Armed with nine picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves in a pivotal position to address key roster needs and fortify their squad for the season ahead. In the mock draft outlined below, I’ve taken the liberty of incorporating a few trades that are poised to shape the landscape come April.

Let’s dive in!

Round 1, pick 11: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

The buzz surrounding McCarthy’s potential as a draft selection is simply too palpable to ignore. His skill set embodies many of the qualities sought after in a franchise quarterback—leadership, poise and exceptional athleticism. Despite his upward trajectory in draft rankings, I’m inclined to stay put at the eleventh spot and trust that McCarthy will fall into the Vikings’ lap.

This scenario presents an ideal opportunity for McCarthy to flourish, particularly within the stable framework of the Vikings’ organization. While I believe in his long-term potential, I’m hesitant to thrust him into the starting role from day one. However, at just 21 years old, time is undeniably on the Vikings’ side, affording McCarthy ample opportunity to develop and grow within the team’s system.

Projected stats: (10 starts) 1,987 passing yards with 9 touchdowns and 6 interceptions; 250 rushing yards with 4 touchdowns

Round 1, pick 31: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

Imagine the thrill of draft night amplified with not one, but TWO first-round selections for the Minnesota Vikings. Picture this: Murphy II, a coveted defensive prospect, unexpectedly slips down the draft board. Sensing an opportunity too good to pass up, the Vikings strike a deal with the San Francisco 49ers to secure their defensive cornerstone.

Here’s the trade scenario: Minnesota relinquishes the 42nd pick, along with the 109th, 156th picks and a 4th and 5th rounder in next year’s draft, in exchange for the 31st pick and the 94th pick from the 49ers.

Now, let’s talk about Murphy II. A true force in the middle, Murphy II brings to the table a rare combination of explosive agility and brute strength—a menacing presence that the Vikings’ defense has sorely lacked. At just 21 years old, he’s brimming with untapped potential, poised to blossom into a dominant force with the right guidance and development.

But here’s where it gets even more intriguing. Imagine pairing Murphy II with a high-profile free agent acquisition like Christian Wilkins. With their powers combined, the Vikings’ defensive line could emerge as a formidable unit in 2024, striking fear into the hearts of opposing offenses—a prospect that’s been elusive for far too long.

By seizing the opportunity to secure Murphy II and bolstering their defensive line with top-tier talent, the Vikings could be laying the foundation for a resurgence—a return to defensive dominance that fans have yearned for. And with two first-round selections in hand, the excitement of draft night reaches new heights, setting the stage for a promising future for the Minnesota Vikings.

Projected stats: (18 games) 37 tackles, 5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles

Round 3, pick 94: Johnny Wilson, WR, Florida State

Standing tall at 6’6″ and weighing in just shy of 240 pounds, Wilson possesses the physical attributes that could potentially catapult him to dominance in the NFL. There’s a subtle yet pressing need for a third option at wide receiver. With K.J. Osborn likely departing in free agency and uncertainty surrounding Hockenson’s recovery from a torn ACL, the Vikings’ receiving corps could benefit from an injection of talent and depth behind stars like Jefferson and Addison.

Enter Wilson—a prospect brimming with promise. His remarkable speed, agility and athleticism, particularly for his size, set him apart as a tantalizing prospect for the Vikings. Additionally, Wilson’s proficiency in blocking on the outside presents a clear upgrade over Addison’s performance in that regard last season.

It’s worth noting that if Wilson clocks in with a 40-yard dash time in the low 4.5s, he may not even be available by the time the Vikings are on the clock. However, for the purpose of this scenario, he remains within reach, presenting the Vikings with a tantalizing opportunity to snag a player with immense upside.

By selecting Wilson, the Vikings not only address a crucial need at wide receiver but also acquire a player with the potential to make a significant impact on the field—a prospect whose physical prowess and skill set hint at a bright future in the purple and gold.

Projected stats: (18 games) 38 receptions for 576 yards with 3 touchdowns

Round 4, pick 130: MarShawn Lloyd, RB, Southern California

The quest for a dependable workhorse running back is paramount for the Minnesota Vikings, and MarShawn Lloyd emerges as a compelling candidate to fill that role. Standing at 5’9″ and weighing 216 pounds, Lloyd combines speed with aggression, offering a dynamic presence in the backfield.

Last season, the Vikings witnessed Alexander Mattison falter when entrusted with the starting role, while Ty Chandler showcased glimpses of potential but struggled to maintain consistency as a true RB1. Lloyd, however, has the potential to step in and immediately elevate the running game with his blend of power and speed.

Even if Lloyd initially splits carries with Chandler, I firmly believe he has the capability to seize the starting job outright in due time. Moreover, opting not to invest in a high-priced running back this off-season—saving approximately $8-$10 million for other critical roster upgrades—presents a prudent financial strategy for the Vikings.

Instead, bringing in Lloyd on a rookie contract offers the tantalizing prospect of unlocking his full potential—a move that could pay dividends for the Vikings both in the short term and for years to come. With Lloyd in the fold, the Vikings have the opportunity to solidify their ground game and lay the foundation for offensive success in the seasons ahead.

Projected stats: (18 games | 13 starts) 892 rushing yards with 6 touchdowns; 22 receptions for 298 receiving yards and 1 touchdown

Round 5, pick 166: Drake Nugent, C, Michigan

The Minnesota Vikings are in need of a promising young center to groom for the future. While I’m content with Nugent serving as a depth piece initially, my hope is for him to eventually transition into a starting role. Garrett Bradbury’s inconsistency and lingering back injury concerns over the past two seasons underscore the need for a reliable successor.

Nugent possesses a commendable football IQ, showcasing his ability to excel in the screen game while demonstrating the requisite quickness and flexibility to secure a place on an NFL roster. With these attributes in his arsenal, Nugent holds the potential to not only contribute as a depth option but also develop into a viable starter down the line.

Projected stats: Depth role

Round 6, pick 179: Gabe Hall, DT, Baylor

Let’s continue to bolster our defensive line with Hall’s addition. His proficiency as a run defender addresses a crucial gap in the Vikings’ defense from last season. I envision Hall serving as rotational depth, akin to Jaquelin Roy’s role in the previous season.

Projected stats: (5 games) 13 tackles and 1 sack

Round 6, pick 190: Brevyn Spann-Ford, TE, Minnesota

Let’s consider this pick carefully. With Hockenson likely sidelined for the start of the season due to his ACL injury, adding depth at the tight end position seems responsible. Spann-Ford may not have lived up to expectations during his time with the Golden Gophers, but there’s potential waiting to be tapped. Even if he settles in as TE3 on the depth chart, having a local talent catching passes in the purple and gold would add an exciting dimension to the team.

Projected stats: (7 games) 14 receptions for 167 yards and 1 touchdown