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 focusing solely on the offensive side of the ball after using free agency to fix the defense?
Mock Draft 1.0
Mock Draft 2.0
Mock Draft 3.0
Mock Draft 4.0
Mock Draft 5.0
Mock Draft 6.0
11. Texas WR Adonai Mitchell
This is going to feel like a bit of a reach. You can easily argue that since in mock drafts, Mitchell feels like a fringe first-round pick. On my board right now, Mitchell sits at 11th overall and WR4. His movement skills are so smooth and easy with seemingly effortless speed that can help him stretch the field. He isn’t a dynamic route runner like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are, but he can attack down the field and run dig routes like a pro, two things that will play in Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
42. Arizona OL Jordan Morgan
If the Vikings are going to focus solely on fixing the offense, they will need to figure out both their depth behind the starters along with left guard. Taking Morgan could help both needs. A left tackle for Arizona, Morgan is likely to slide inside due to issues with his length but having the flexibility to kick outside is a valuable thing. Morgan projects best in a zone scheme with his movement skills.
109. Notre Dame RB Audric Estime
Running back is a position where the Vikings have struggled over the past two season. Whether it be injuries, inconsistencies or a lack of explosiveness, there reasons are varied. Estime is a bigger back at 215 lbs but has some real juice to hit the occasional home run.
130. Notre Dame CB Cam Hart
If Hart is there, the Vikings need to jump on it. Hart has the size at nearly 6’3″ and 32 5/8″ arms. He thrived in the Senior Bowl in man coverage, specifically stifling Devontez Walker on the outside. He is a player worth betting on.
145. Colorado State TE Dallin Holker
Tight end isn’t the biggest need for the Vikings but the way things look on the board, taking a shot with Holker is a great play. He is already a pass catching weapon for the Rams and needs some work as a blocker. With the depth the Vikings have at the position, giving him the time and space to develop behind T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver.
157. LSU DT Mekhi Wingo
Even with the focus on the offense, the defensive line still needs to be addressed. Wingo is a fascinating player on the interior with some explosiveness, finishing in the 95th percentile or higher in all of his speed splits.
166. Missouri OT Javon Foster
The Vikings need to find depth at offensive line this offseason and getting a player or two rookie deal is paramount in terms of maximizing the salary cap. Foster went to Mobile and acquitted himself well and is a tackle worth developing. He would be a good option as a swing tackle.
179. Tennessee CB Kamal Hadden
Getting a cornerback is a likely scenario in the NFL draft to help fortify the position. Hadden has the proper size at 6’1″ and 197 lbs but had his season end due to a shoulder injury. That could allow the Vikings to get some value in round six.
227. Texas WR Jordan Whittington
Whittington is a fascinating player. He has played both running back and wide receiver for the Longhorns over his career, being used as a utility player. Whittington projects to be a power slot and could be a versatile weapon on the outside with utility to do multiple things.
