Final Vikings 7-round 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Kevin O'Connell rolls dice on QB decision

How daring is the team willing to be? Nix is a risky prospect, but so are Daniels, Penix, and McCarthy. The question is how well head coach Kevin O'Connell can maximize traits and personality. 

It seems as though Nix is a tremendous fit for the Vikings. He has a strong arm, great mobility, and a willingness to be a playmaker outside of structure. It's just hard to discern between the two drastically different play styles he showed at Auburn and Oregon.

Nix is already 24, but his experience and growth throughout his career should help him find an immediate starting job. He can be too conservative with his decision-making, but Oregon did the same thing to Justin Herbert. His traits bode well for his success.

The big question is whether he can be more than an average-range starter, but I have the same questions about his peers in this class who aren't Maye or Caleb Williams. I'd rather take Nix here than any other option that doesn't land Maye.

Round 4 No. 108 overall: Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama

It took some time for the public to find Jermaine Burton, but his analytical profile is outstanding, and the tape reflects his athletic ability. Day 3 is all about taking the right athletic risks, and Burton's talent is worth the gamble here. He'd have a second-round grade on most boards if it wasn't for character concerns.

Burton can slide into the third receiver role early in his Vikings career. The lack of depth behind Minnesota's outstanding duo of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison is lacking. If he can be a quick hit, he can bolster that depth and potentially give the Vikings some leverage in Jefferson's contract negotiations.

Round 4 No. 129 overall: Brandon Coleman, OG, TCU

Minnesota has allocated a ton of draft assets into its offensive line over the years, and there's no reason why that shouldn't continue. The hole at left guard is glaring enough to consider grabbing the best talent at any point after the first round. Getting Brandon Coleman at this juncture is a great value.

Coleman played tackle at TCU but projects better inside due to his top-heavy frame. He's a powerful blocker who wins with reach and strength, and has a great anchor against bull rushes. He will not get into space and be a dynamic mauler, but he holds his own and is experienced enough to step into the job.

That's okay, given the athleticism across the Vikings' line. In this scheme, he won't be relied upon to anchor the run game. Grabbing a need with this value will help Minnesota win Day 3 of the draft.

Round 5 No. 157 overall: Jarvis Brownlee Jr., CB, Louisville

Recent cornerback additions have pushed the immediate need at the position down a bit, but Minnesota can't be complacent in adding talent to the unit until bonafide starters reveal themselves. Everyone feels replaceable at the position, though that could change quickly if Mekhi Blackmon and Akayleb Evans develop. Thus, adding a potential star slot in Jarvis Brownlee Jr. becomes the move.

Brownlee is perfectly built to be a playmaking slot defender. He was fantastic at the Senior Bowl, showing he can hold his own in press or play the role of ballhawk in zone. He made everyone go back to the tape because he was the best corner in Mobile.

Plus, this type of financial value makes sense for the slot position. Teams shouldn't be spending a lot on the position, as good role players often fall to this range. 

Round 5 No. 167 overall: Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Purdue

For good reason, almost every draft analyst has Tyrone Tracy Jr. as their top sleeper running back. He didn't have a ton of production, but a fifth-round pick is never flawless. The former receiver can compete for a role in one of the weakest running back rooms in the NFL.

An elite athlete who best projects as a third-down playmaker, Tracy's explosiveness in the open field allows O'Connell to draw up some great plays. He's not a refined rusher who wins with vision, but he's also not an incapable ball-carrier who can't see a giant hole in front of him.

Round 7 No. 230 overall: Josh Proctor, SAF, Ohio State

A physical, versatile, and playmaking leader, Josh Proctor was often the soul of the Buckeyes' defense. He's older, though, and a few setbacks limited his college production until 2023. But for one of the final picks, why not add someone who can bring a new element to the safety room?

Minnesota's safety issues are well-documented, so adding someone who can hold their own in coverage, rush the passer, and play in two-high looks can be an asset as the fourth body in a small role. 

Round 7 No. 232 overall: Keith Randolph Jr., DL, Illinois

Don't be surprised if Minnesota opts for multiple defensive linemen in this class. Not only is it a strength of the class, but the Vikings can find two early contributors based on their own needs. The current rotation is maybe the worst in the NFL.

Keith Randolph Jr. should be long gone by this point, but mock draft databases have undervalued his role. He's stout at the point of attack and brings solid run awareness. He won't tally many sacks, but he's a playable, respectable talent who will last in the league for several years.