Vikings Draft 2024: Minnesota waits until Day 2 to pick a QB in 7-round mock
By Luke Parrish
Fourth-Round Pick No. 1 (108th overall)
Mike Sainristil - CB (Michigan)
Not selecting a cornerback in the first round will create a challenge for the Vikings without a third-round pick, which is where I believe the value is.
However, Mike Sainristil was available in this simulation, and it was a no-brainer for me.
Sainristil was one of the most clutch players in college football last season and he just seemed to always make a big play when the Wolverines needed it.
His range in the draft could really vary anytime from early on Day 2 all the way until the middle of Day 3 because of his size.
For Minnesota, Sainristil would be an immediate candidate to start in the slot, with Mekhi Blackmon and Byron Murphy holding down the perimeter.
Assuming Josh Metellus stays in the same role, Sainristil would be an intriguing option as the fifth defensive back on the field who can seek the ball and make plays when quarterbacks challenge him.
In 2023, Sainristil racked up six interceptions and took two of them to the crib.
He also had 4.0 tackles for loss, six pass breakups, and two forced fumbles as the Wolverines finished an undefeated season with a National Championship.
With as bad as the defense has been at times, they need to take some swings at game-changing players.
They took Blackmon last year as an older prospect, and he proved to be worth it. Sainristil will be 24 during his rookie season, which will also play a role in his draft projection.