5 extremely early needs for the Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft

Wide Receiver

This may seem like a shock after the Vikings just used a first-round pick on Jordan Addison, but the depth gets thin real quick and could fall off a cliff next year if one thing happens. That thing would be K.J. Osborn leaving in free agency.

Osborn is a motivated fella, who has worked extra hard to bounce back after a disappointing rookie year in 2020. He has had two very impressive campaigns as Minnesota's third wide receiver since 2021, having scored a combined 12 touchdowns in the last two seasons.

Osborn will likely want to ascend the depth chart and be eventually some team's No. 2 option. He knows that probably isn't going to happen with Addison now with the Vikings, and he could look for a promotion and a big payday with another squad.

If Osborn leaves in 2024, Minnesota's wide receiver depth will take a nose dive. Currently behind him is Jalen Reagor, who is also a free agent and not even a lock to make the team this year after a subpar first season with the Vikings.

After him is Jalen Nailor, who was a sixth-round pick in 2022, then there's Brandon Powell, who is more of a special teamer, and then it's a handful of young players with zero experience at the bottom of the depth chart.

This position could become a pretty big need for Minnesota in next year's draft. With Justin Jefferson and Addison in tow, it won't be something the Vikings likely address on Day 1 of the 2024 draft, but they do currently have two fourth-round choices, and one of those could be invested in another pass catcher.