The Very Intriguing Comments by Kevin O’Connell …

Sep 21, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Maxwell Hairston (1) runs onto the field before the game against the Ohio Bobcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images. I still think there’s a decent chance the Vikings will take a corner in the first round. One possibility is Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky), who ran the fastest 40 at the Combine (4.28) and impressed at the Senior Bowl as a physical player with speed. So perhaps O’Connell wants to throw other teams off track regarding the Vikings’ interest in a corner at No. 24. Safety: O’Connell has called the re-signing of Harrison Smith “massive.” The Vikings also have the versatile Josh Metellus back, along with putting money into Theo Jackson as a possible replacement for the departed Cam Bynum in the three-safety look. Keep an eye on an excellent safety prospect in Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina) as a possible first-round target. Offensive Guard: The revamping of the interior O-line was a clear priority after the struggles in the final two games last season (including nine sacks by the Rams in the wild card game, with many coming over the guards and center). If they stay healthy, center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries should be excellent replacements for the departed Garrett Bradbury and Ed Ingram, along with Dalton Risner (RG starter at the end of the season who is still unsigned in free agency). Nov 10, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Blake Brandel (64) before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images. Blake Brandel was the left guard starter last season and he played well early, hit a rough patch in mid-seaso,n and O’Connell says he finished strong. Last year’s sixth-rounder Walter Rouse may be moved from tackle to guard as a challenger to Brandel but I also see a distinct possibility of the Vikings drafting a top guard in the first round which would really make an impressive group when combined with Kelly, Fries and Pro Bowl caliber OTs Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. Here are some highly-rated guards who could hear their name called at No. 24–or a few picks after via a trade down — as the Vikings first round pick: Tyler Booker (Alabama), Donovan Jackson (Ohio State) or Grey Zabel (North Dakota State). Defensive Tackle: This is another position that O’Connell talked about as if the Vikings are totally covered after the expensive signings of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave to go with Harrison Phillips as starters. Then he pointed to youngsters Levi Drake Rodgriguez, Jalen Redmond, and Taki Taimani, who are “in impactful depth positions that can get some high-quality snaps.” Again, if a top defensive tackle such as Walter Nolan of Ole Miss is available at No. 24, he could be hard to pass up. Certainly, the Eagles, among others, have significantly benefited from a rotation of top defensive linemen. Running Back: O’Connell is obviously high on the mix of Aaron Jones and trade acquisition Jordan Mason as RB 1a and 1b. The coach did not mention Ty Chandler, who is heading into the final year of his rookie contract. Chandler has done well at times but seems somewhat of a liability in pass protection. O’Connell praised that area for Mason and called him “a heavy slash runner, tough to tackle with burst and explosion to finish runs.” I think the Vikings may look to draft a back with their fifth or sixth-round pick from a strong running back class and groom that less costly player salary cap-wise to replace Chandler as the No. 3 back and possible kickoff returner.