The Case for an Offensive Weapon Early in Vikings Draft
The Minnesota Vikings draft can forge several paths early on Thursday night, April 24th, courtesy of a robust free agency haul onboarded by general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
The Case for an Offensive Weapon Early in Vikings Draft
The team filled most prominent roster holes, signing defensive trenchmen like Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave while welcoming offensive linemen Will Fries and Ryan Kelly.
Unusually, Minnesota has no dire or grim roster needs.
So, all options are on the table for the team’s 24th pick in Round 1 — even drafting an enticing offensive weapon. And while this website doesn’t necessarily endorse the plan, here’s why it would make sense.
Get J.J. McCarthy’s Development Off to a Hot Start
.J.J. McCarthy is ready to assume the QB1 job title this summer, and he’s already supported by a dazzling supporting cast, including playmakers like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Aaron Jones, and Jordan Mason.
But why not support the youngster with an embarrassment of riches by drafting a wide receiver like Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State), Matthew Golden (Texas), or Luther Burden III (Missouri)? A tight end like Colston Loveland (Michigan), who was McCarthy’s National Champion teammate at Michigan in 2023, could also do the trick. Omarion Hampton, a running back from North Carolina, may be on the board at No. 24, too.
The Vikings would basically lean into the Dream Team approach on offense, disabling any notion of failure for McCarthy because they spoiled him with weapons galore. If Minnesota ever entertained morphing into an offensive juggernaut, now would be the time to spend that 1st-Rounder on yet another explosive offensive talent.
“Best Player Available” … Might Be a WR, RB, or TE
Depending on how the board falls on April 24th, Egbuka, Golden, Burden III, Loveland, or Hampton flat-out might be the best player available on the board.
That is — if the Vikings say “naw” to another offensive weapon, instead drafting a defensive tackle like Derrick Harmon, for example, well, that player may not be “BPA enough” to satisfy the philosophy. The best player available — even if one doesn’t want Minnesota to draft a wide receiver, running back, or tight end — might truly be an offensive weapon.
Turning one’s back on the BPA strategy because “Well, we don’t need another wide receiver” totally defeats the spirit of Best Player Available.
Insurance for Jordan Addison
Listen, Jordan Addison can turn into a knucklehead during the month of July. He got popped by law enforcement in July 2023 for reckless driving and an alleged DUI in July 2024. In all likelihood, Addison will put a lid on the tomfoolery this July — we hope — but he has the track record of boneheaded decision-making in the summer.
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old could be suspended to start the 2025 season, thanks to the July 2024 incident. To hedge the bet against Addison’s off-the-field issues, drafting Egbuka or Golden, for instance, may be smart business.
Addison is totally electric and dependable on the field, but off the field is dicey.
The Running Game Has Been Subpar to Bad
When Kevin O’Connell took over the Vikings, he produced the NFL’s sixth-worst rushing attack in 2022 and 2023 per DVOA. Yep, Minnesota ranked 27th in the metric in both seasons.
Then, O’Connell showcased Aaron Jones in 2024, and the rushing efficiency DVOA climbed to No. 20, a decent upgrade but nothing too salivating.
There’s a world where Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell see Hampton on the menu at No. 24 and pounce, if only to solve the suspect rushing offense once and for all. The Vikings would employ a three-headed monster in the backfield with Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, and Omarion Hampton.
The franchise could put its foot down and draft a high-round running back for the first time since Dalvin Cook — eight years ago.
T.J. Hockenson’s Contract
Believe it or not, the guaranteed cheddar of T.J. Hockenson’s contract ends after the 2025 season. He’ll want an extension or become an expendable asset per the salary cap. It feels like yesterday that Hockenson signed the mammoth extension, but time flies.
Of course, the Hockenson era in Minneapolis isn’t winding down or over, but if the team wanted to get younger at the spot or trade Hockenson next offseason, drafting Loveland this month would make the transfer of power pretty damn seamless.
Otherwise, the Vikings can implement the old-style New England Patriots offense that worked marvelously before Aaron Hernandez became exposed as a hitman — two glorious tight ends in the same offense: Hockenson and Loveland.
The Defensive Personnel … Is Fine
It might be mind-boggling to read, but Minnesota’s defensive personnel is quite splendid. The group ranked second in the NFL per DVOA last year, and it only improved last month by adding the aforementioned Allen and Hargrave. Adofo-Mensah also signed cornerbacks Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah.
In years past, the depth chart screamed for defensive aid, but outside of a cornerback argument, that’s not the case this go-round. Minnesota’s defense looks spiffy on paper in April.
Few will experience disgruntlement if Minnesota drafts Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas), Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan), or Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina), yet the defense isn’t some huge question mark heading into 2025.
If that’s the case, there’s a leg to stand on for investing in offensive affluence via another wide receiver, running back, or tight end.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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