Vikings Draft 2024: Post-Scouting Combine 7-round mock draft
By Chris Schad
Fifth-Round Pick (No. 145)
Tajh Washington – WR (USC)
Brandon Powell is a free agent, and Tajh Washington could be a solid replacement. Washington is 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, but he was effective, generating 3.06 yards per route run last season at USC.
Washington isn’t going to develop into a top threat, and he might not be able to do the dirty work K.J. Osborn did if he leaves in free agency. But his role as a deep threat and punt returner could be intriguing and convince the Vikings to add another weapon to their offense.
Fifth-Round Pick (No. 157)
Drake Nugent – C (Michigan)
Garrett Bradbury is in the second year of a three-year deal, but he struggled with injuries and effectiveness. While Drake Nugent could add some depth, he could also be an upgrade and a long-term solution at the position.
Nugent was better as a gap scheme runner but that change could be coming after Kevin O’Connell’s mentor Sean McVay saw great success with a similar switch in Los Angeles. Nugent is an adequate run blocker but allowed just nine pressures in pass protection, which could already signal an upgrade.
With Bradbury’s injury history and the need for a backup, Nugent could be a solid pick.
Fifth-Round Pick (No. 166)
Braiden McGregor – EDGE (Michigan)
While the Vikings took Jared Verse in the first round, they still need more depth. D.J. Wonnum is a free agent and is recovering from a torn quad, making his availability for Week 1 an unknown if he returns. Andre Carter II and Patrick Jones II are the other edge rushers on the roster, signaling a need for some depth.
Braiden McGregor was solid, posting a 14.5 percent pass-rush win-rate and a 9.7 percent run stop rate with the Wolverines last season. Although the Vikings could add depth with a signing in free agency, McGregor is a solid bet in the later rounds.