Grading the Vikings 2024 Draft Class: Minnesota lands star QB and pass-rusher early

Breaking down the pick:  J.J. McCarthy has a great arm and mobility but needs foundational work to be a hit. Luckily for him, Kevin O'Connell is as qualified as anyone to develop him. The Minnesota Vikings did well to avoid a bigger move up and give too many assets for someone who might need to sit a year.

Final Grade: B+

Round 1, No. 17 overall: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

Breaking down the pick:  Going from Nick Saban to Brian Flores bodes well for Dallas Turner's success. Minnesota barely gave up anything to land the athletic and versatile edge defender. At worst, he'll be a good chess piece in coverage and as a run-stopper. 

Final Grade: A

Round 4, No. 108 overall: Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon

Breaking down the pick: Khyree Jackson's still developing, but his blend of size and speed gives him big-time potential. The Vikings needed someone to get on the field in 2024, and Jackson has the tools to be a long-term starter.

Final Grade: B+

Round 6, No. 177 overall: Walter Rouse, OT, Oklahoma

Breaking down the pick: Walter Rouse fell further than expected but only projects to be a backup swing tackle either way. He's more of a road-grader than an effective pass-blocker. Still, he's experienced and finding an affordable player who can step onto the field in a pinch is hard.

This was a good value at a position that will always have a need.

Final Grade: B

Round 6, No. 203 overall: Will Reichard, K, Alabama

Breaking down the pick: Will Reichard is no stranger to high-pressure moments. He's had a mixed bag of success, but he was worth drafting. Some considered him the top kicker in the class because of his school-record eight 50-yard kicks, but I don't think his leg strength was better than Joshua Karty's.

Giving a kicker a higher grade than an average mark is insane to me, but this is fine.

Final Grade: C

Round 7, No. 230 overall: Michael Jurgens, C, Wake Forest

Breaking down the pick: Lacking strength, Michael Jurgens is purely a backup center in the NFL. He's experienced, though, and can step in if needed to.

Final Grade: C

Round 7, No. 232 overall: Levi Drake Rodriguez

Breaking down the pick: Levi Drake Rodriguez is a high-upside, gap-shooting defensive tackle whose upper-body strength and quickness off the ball should allow him to be a productive rotational option at the next level, though he’ll need to improve his pad level and discipline to hit his ceiling.

Final Grade: B

Final Grade: A-

Not only did Minnesota come out of this class with a new face of the franchise at QB, but they also nabbed a premier edge defender without having to dip into their well of draft picks too heavily. This was a masterclass by general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, regardless of the results.

With so much value in most of their picks and the marrying of need, talent, and scheme, it's clear this franchise is in good hands moving forward.