First-round draft projections for the Vikings include Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, who will the Minnesota Vikings choose with the 12th overall pick?
The greatest issue confronting the front office this summer is that, closely followed by their choice at quarterback. The two choices are very much connected, which is why Dane Brugler of The Athletic stands out with his most recent draft forecast.
To the chagrin of defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Brugler has the Vikings pass on choosing a quarterback twice in favour of strengthening their defensive line.
First, at No. 12 overall is UCLA’s Laiatu Latu, an edge rusher. Latu, a former Washington Cougar, finished the previous season with 13.0 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss.
On January 16, Brugler reported, “During his two seasons at UCLA, Latu accounted for 34 tackles for loss, 23.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles.” Although he is fast off the start and has good bend, his deft handwork and ability to vary his assault set him apart as a pass rusher.
Brugler said, “His injury history could be an issue.” However, this Vikings government has already taken such chances in the past.
Latu’s career ended in 2020 as he had a neck injury that prevented him from playing in his second year.
Predicted to Win the Pac-12’s Final DPOY in Draft Laiatu Latu, Minnesota Vikings
He won Comeback Player of the Year in 2022 after taking a year off, amassing 10.5 sacks in 13 Bruins games. In the last season of the league, Latu was voted Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-American.
In addition, the 6-foot-4, 265-pound Latu won the Ted Hendricks Award for Defensive End of the Year in 2023 and the Vince Lombardi Award for Lineman of the Year.
Last offseason, Minnesota signed Marcus Davenport to a $13 million, one-year deal.
Davenport has missed all but four games this season due to injuries, which they ignored despite his lengthy history of injuries. Additionally, he has a $6.8 million debt. Maybe because of that experience, the Vikings avoid guys who have serious problems like Latu’s.
That wouldn’t be sufficient if they passed him up in favour of a quarterback, as the Los Angeles Rams selected Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy seven choices later.
Davenport is getting Danielle Hunter and rising sensation DJ Wonnum in free agency.
Wonnum’s quadriceps is also mending, so Latu would be a more affordable option. Furthermore, Brugler’s simulated defensive trenches are not the only thing the Vikings are attacking.
Projects for Analysts Drake Orhorhoro, Minnesota Vikings Getty Drake Orhorhoro #33 of the Clemson Tigers, is a late bloomer that the Vikings land in the second round.
With the No. 42 overall choice, Brugler forecasts Minnesota to choose defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro of Clemson.
Brugler observed, “The Vikings double up on the defensive line.” “Despite his late arrival to the game of football, Orhorhoro, who stands 6-4 and 295 inches tall with 34-inch arms, is an impressive mover and offers a high ceiling.”
For the third straight season, Orhorhoro made eight tackles for loss in addition to a career-high 5.5 sacks.
While significantly less serious than Latu, Orhorhoro has some injury issues as well.
James Lynch and Jonathan Bullard of the Vikings are unrestricted free agents. Although both Harrison Phillips and Dean Lowry are under contract, the Vikings may have to give up some cap space since they only have $39.5 million available, according to Spotrac.
Additionally, this kind of draft class would indicate that the Vikings should either sign Cousins again, as General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah plans, or find a veteran to replace him.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NFL and NBA for Heavy.com, concentrating on the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Lakers, and Chicago Bulls. Since 2016, he has written on the NBA and NFL for FanSided, Last Word on Sports, and Clocker Sports, among other publications. Illinois’ Villa Park is home to him. Josh’s handle on Instagram and Twitter is @JoshGBuck. Additional details on Josh Buckhalter
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