First-Round Pick
Jared Verse - EDGE (Florida State)
Many assume the Vikings will be looking for a quarterback early in the draft. They could go that route, but there is buzz building that the Vikings would like to extend Kirk Cousins, and both Jaren Hall and Josh Dobbs looked good against the Atlanta Falcons this past Sunday, so perhaps they wait.
Another big need for Minnesota will be landing an edge rusher for the future. Danielle Hunter is a beast, and it's very possible the team will re-sign him in 2024. Even if they do, they need to find a young stud to pair with him.
Marcus Davenport may not be back next year, and D.J. Wonnum will be a free agent who could possibly be looking for a big payday. Patrick Jones II and Andre Carter II look like rotational players, so the need for a young stud is there.
Jared Verse would be a huge score for the Vikings, especially if they can land him with a pick in the 20s. He's known for his explosive first step and has a wide array of pass-rushing moves.
In 2022, he tallied nine sacks and 17 tackles for a loss for the Seminoles, and he's on pace for equal production in 2023.
He'd be a great fit in Brian Flores's defense in Minnesota and he could learn a ton from watching Hunter go about his business every day.