Vikings Draft 2024: 4 non-quarterbacks to target in the first round
By Luke Parrish
There remains a possibility that the Minnesota Vikings will not select a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft. Who might they target if that is the case?
The Minnesota Vikings are one of the several teams that are in play for a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.
However, with only so many prospects to go around, someone is going to miss out. With the 11th pick and a need to trade way up in the draft, the Vikings may have to go in a different direction.
There are plenty of holes to fill on Minnesota's roster after a season plagued by injuries and disappointment.
Depth proved to be a factor, and the NFC North has made immense strides. The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions looked impressive down the final stretch, and now, Detroit is heading to the NFC Championship.
Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins may return on a short-term deal following his Achilles injury, which would give the team a chance to run it back one last time.
If not, there will be other veteran options out there to try and lift Minnesota into contention if they cannot land a top young quarterback in the draft.
The 2024 draft has a lot of star power at positions of need for the Vikings.
The defensive side of the board features a handful of edge rushers and defensive backs that can be instant difference-makers for Brian Flores should he return in 2024 as Minnesota's defensive coordinator.
For this hypothetical, let's shed some light on the top prospects that could be in play with the 11th overall selection if the Vikings don't end up taking a quarterback.
Prospect No. 1
Cooper DeJean - CB (Iowa)
Iowa's Cooper DeJean is perhaps the best cornerback in the class, but he will have some competition for that title.
Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry could both be taken ahead of DeJean, but even as excellent as they are, they lack one thing: athleticism.
DeJean is the best overall athlete in the draft and comes from a multi-sport background that NFL staffs love.
He was an incredible track athlete, two-way football player, and basketball star in high school and has used that to propel his career at Iowa.
He is physical in the run game and has proven himself as the best run defender amongst his peers in the 2024 draft while also flashing ball skills in coverage.
He sets out to force turnovers and shift momentum whenever he has the chance.
If that is not enough, DeJean is also an elite return specialist. Regardless of how his rookie season pans out, there's a very good chance he makes several highlight plays and alters a few games.
Minnesota may not need a cornerback with their first selection, but DeJean would be worth an exception.
With the 11th selection sticking with the Vikings, they should absolutely consider a universe in which DeJean starts at cornerback and adds another versatile piece to their secondary.