The 2024 NFL Draft is complete and the Minnesota Vikings made seven selections over the course of the three-day, seven-round event in Detroit, Michigan. Now that the dust has settled on draft, it's time to step back and see if the purple and gold did a solid job or if Kwesi Adofo-Mensah missed the mark in his third draft as general manager.
Entering the draft, questions surrounded how aggressive the Vikings would be in their attempt to land one of the top quarterbacks in the class to eventually become the team's starter and lead Minnesota into the future.
Although they were aggressive to get the individuals they wanted, they didn't surrender their second first-round pick or their 2025 first-round selection to acquire two of the top collegiate prospects in Round 1 on Thursday night.
Let's grade each of the Minnesota Vikings' picks at the 2024 NFL Draft.
Grading all 7 picks the Vikings made in the 2024 NFL Draft
Round 1, Pick No. 10 overall: J.J. McCarthy, QB - Michigan
There are two major factors that go into evaluating this pick for the Vikings. Whether you like this pick or not will depend heavily on your belief that McCarthy can be a successful NFL quarterback and if you think Minnesota gave up too much to move up one spot to ensure they didn't miss out on the young Michigan prospect.
McCarthy was the fifth quarterback selected in the 2024 NFL Draft and not landing him would have meant reaching for Bo Nix here or waiting for a less highly regarded prospect and gambling on landing a solid player later.
The Vikings did what they had to do to ensure they got the guy they wanted. Although there are questions about McCarthy's ability to handle a bigger passing load in the NFL, it's hard to be disappointed with this pick.
Grade for McCarthy: B+
Round 1 Pick No. 17 overall: Dallas Turner, Edge -Alabama
An early run on quarterbacks and other offensive players moved defensive prospects into the mid-round picks of Day 1. Arguably the top defensive prospect in the draft class, it's not shocking the Vikings moved up yet again to be able to select Dallas Turner.
Minnesota already signed Jonathan Grenard and Andrew Van Ginkel in free agency this offseason, but when an edge rush talent like Turner is sliding in the draft, Adofo-Mensah went up to get a new toy for Brian Flores and the defense.
Once again, the only real criticism would be how much the Vikings paid to move from No. 23 to No. 17 since loving having Dallas Turner in Minnesota should be a universal feeling.
Grade for Turner: A
Round 4 Pick No. 108 overall: Kyhree Jackson, CB - Oregon
Waiting through Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft was brutal since the Vikings didn't have a selection in the second or third rounds. When they did get on the clock, they once again looked to the defense and landed one of the most interesting defensive backs in the class.
Kyhree Jackson has the size and reputation to develop into a solid NFL cornerback. Despite not gaining a ton of experience at the college level, Jackson is a physical defender who can take time to learn before getting thrust into a bigger role in Minnesota.
Grade for Jackson: B+
Round 6 Pick No. 177 overall: Walter Rouse, OL - Oklahoma
One of the biggest concerns for fans entering the draft was getting stronger in the trenches. Choosing Oklahoma's Walter Rouse in the sixth round seems like a bit of a steal considering what he can bring to the Vikings.
Whether Minnesota chooses to kick him inside at guard or keep him as a swing/rotational tackle, Rouse gives the Vikings a high-potential player with position versatility and recognition as both a pass and run blocker.
Grade for Rouse: A-
Round 6 Pick No. 203 overall: Will Reichard, K - Alabama
Vikings fans had to know that the team was not going to go into the 2024 season with only John Parker Romo at kicker. The only question was if Minnesota was going to draft a kicker or if they were going to look to undrafted free agents for competition.
Will Reichard is an accurate kicker with a consistent leg. He is used to clutch situations and should be considered the favorite to win the job in training camp. Arguments can be made about the value of drafting a kicker but Minnesota got arguably the best one in the draft class.
Grade for Reichard: B
Round 7 Pick No. 230 overall: Michael Jurgens, OL - Wake Forest
Minnesota spent two of their seven selections at the 2024 NFL Draft on the offensive line, picking Wake Forest center/guard Michael Jurgens in Round 7 to provide depth on the interior of the offensive line.
A fundamentally-sound player with three years of starting experience in college, Jurgens will need to work hard to make the roster by building up his strength. He should be considered a bit of a project player, but that's okay in the seventh round.
Grade for Jurgens: C+
Round 7 Pick No. 232 overall: Levi Drake Rodriguez, DL - Texas A&M-Commerce
There was a lot of noise on social media about the Vikings needing a big body in the trenches on defense. Levi Drake Rodriguez is a six-foot-four defender weighing 290 pounds who plays motivated football.
It's hard to know how his production at Texas A&M University Commerce will translate to the NFL but could find himself lost in the trenches when it comes to a battle of power because of his lack of size. and reliance on his wingspan. Then again, the seventh round is where big swings and projects are welcome.