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 has the Vikings took players only at position of need?
Mock Draft 1.0
Mock Draft 2.0
Mock Draft 3.0
11. Illinois DT Jer'Zhan Newton
The Vikings are in desperate need of help on the defensive line. Outside of Harrison Phillips, they didn’t have much else. Newton is an animal on the interior getting interior pressure and showing the ability to hold blocks and shed then in the running game. His size will likely be a turnoff to some teams but his performance is deserving of the draft slot.
42. Louisville CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr.
This might be a surprising pick but after Brownlee’s performance in Mobile, it shouldn’t be. When I watched his film, I was blown away by his aggressiveness and smooth movement skills. His consistency in those areas were impressive and Brownlee’s stock is on the rise. Is he going to be taken this high? Possibly, but it’s likely not that far off.
108. UCF WR Javon Baker
When you look at the Vikings roster, wide receiver doesn’t jump off the page as a need, but with the Vikings using 11 personnel at such a high level, it’s important to fortify the position with K.J. Osborn likely leaving in free agency. Baker would give the Vikings a true vertical threat that they haven’t had in a long time. Yes, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison can both go deep but they aren’t field stretchers in the same way as what Baker would provide.
129. Colorado State EDGE Mohamed Kamara
Kamara was one of the standouts at the Shrine Bowl and it’s easy to see why. At Colorado State, Kamara had 28 sacks and showed positional versatility. He isn’t going to be the most athletic guy in your defensive line room but there won’t be a player with a hotter motor than he has.
148. North Carolina LB Cedric Gray
The first of two linebackers is Gray who thrived at North Carolina. He is an explosive athlete that can attack downhill and make wow plays. His biggest issue is missing tackles, as Gray missed 57 tackles in the last three seasons. That is not something that will fly in Brian Flores’ defense but some coaching could help take him to the next level.
160. Miami FL S/LB James Williams
The Vikings desperately need to get help on the second level, especially with Josh Metellus having played significant snaps as a quasi-linebacker. The key to the modern linebacker is having the athleticism and length to pair with the proper size. Williams has that and then some but isn’t a traditional linebacker as he played safety at Miami. Give him a year or two to get comfortable and you could have something here.
168. Illinois OT Isaiah Adams
If you want a versatile lineman to develop as your eighth or ninth option, Adams is a really good option. He plays with a lot of power and has the ability to finish strongly. Adams is likely a best fit at guard in the NFL but the ability to flex out to tackle is a valuable asset for a developmental player.
179. Illinois DT Keith Randolph Jr.
In order to get the Vikings to a good place on the defensive line, they need to add talent. Earlier in the draft, they got Newton and in the sixth round they draft his teammate Randolph. In a similar vein to Newton, Randolph has alignment versatility but his hot motor and power is what will get him drafted and a shot in the NFL.
230. Marshall RB Rasheen Ali
The Vikings are going to need to fortify at the running back position in some way this offseason. Before the Senior Bowl, Ali was likely to be an early pick on day three. Unfortunately, he tore his biceps during practice and will need 4-6 months to recover from surgery. An injury like that can crater a players draft stock and the Vikings can take advantage by getting an explosive player at a discounted draft pick.
