years. He may need some time to develop, but that might align perfectly with Head Coach Kevin O'Connell's views on what a young quarterback needs to become successful. Minnesota has an experienced QB room and loads of skill players. Now's the time to try to find its quarterback of the future.
Click here for the rest of the mock draft.
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
March 19, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 11: J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan
The Vikings may not be able to pull off that aggressive trade-up, depending on how much the Commanders or Patriots like Maye or [Jayden] Daniels. Should they not be able to get Maye to replace [Kirk] Cousins, McCarthy feels like their strong Plan 1B for offensive-minded Kevin O'Connell.
The predicted pick at No. 23: Jer'Zhan Newton, Defensive Tackle, Illinois
The Vikings will move this pick along with their earlier first-rounder should they make that big move up the board for a QB, but if they stay put, they should think about defensive tackle for DC Brian Flores after spending well at edge (Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel) and linebacker (Blake Cashman) in free agency.
Click here for Iyer's full mock draft.
NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah
March 19, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 4: J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan
Projected trade: Vikings send No. 11 and No. 23 to the Cardinals for No. 4
After their recent trade with the Texans, it seems the Vikings are situated to aggressively move up to draft Kirk Cousins' replacement. The Cardinals trade down, bypassing a chance to pick the first receiver off the board, but they address the position later in Round 1 (SEE: Pick No. 23).
Click here for Jeremiah's full mock draft.
NFL.com's Chad Reuter (four rounds)
March 22, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 4: J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan
Projected trade: Vikings send No. 11, No. 23 and a fourth-round pick to the Cardinals for No. 4 and a third-round pick.
If Minnesota makes this move, head coach Kevin O'Connell is likely looking forward to working with McCarthy's athleticism, calm leadership and whip of an arm.
The predicted pick at No. 71: Brandon Dorlus, Defensive Line, Oregon
Projected trade: The Vikings received this selection from the above proposed trade.
The predicted pick at No. 108: Christian Mahogany, Guard, Boston College
Click here for Reuter's full mock draft.
CBS Sports' Will Brinson
March 20, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 5: J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan
Projected trade: Vikings send No. 11 and No. 23 to Chargers
The Vikings … are preparing to move up for a quarterback. If three quarterbacks are off the board to start, J.J. McCarthy is probably their guy. He's widely regarded in NFL circles and the Vikings move up here with the Chargers, who are happy to drop back for a pair of firsts (11 and 23).
Click here for Brinson's full mock draft.
CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson
March 21, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 5 (after a projected trade with the Chargers): J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan
Now things get spicy. The Vikings package their two first-rounders — the No. 11 and No. 23 picks — to move up to No. 5 and take J.J. McCarthy. Kirk Cousins signed with Atlanta and yes, Sam Darnold is now in the building, but there's not a much better fit for J.J. McCarthy than playing for Kevin O'Connell.
Click here for Wilson's full mock draft.
CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso
March 21, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 3 (after a projected trade with the Patriots): Drake Maye, Quarterback, North Carolina
The Vikings didn't make a move to get No. 23 overall to just sit on their hands now. They make a move — and maybe even package a mid-rounder in 2025 — to get this pick to land Maye.
Click here for Trapasso's full mock draft.
CBS Sports' Josh Edwards
March 21, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 5 (after a projected trade with the Chargers): J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan
While Arizona was not willing to move off its pick in this scenario, Los Angeles was. Head Coach John Harbaugh wants to build a physical football team, and that makes it more likely that they select tight end Brock Bowers or an offensive tackle, in my opinion.
Click here for Edwards' full mock draft.
CBS Sports' Kyle Stackpole
March 21, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 3 (after a projected trade with the Patriots): Drake Maye, Quarterback, North Carolina
Of teams with top-three picks, it seems as though the Patriots have the weakest roster. So, while New England badly wants to find a long-term successor to Tom Brady, it opts to trade back eight spots and acquire valuable assets it can use to build out its team under new Head Coach Jerod Mayo. Meanwhile, the Vikings get their Kirk Cousins replacement in Drake Maye using the second first-round pick they gained in a trade with the Texans.
Click here for Stackpole's full mock draft.
Pro Football Network's A.J. Schulte
March 23, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 5: J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan
Projected trade: Vikings send No. 11 and No. 23 to Chargers
Minnesota makes the move we all anticipate happening here. The trade package will likely be larger than in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft offers, but these trades are more for illustrative purposes.
The Vikings offer a stable landing spot for J.J. McCarthy where he doesn't *have to be rushed out early and has the pieces around him to succeed with Minnesota's dynamite WR duo in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and the Vikings offensive line.*
The predicted pick at No. 108: McKinnley Jackson, Defensive Tackle, Texas A&M
The predicted pick at No. 129: MarShawn Lloyd, Running Back, USC
The predicted pick at No. 157: Jarrian Jones, Cornerback, Florida State
The predicted pick at No. 167: Drake Nugent, Center, Michigan
The predicted pick at No. 177: Johnny Wilson, Receiver, Florida State
The predicted pick at No. 230: Casey Rogers, Defensive Tackle, Oregon
The predicted pick at No. 232: Khalid Duke, Edge Defender, Kansas State
Click here for Schulte's full mock draft.
Pro Football Network's Tony Catalina
March 17, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 11: Bo Nix, Quarterback, Oregon
The Minnesota Vikings were aggressive in their pursuit to obtain pick No. 23, and with the combination of this pick and that one, the team could decide to put all their chips on the table to go for one of the three top-tier QBs in this draft.
