Now that free agency and the draft are over, all eyes are on the 2023 season. However, it is never too early to take a look at next year’s crop of rookies. Minnesota has a lot of interesting routes to take and there are a ton of ways this team could look spend it’s ever evolving draft capital. Regardless, even with the 2023 campaign still to play out as well as 2024 resignings, trades, and free agency in front of the upcoming draft, it’s always fun to get familiar with new names that could be on the (very distant) Big Board for the Vikings front office staff. What does a 2024 Way Too Early Mock Draft look like? Take a look below!
1st Rounder
EDGE Bralen Trice – Washington
A variety of directions Minnesota could go in this position, Kwesi and the brain trust lean the Husky big man Bralen Trice to help improve the pass rush that has quite a few question marks after this season. Pop quiz: When was the last time Minnesota took a pure edge rusher with their first-round pick? 2005, when they selected Erasmus James, who is built much like Trice. At 6’4”, 270 lbs., Trice has great strength and natural ability to get after the quarterback and win his matchups. He can power through defenders and uses his hands well to get through blockers. However, he’s still relatively young in terms of his time playing the game and he will need to develop in a few areas to become a well-rounded starter. However, with a bit more time and coaching, he could be a force to reckon with on the defensive side of the ball.
2nd Rounder
QB Bo Nix – Oregon
With Kirk Cousins on the way out after the 2023 season (could be resigned, who knows) and Jaren Hall a bit of a long shot, QB is where Minnesota heads with their second. Bo Nix is one of the quarterbacks that raised the most eyebrows during the 2022 college football season and for good reason. A talented gunslinger (with a great name), Nix has the potential to develop into a dual threat in the league. Though not as fast and elusive as Lamar or Fields and not the strongest arm, Nix does a lot of things well and has a Jalen Hurts-esque route to becoming a starting QB in the NFL. Can he develop his ability to make his reads, provide touch on difficult throws and deep shots while dissecting opposing defenses? I think yes and with a strong 2023 campaign, the Oregon Duck QB may not be available in the 2nd.
4th Rounder (via Detroit Lions)
RB Devin Neal – Kansas
Neal has only gotten better during his two years at Kansas and going into 2023, look for the hometown native to command this backfield and position himself as one of the best backs in college football. With great three-down ability, Neal adds a great element to the Jayhawks program. Truly, it’s not hard to see why Neal looks poised to transition to the league. However, he will need to continue growing as a pass-catcher and blocker as well as a between-the-tackles runner, but there is a lot to love with Devin Neal.
4th Rounder
CB Daequan Hardy – Penn State
Not a player who will be pegged as an outside contributor at the next level, the redshirt senior should still find success in the NFL come 2024. A bit under-sized, Hardy is scrappy and plays both the pass and the run well. A solid mix of coverage and physicality, Hardy will most likely find his niche on special teams and as a returner but could rotate in as a nickel corner as he develops and transitions.
5th Rounder (via Cleveland Browns)
DT Gabe Hall – Baylor
Hall is a massive player and fits the mold of a true nose-tackle that many teams look for. For Minnesota, he would slot right in at defensive tackle but he’s incredibly raw so giving him a year or two to develop would be ideal. As a player, the tools are there and whether as a run-stuffer or a pocket-collapsar, the right defensive mind just needs to unlock him, and he could be something special in all phases of the game.
5th Rounder (via Kansas City Chiefs)
OT Zion Nelson – Miami
Another prospect, Nelson should help add depth and competition to a roster that is set to lose seven offensive linemen in 2024. Will all seven leave? No, but getting younger must be a priority. Nelson has a good fundamental foundation but will need to get bigger and stronger to play tackle in the league. With great reach and arm length, he may also just kick into guard and dominate, but regardless, he’s a good offensive lineman who has been consistent and available for the Gators since 2019.
6th Rounder
WR Traeshon Holden – Oregon
An interesting name to watch during the 2023 season, Holden very well could go much higher in the draft. After being at Alabama, Holden will look to carve out a role in Oregon with Bo Nix and potentially solidify himself as their number one option for the Ducks, so why not reunite him with his teammate? A big-bodied receiver with natural athleticism, Holden has all the tools to be a X-Receiver in the NFL but has yet to produce in college at a top-tier level. The question revolves around whether he can put it all together or not.
