Eight Day 3 Draft Prospects Who Should Be on the Vikings’ Radar
Josh Frey
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The first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft is in the books.
However, we still have four rounds and 157 picks to go before the draft officially concludes. The Vikings currently hold five selections on the third and final day of the draft, so it promises to be a busy day for Minnesota. Here are eight draft prospects who should be on the Vikings’ radar in Day 3.
Day 3 Draft Prospects for the Vikings
WR Jamari Thrash, Louisville
With K.J. Osborn no longer on the roster, Minnesota needs to find a player to fill that WR3 role. For now, the only true acquisition that the Vikings have made at wide receiver is the signing of Trent Sherfield, who has only surpassed 100 receiving yards twice in his six-year career. Jamari Thrash’s struggles with some drops are likely why he has fallen this far down the board, but the skillset is undeniable. He is a supremely impressive route runner and has the speed to get over the top of defenses in a hurry.
WR Javon Baker, UCF
Similarly to Thrash, Javon Baker needs to be better about consistently hauling in passes, and in particular, high-pointing passes seems to be a bit of an issue right now. However, he remains a dynamic athlete capable of making highlight catches. His route-running allows him to work the middle of the field, and body control gives him the capability to work the sideline.
CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State
The Vikings could still use some help in their secondary. T.J. Tampa has ideal size and length to play on the boundary of an NFL defense, which is where he played almost exclusively throughout his collegiate career. He is physical enough to help on run defense as well and has displayed the ability to be a strong tackler.
CB Cam Hart, Notre Dame
If the Vikings want to become more man-heavy in the secondary, Cam Hart could be a building piece towards accomplishing that goal. The Notre Dame product is another lengthy player at 6’3″, and in 163 man coverage snaps last season, he was targeted just 19 times, allowing just 11 receptions for 88 yards.
CB Qwan’tez Stiggers, Toronto Argonauts
If nothing else, Qwan’tez Stiggers has a great underdog story going for him. The cornerback didn’t play a single snap of collegiate football (originally committed to Lane College in 2020 but left before the season began). He then played in the FCF for a season before catching on with the Toronto Argonauts in 2023. He won the Most Outstanding Rookie award because of his fantastic skillset in coverage. He’s had to come a long way to reach the NFL Draft, and every step of the way, Stiggers has lived up to the challenge.
DT Khristian Boyd, UNI
If the Vikings want to use one of their seven Day 3 picks to select a DT, Khristian Boyd could be a solid depth option. The defensive lineman was a third-team FCS All-American in 2023 for the Panthers this past season, recording 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. In total, he spent six seasons at UNI and recorded 149 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, five passes defended, and a pair of forced fumbles.
G Javion Cohen, Miami (FL)
Javion Cohen spent the past three seasons as a starter there between the Alabama and Miami (FL) programs and has progressively gotten better as a pass protector. He might be a “break glass in case of emergency” solution at this point in time, but it’s better to have that in place than to have nothing at all.
C Tanor Bortellini, Wisconsin
Throughout his career at Wisconsin, Tanor Bortolini has played at least 179 snaps at every position on the offensive line other than left tackle. He took over the full-time center role in 2023 for the Badgers, but his versatility to move all over the line would be welcomed in Minnesota.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Focus.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.
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