The predicted pick at No. 23: Kool-Aid McKinstry, Cornerback, Alabama
Smooth, productive, and high-level athlete are all accurate ways to describe former Bama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. The Vikings add a productive CB to their secondary after taking their QB of the future earlier.
Click here for Catalina's full mock draft.
Pro Football Network's Ian Cummings
March 16, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 3: Drake Maye, Quarterback, North Carolina
Projected trade: Vikings send No. 11, No. 23 and a 2025 first-round pick to Patriots
We're in the thick of misinformation season, so every report should be taken with a grain of salt. That said, we always hear whispers about supposed QB preferences, and one of the more recent rumors is that the Patriots could trade down if Daniels isn't available.
Personally, I don't buy it. Drake Maye is a QB1 candidate on my board, and he'd be an excellent fit for Alex Van Pelt's scheme. But in this mock, let's entertain the possibility: If New England trades down with Daniels gone, who trades up?
I see the Vikings as a team willing to sell the farm for Maye.
They were reportedly willing to go in big for Anthony Richardson in 2023, and they're loading up after their trade with the Texans. With Kirk Cousins gone, they need to pounce on the opportunity to add a passer like Maye — even if it means a short-term capital hit.
If you're a Vikings fan and you're asking me, I think Maye is easily worth the price. He's one of the highest-graded QBs I've ever evaluated — pairing prototypical size and athleticism with elite arm strength, elasticity, and high-level anticipation and leverage IQ. He'd thrive in Minnesota's system with the weapons they have.
Click here for Cummings' full mock draft.
The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler
March 17, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 11: J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan
Whether it's at No. 11, or elsewhere via trade-up, Minnesota will be adding a new signal-caller. J.J. McCarthy's game doesn't have the flash and flare that some of his classmates do (mostly because of what was asked of him in the Michigan offense), but his accuracy and underrated velocity into varying windows present a floor for success.
The predicted pick at No. 23: Graham Barton, Interior Offensive Line, Duke
One of the most versatile linemen in the class, Graham Barton is still looked upon as one of the premier centers in the class despite three straight years of success at left tackle. The former Blue Devil plays with outstanding technique and can play with the best of them in space. He's the type of player you start and don't think twice about it for the next decade.
Click here for Fowler's full mock draft.
Nate Davis, USA Today
March 19, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 3 (after a trade with the Patriots): Drake Maye, Quarterback, North Carolina
Plenty to unpack here, so pay attention. First, this operates from the assumption the Vikes will make one more trade in the near future in a bid to backfill the loss of Cousins beyond the short-term signing of Sam Darnold. And while such a move this far closely approximates what the 49ers did three years ago to jump into position for QB Trey Lance – and we know how that worked out – Minnesota likely wouldn't have to pony up three first-rounders since it can now offer two this year, something San Francisco couldn't. Currently, the Vikings next pick after Round 1 is in the fourth – meaning multiple mid-round picks in 2025 should be enough to consummate such a deal, and that would seem to be quite sensible for new Pats Director of Scouting Eliot Wolf given the numerous holes on his roster. New England currently doesn't seem much better positioned to support a young quarterback than it did when Mac Jones was there, so why not kick the QB can down the road a bit and roll with [Jacoby] Brissett for now?
Click here for Davis' full mock draft.
Marcus Mosher, The 33RD Team
March 18, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 5 (after a trade with the Chargers): J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan
The Vikings acquired pick No. 23 from the Houston Texans on [March 15], which signals they want to trade up in Round 1. The Philadelphia Eagles did this in 2016 when targeting Carson Wentz in Round 1. The talk around the league is that J.J. McCarthy will be a top-five selection, and this would be how that gets done.
Click here for Mosher's full mock draft.
Ian Valentino, The 33RD Team
March 19, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 11: Dallas Turner, Edge Defender, Alabama
What happens if the Vikings can't move ahead of the Giants? Sure, it seems more likely to happen than not, or else Minnesota was reckless in its early trade-up to grab a second first-round pick. But the class takes a dip around this selection, so New England, Arizona or Los Angeles would have to be willing to lose out on a blue-chip prospect.
That feels like a mistake. If Minnesota gets stuck here, they should choose the best player available. Pairing Dallas Turner with Jonathan Greenard would reinvigorate a pass rush that was completely reliant on Danielle Hunter in 2023. Turner offers an ideal frame and the raw traits to develop into a star.
The predicted pick at No. 23: Bo Nix, Quarterback, Oregon
Bo Nix may not be the Vikings target after their trade-up, and maybe they'd take him at No. 11 if there's a sense Denver or Las Vegas would take him right after them. The public is down on Nix for his early-career struggles, but he was a drastically improved player at Oregon. His accuracy, decision-making and playmaking were on display when the Ducks needed him most.
Nix would fit Kevin O'Connell's system well and would be supported by a strong surrounding cast. He has the traits to be a Pro Bowl-caliber starter, which is a win for a mid- to late-first-round pick.
Click here for Valentino's full mock draft.
Connor Rogers, NBC Sports
March 18, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 5 (after a trade with Chargers): J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan
The Vikings are planning for something big, with the acquisition of Houston's 23rd overall pick being step one. In this scenario they package that pick and their own (11th overall) to come up for a raw, but talented quarterback in McCarthy. It's a really big risk, but it seems like one they are ready to take.
Click here for Rogers' full mock draft.
