The first night of the 2024 NFL Draft featured fireworks for the Minnesota Vikings. The second night consisted of crickets. Noise, then nothing.
Day 3 is likely to meet them in the middle. The Vikings are projected to have five picks: Nos. 108, 177, 203, 230 and 232.
They have plenty of needs, too. A cornerback, interior defensive lineman and interior offensive lineman could enhance the team’s depth. Here are some sensible options for Minnesota’s five picks …
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Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft picks 2024: Grades, fits and scouting reports
Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon
Several weeks ago, a reporter asked Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores 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 would give the cornerbacks a different body type and vibe. Jackson is lanky, fast and competitive. He might be gone by No. 108.
Nehemiah Pritchett, CB, Auburn
Pritchett is quieter than Jackson, but his measurables are similar. He might be more comfortable in a zone-based scheme, and the Vikings want to mix in more man coverage. Still, when you account for the athletic traits and size (6 feet, 190 pounds), Pritchett is a solid option, especially if Jackson is off the board.
Mekhi Wingo, DT, LSU
Snagging Texas’ Byron Murphy II would have helped, but the Seattle Seahawks scooped him up just before the Vikings could take him at No. 17. Flores’ defense could still use a pass-rushing defensive tackle. Wingo is undersized at 6-0, 284 pounds, but he’s powerful, experienced and quick off the line of scrimmage. If Minnesota decides not to take a cornerback at No. 108, Wingo makes sense.
Mohamed Kamara, Edge, Colorado State
The Vikings don’t necessarily need an edge rusher after signing free agents Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel and then drafting Dallas Turner in the first round. But if Kamara falls to the Vikings, considering how important edge rusher is as a roster-building position, they’d likely think about it. He’s relentless, can rush the passer and had the second-most sacks in school history (30 1/2).
Beaux Limmer, G, Arkansas
Minnesota needs to add youth to the interior of its offensive line. Only Ed Ingram is on a rookie contract, and he is entering a critical third season at right guard. Meanwhile, Blake Brandel is the current starter at left guard. Limmer might be gone before No. 177, but he’s a versatile offensive lineman who has played all three positions on the interior.
Qwan’tez Stiggers, CB, CFL
If the Vikings are willing to wait a season or two to allow him to develop, Stiggers is a potential cornerback option at No. 177. The former Toronto Argonaut is set to become the first player ever from the Canadian Football League to be drafted. Stiggers is well built (5-11, 204 pounds), and his ball skills stand out. He’ll have to make a quick adjustment to a pro playbook.
Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame
Jackson is probably the Vikings’ top cornerback option on Day 3, but Hart might be close behind. He played man coverage in Marcus Freeman’s system, and his special teams experience adds another layer to his value. Hart is 6-3 and weighs 202 pounds. It would not shock me to see the Vikings try to snag him and Jackson.
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Will Reichard, K, Alabama
The Vikings might not have enough late-round picks to feel comfortable taking a kicker, but they could use one. Their only rostered option is XFL signee John Parker Romo. Reichard does not have a massive leg, but he did not succumb to pressure at Alabama and is widely regarded as the best kicker in this class.
Mason McCormick, G, South Dakota State
Finding starters this late is typically contingent on development, especially on the offensive line. McCormick is a tad stiff, but his physicality stands out and he is definitely worth a late-round dart throw.
Cameron Little, K, Arkansas
Little did not miss an extra point in his college career (129-for-129) and converted 82.8 percent of his field goals (53-for-64). This past season, he produced a three-week-straight stretch of 50-yarders. Want to consider a kicker? Little would elevate Matt Daniels’ special teams unit immediately.
Chigozie Anusiem, CB, Colorado State
Anusiem will be a 24-year-old rookie, and he doesn’t have the best ball skills. But he’s a solid option from a size and speed perspective. He is prime for a press-man opportunity, and the Vikings will have plenty of them behind Griffin, who is expected to be the primary starter.
Deantre Prince, CB, Ole Miss
Prince is like Anusiem in that his size and speed give him a chance to be an effective press-man corner. He is shorter in stature (6-0, 183 pounds), but his experience as a gunner and jammer on punt return units should intrigue the coaching staff.
Blake Watson, RB, Memphis
Watson is smaller (5-9), but don’t let the size fool you: He brings the juice. He can catch the ball out of the backfield (just four drops in 105 targets during his college career). He is quick. He has returned kicks. And he’s competitive. He might be similar to Ty Chandler, but why not add another skill player and see what type of energy he infuses into the offense?
Some additional names for No. 108 or No. 177: Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina; Joshua Karty, K, Stanford; Jha’Quan Jackson, WR, Tulane
Some additional names for No. 203, No. 230 or No. 232: Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M; Jordan Whittington, WR, Texas; Nick Gargiulo, OG, South Carolina; Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire
(Photo of Khyree Jackson: John E. Moore III / Getty Images)
