Late Round Targets That Could End Up Viking Steals
Syndication: The Register Guard
All the talk heading into the 2024 draft for the Vikings is about what quarterback they may or may not take in the 1st round. Who they end up with under center is key for this franchise’s future, but there are other holes that this team needs to fill. The Vikings have five picks in the 5th round or after, and those picks are almost as important as the two first-round picks. Let’s take a look at a couple of late-round targets in the 2024 draft that could end up being steals.
Brandon Coleman
TCU offensive lineman Brandon Coleman makes a whole lot of sense for the Vikings in Day 3. Coleman is still continuing to learn the game after spending his childhood in Germany playing basketball. Even though he still has some to learn, his intangibles jump off the film. His game is probably best at guard in the NFL, but he could also play tackle. With question marks still on the offensive line, someone who can play more than one position makes a whole lot of sense. Coleman will be a starting NFL offensive lineman at some point, hopefully, it’s in Minnesota.
Bucky Irving
Minnesota fans have gotten a close look at running back Bucky Irving who started his college career with the Minnesota Golden Gophers before chasing NIL money with the Oregon Ducks. In 2023 with the Ducks, Irving finished with 1,180 yards and 11 touchdowns. Irving does a good job of breaking tackles. Some of the combine numbers didn’t look great, but the film shows explosiveness that should make him a serviceable NFL running back. The Vikings have Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler, but Jones might only be for a year. Irving could get some carries in 2024 and play an even bigger role in 2025.
Luke McCaffrey
Just the last name around should make Vikings fans excited about this late-round sleeper. Luke McCaffrey started his career at quarterback for the Nebraska Cornhuskers before transferring to Rice to be a wide receiver. Last season he put up 71 receptions for 992 yards and 13 touchdowns. McCaffrey is a shifty wideout who would fit perfectly in the slot. Brandon Powell is a fine slot receiver, but he’s not anything special. If McCaffrey could even get to the production of Powell, it makes a ton of sense to take a late-round pick on him.
Khyree Jackson
There is no doubt about the talent that Oregon Ducks cornerback Khyree Jackson has, but all the questions come off the field. There is no doubt that the Vikings need secondary help and Jackson is someone who can make an impact instantly if he makes it to the field. In 2022 Jackson was kicked out of Alabama and there are rumblings about what other type of off-the-field issues he could find himself in going forward. The good news with late-round picks is there isn’t as much as risk in terms of needing a player to perform well right away. Even with the off the field issues, Jackson is worth the risk because of how big the payoff could be.
Tory Taylor
Taking a punter might not be sexy, but there are plenty of people who believe the Vikings will bring in some competition for Ryan Wright. Wright had some struggles during the 2023 season, so it makes sense to bring in someone to at least give him some competition during training camp. Tory Taylor is a 26 year old punter from Australia who has been one of the best punters in college basketball the last few years. In 2023 he punted 93 times for an average of 48.2 yards per punt. He was a master at pinning opponents in the 20 yard line, and could be a weapon bringing his game north.
Dylan Laube
New Hampshire running back Dylan Laube would make a lot of sense for the Vikings if they decide they want more of a receiving threat out of the backfield. In 2023 he caught 68 passes for 699 yards and seven touchdowns. The Vikings really do need to come away with at least one running back out of this draft, and there are plenty of options in Day 3 that they could. Laube could end up being one of the steals of the draft if he’s drafted by the Vikings, and they use him right.
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