NFL Draft expert calls Minnesota Vikings’ Day 3 pick a steal

Having only two picks in the top 100 is not a good situation for the Minnesota Vikings. They managed to get their quarterback of the future in JJ McCarthy and a versatile defender in Dallas Turner to bolster their roster at a top position.

However, no second- or third-round pick is hard to pin down when it comes to building a team. That was the reality of the Vikings having two first-round picks as well as the trade for T.J. Hockenson at the 2022 trade deadline. Having those players is great, but the trade-off is limited draft capital.

When you have this strategy, it’s crucial to make later picks in the NFL draft. Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar has been covering the NFL for over a decade and thinks the Vikings got a steal in fourth-round cornerback Khyree Jackson.

Oregon CB Khyree Jackson is a real pain in the neck, and I mean that in a good way. Once he gets you in the press/matchup, he’s hard to get rid of. The Vikings got a steal in the fourth round at a position they NEEDED him at. pic.twitter.com/jM7vWqg9Bu

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) June 30, 2024

Jackson is an interesting player. Having not played much at Alabama after two seasons at the JUCO level, Jackson thrived at Oregon and earned a starting role. His size and length are perfect for what defensive coordinator Brian Flores looks for in a cornerback and he shows it in abundance.

His athletic profile is also excellent, allowing a player like Flores to maximize that versatility. Jackson is entering a deep cornerback room, but there is no established hierarchy. This will give him the opportunity to take a step forward early and make an impact.

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