With two first-round picks and the need for a new quarterback, the Minnesota Vikings could be one of the most interesting teams to watch on the draft’s opening night.
A draft pick swap with the Texans earlier this offseason has given the Vikes the ammunition they need to potentially move up, but how high will they go?
Here’s what to look out for from the Vikings draft this week.
Minnesota Vikings draft picks
- No. 11 overall (first round)
- No. 23 overall (first round) (from Cleveland, via Houston)
- No. 108 overall (fourth round)
- No. 129 overall (fourth round) (from Detroit)
- No. 157 overall (fifth round) (from Cleveland)
- No. 167 overall (fifth round) (from Kansas City)
- No. 177 overall (sixth round) (from Carolina through Jacksonville)
- No. 230 overall (seventh round) (from Atlanta via Cleveland and Arizona)
- No. 232 overall (seventh round) (from Denver, via Houston and San Francisco)
Key Needs
The Vikings draft this year is likely to be all about filling the quarterback vacancy, with free agent signing Sam Darnold not a long-term fix at the position.
Aside from that, they could also do with drafting an impactful pass rusher and another cornerback.
Predictions
We’re going to assume the Vikings trade up to get a quarterback, so the big question would be how high they move? Do they throw the kitchen sink at the New England Patriots to land either Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye?
J.J. McCarthy could be a more realistic prospect, but that would also likely require another big trade offer for either Arizona or the Chargers to move into the top five.
If they can’t or won’t trade up high enough to land McCarthy, that leaves Michael Penix or Bo Nix as potential options, which would also give the team a chance to maximise their other draft picks.
Live on DAZN PPV: Canelo vs. Munguia on May 4. Click here for details.