Drafting a guard in the first round isn’t the sexiest use of a first-round pick — but it sure is what Minnesota Vikings fans have been screaming for.

The Vikings’ offensive line has been deprived of competent guard play for over a decade. The last guard to make a Pro Bowl for the Vikings was Steve Hutchinson in 2009.

It’s been a constant changing of the guard for much of the past 10 years. Since 2016, Minnesota has started 20 different guards in nine seasons.

That trend is likely to continue. The Vikings’ interior pass protection folded in a playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, leading to a directive from Kevin O’Connell that the team must improve its offensive interior — especially with the prospect of J.J. McCarthy starting next season.

“There’s no question that we got to be able to find a way to give a quarterback [time],” O’Connell said after the Vikings allowed an NFL record nine sacks in a playoff game. “We got to find a way to solidify the interior of the pocket, starting first and foremost.”

Pro Football Focus (PFF) heard that message loud and clear.

In his latest mock draft, Trevor Sikkema mocked Alabama guard Tyler Booker to the Vikings with the 24th overall pick.

“The Vikings could target a defensive back in this range, but their interior offensive line was also a weak spot in 2024 — and a reason they didn’t advance further in the playoffs,” Sikkema wrote.

“Booker is a rock-solid guard prospect who is talked about in high regard for his intangibles and how he approaches the game.”

The 6-foot-5, 325-pound junior is not even 21 years old but has dominated against top competition in the SEC.

“Booker was dominant in 2024. He is a true power run blocker who can regularly knock defenders back and push them out of his gap. Booker also is superb in pass protection,” WalterFootball’s scouting report reads. “Booker looks like a plug-and-play starter with the potential to be a Pro Bowl guard at the NFL level early in his pro career.”

Booker allowed just two sacks in three seasons with the Crimson Tide and is the No. 1 interior offensive line prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Vikings have needs at more premiere positions like cornerback and running back, but landing a blue-chip guard prospect would be one of the most impactful improvements to support J.J. McCarthy in his development or whoever is playing under center next season.