The Minnesota Vikings have a lot of different ways they can go in the NFL draft. There will be some discussion on what needs are most important but the Vikings can address most of them through both free agency and the NFL draft.
Each week throughout the leadup to the NFL draft, I will be doing different seven round mock drafts for the Vikings as a way to explore different scenarios. You never know who might fall to you and how that could cause a ripple effect and being ready for those situations is paramount come draft weekend.
In the second rendition of our seven round mock draft series, what could a draft look like that focuses heavy on defense after the Vikings re-signed Kirk Cousins?
11. Alabama CB Terrion Arnold
The Vikings need to find playmakers on both sides of the football but especially defense. If they don’t end up going quarterback in the first round (in this instance, they re-sign Cousins), they need to get an impact player. Arnold can be that guy and then some. With a lot of room to grow while being a great athlete, Arnold does a great job fighting through the hands and sticks with the receiver consistently.
42. Texas DT Byron Murphy II
The Vikings need to find a way to fortify the defensive line and getting a player of Murphy’s caliber would automatically fortify a defensive line that desperately needs it. A pass rusher by trade, Murphy is a penetrator with grown man strength that would make a massive impact for the Vikings.
108. Clemson RB Will Shipley
This year’s running back class is a fascinating one. There isn’t that true alpha in the class and the depth isn’t there. However, there are some intriguing options but they all come with question marks. Shipley is one of those fascinating players. Compared by many to Christian McCaffrey in terms of playstyle, Shipley is both a capable zone runner and dynamic in the passing game as well. He would be well worth the selection in round four.
130. Michigan C Drake Nugent
The Vikings need to build out their depth on the offensive line and getting a player in Nugent who can play across the interior. After spending his first four years at Stanford, Nugent was a stalwart for a Wolverines team that won the National Championship. The Vikings don’t need a starter at center, but they do need depth at the position and he could be the guy in three years.
148. Miami FL S/LB James Williams
Second-level defenders are something that the Vikings are going to need and Williams is an intriguing fit. A bigger safety, Williams has been projected by many to be a linebacker at the next level. Getting a quality second-level defender should be a priority and hybrid defenders are becoming increasingly popular around the league.
160. Washington State DE Brennan Jackson
At Washington State, Jackson was an edge rusher in a 4-3 but could be a 5T in the 3-4 that the Vikings run. Jackson has a lot of length and holds up well at the point of attack. He had 9.0 sacks last season for the Cougars and could be a nice developmental option for the Vikings.
166. Missouri LB Ty'Ron Hopper
As we talked about earlier, getting second level defenders should be somewhat of a priority. At this point in the draft, finding a high-upside athlete is something that is a smart play. Hopper started off at Florida before transferring to Missouri for his final season and his athleticism pops on film. Spend a couple of years developing and play special teams could be a massive benefit to him.
179. Michigan EDGE Jaylen Harrell
The Vikings need depth at edge rusher and taking a chance on Harrell is a smartplay. He is comfortable in coverage and has plus athleticism that is intriguing. Harrell will need to develop a counter move as a pass rusher but it’s a bet worth making.
230. Washington EDGE Zion Tupuloa-Fetui
The only reason that Tupuloa-Fetui is available in round seven is due to an Achilles tendon injury that he suffered earlier in his career at Washington. After that, he just never regained form. Before that, he was trending to be a top 50 pick with his athleticism and pass rush prowess. Will he ever regain that form? Probably not but it’s a good bet in round seven and he could provide quality depth.
