Vikings Mock Draft: 2024 mid-season 7-round mock draft

Sixth-Round Pick No. 1

Howard Cross III - DL (Notre Dame)

Adding more talent to the defensive line would be a wise use of one of the Vikings' late late-round draft picks. Cross is an interesting prospect who can provide pressure from the interior. He accumulated six sacks so far in his Notre Dame career with 12.5 tackles for a loss.

He isn't the biggest body, standing at 6 feet and weighing 280 pounds, but he plays with a low center of gravity that helps him hold his own. One of his biggest attributes is his violent hands, which he uses to fend off blockers. He's also quick as a cat off the ball with a good burst and has some impressive counter moves in his repertoire.

The knocks on Cross is that he isn't elite in any one area and doesn't have a ton of pass-rushing moves. He may never be elite, but he can learn technique and moves from veterans that he'll be playing with. Cross is an interesting prospect who could play inside or outside on the defensive line. He does have some limitations, but his ability to create interior pressure would be an asset to this defensive front.