2024 NFL Draft: Vikings land franchise-altering QB in way-too-early mock draft

Fourth-Round Pick No. 2 (120th overall)

Christian Hayes - IOL (UConn)

2023 is going to be a massive year for both left guard Ezra Cleveland and right guard Ed Ingram. Both Cleveland and Ingram struggled in 2022, and their jobs could be in jeopardy if that continues this season.

Christian Hayes in the fourth round is a tremendous value for the Vikings. Hayes is a true guard who can play on the left or right side. Hayes has shades of Aaron Banks, the former Notre Dame and now San Francisco 49ers starting left guard.

Hayes was named to the AP All-American third team in 2022, and there are many who believe he can push to be a first-team All-American in 2023. Don't expect Hayes to be available in the fourth round if he does earn a first-team All-American selection. He is someone who, with another solid season, could probably go as high as early in the second round.

The depth behind Cleveland and Ingram is pretty barren, with the likes of Chris Reed and Austin Schlottman as the primary backup guards. Even if both starting guards play well enough to keep their positions in 2024, adding Hayes as the primary backup guard to start his career would be a no-brainer for the Vikings.