B-
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings let Hicks fall and pounced. Final grade: B-.
by - ·
2024 NFL Draft
· 9 picks
· 4 steals
· 0 reaches
The best pick of the weekend was also the simplest. The Vikings watched Jaden Hicks slide 22 picks past his grade and did not hesitate. More right than wrong, and a B- to match.
Leaving quarterback unaddressed is the roster risk they will have to answer for in the fall. Edge rusher is handled and the depth chart looks a good deal healthier for it. The trenches got the money picks, top to bottom.
In sum, a sturdy weekend with one asterisk, the quarterback spot they never got to.
Pick-by-Pick
In Round 1, Pick 11 they get a load in the middle. A real need, handled.
Good price on Bralen Trice in pick 42, a hair ahead of his grade with no real quibbles. That was the need underlined and circled, and now it is checked off.
A market-rate offensive lineman, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Matt Goncalves. A must-fix position, and they treated it like one.
Taking Jaden Hicks in slot 129 is close to grand larceny; a safety that good had no business lasting this long. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
They will replay MarShawn Lloyd at the 148th overall pick for years; that is how good the value is. A sensible fit that makes the depth chart a little sturdier.
Keith Randolph Jr. in pick No. 160 is fine work, a shade of surplus and no downside. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.
Jaylin Simpson slid further than he should have, and the 168th pick is lovely value for the cornerback. Depth more than a fix, but depth they can use.
They took Jaylan Ford at par in the Round 6 slot, which is nothing to complain about. A minor need, but a need all the same.
The board had Myles Jones higher than slot 230, and the cornerback fell to them anyway. They doubled down on a strength rather than a need.