Day 1 grade: A-
Day 2 grade: B+
Day 3 grade: B-

Analysis: The Vikings gave up pick value in 2023, Day 3 picks this year and much of their 2025 draft in moves that landed them McCarthy, tight end T.J. Hockenson (in a 2022 deadline deal with Detroit) and edge rusher Turner. McCarthy and Turner possess the skill set to make that investment worthwhile, though McCarthy will need to continue his winning ways at the next level and Turner must be an impact defender.

Jackson is a Riq Woolen-type corner, long and quick-footed, who presents excellent value in the fourth round. Rouse is a strong, experienced lineman who takes over for departed veteran Oli Udoh as the swing tackle. Don't overlook Jurgens' chances of making the roster. Reichard is the FBS' all-time leading scorer, and the Vikings need a reliable field goal kicker; I'm interested in how his career compares with that of Cam Little, who was picked by the Jags with pick No. 212.

Top needs entering the draft: Quarterback, cornerback, wide receiver

So long, Kirk Cousins; hello, J.J. McCarthy (10). One of the most intriguing storylines to watch over the past two months was the Vikings likely having to make a trade up if they wanted to get the fourth quarterback on the board. Turns out, they didn't need to move as high as we thought ... and they actually got the fifth passer in the class because of Atlanta's surprising selection of Michael Penix Jr. As I wrote Thursday night, McCarthy lands in a spot with excellent pass-catchers and a gifted game-planner; he's going to be put in a position to succeed in Year 1.

My qualm about GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's class has more to do with mortgaging the future of this Minnesota roster. He made the move in March to get an extra first-rounder at No. 23, which cost him a second-round pick next year. And to trade up from No. 23 to No. 17, he had to give the Jaguars his 2025 third- and fourth-rounders. That means the Vikings have just three selections next year: one in Round 1 and two in Round 5. With a rookie quarterback under center, are they really in position to go all-in right now? This is after they had just two picks in Rounds 1-3 this year.

Dallas Turner (17) is my top-ranked edge rusher, but Minnesota had a greater need at cornerback. This defense ranked 28th in the league in passing yards allowed to receivers (3,019) last season. I was a little surprised Adofo-Mensah didn't target one of the top corners instead. He finally went corner with his next pick, but that was all the way in Round 4. Khryee Jackson (108) is a 6-3 defensive back who allowed just one touchdown in coverage last season.

Walter Rouse (177) could be Minnesota's swing tackle as a rookie. The Vikings started a run on kickers in Round 6, but they took Will Reichard (203), my third-ranked player at the position, ahead of the top two.

Can coach Kevin O'Connell turn McCarthy into a top-10 passer? That's the question that will linger with this Minnesota class, which is extremely top-heavy. Plus, I'm factoring in Adofo-Mensah's moves that upended the team's 2025 draft.

One of the most celebrated transfers of the offseason, Scourton returned to his home state of Texas after leading the Big Ten with 10 sacks a year ago at Purdue (among his 50 overall stops, including 15 tackles for loss). At 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, Scourton combines prototypical size with good snap anticipation and power.

Minnesota's interior defensive line lacks a consistent presence, and Harrison Phillips is entering the final year of his contract. Graham is a rugged, heavy-handed run defender and disruptive pass-rusher. He had 7.5 tackles for loss and three sacks last season, and he'd fit great with defensive coordinator Brian Flores' scheme.