The Minnesota Vikings

The departure of Kirk Cousins hurts but there was going to be a QB drafted anyway even if he stayed. At 36 the Vikings needed a plan and that plan came a season earlier than expected. There may be some growing pains for the Vikings in a very tough division now but let’s see what they did in this draft with the first four picks to help them and talk about the future.

Pick 10 JJ McCarthy (QB) is hopefully the answer to a future after Kirk Cousins. I know Michigan won through defense and running the ball but McCarthy had many moments through the year that showed he could play at the next level and shouldn’t be knocked for having a solid team around him. However he really never had to win the game or be relied on because the team could run the ball 50 times a game. McCarthy is going to sit being Darnold to start his career but could be tossed in early if there are struggles. Overall the Vikings were the best spot for any rookie QB with an all-pro receiver, 2nd year receiver who is a stud and a top 5 TE.

Trading up to number 17 and grabbing Dallas Turner (EDGE) was the biggest move they made in this draft and my favorite of their picks. Turner was the best defensive player in this draft from an all-round perspective. Turner comes at the right time after losing Danielle Hunter to free-agency. He will be tasked with being a premier pass-rusher early and he will live up to the hype.

The 108th Pick Khyree Jackson showed out for his final year at Oregon. He posted the lowest passer rating allowed in his career at 41.6 and played over 300 coverage snaps. Khyree has a very prototypical build for a long range corner and will work his way up the depth chart fast. He and Murphy Jr will be the two outside corners when this year is at its peak

Pick 177 Walter Rouse (OT) is a depth piece addition. With Darrisaw at LT and that being Rouse’s position he played in he will learn from a very good OT and might see some time if the injury bug hits. Being on the opposite side of 1st round pick Tyler Guyton, Rouse was a little over shadowed but had himself a very good year for the Sooners at LT not allowing a single sack. Rouse will learn and if called upon he will be ready to perform to his ability.

The Vikings have a ton of talent and added some with this draft. They will be fighting in every division game and it will be tough for them at this time to get a playoff spot but with this draft that I give a nice B+ they should have a good outlook on the future. Realistic expectations should be for a winning record or just under it.