The Minnesota Vikings have a myriad of needs going into the offseason and how they approach them will be interesting. Curt Popejoy of Draft Wire released his latest three round mock draft and had the Vikings addressing two of their biggest needs.
At 11th overall, the Vikings selected Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton. A dynamo on the interior, Newton was a tremendous player that would fit in like a glove on the defensive line. He specializes as a pass rusher where he explodes both through gaps and around blockers.
The second-round pick at 42nd overall gets the Vikings their quarterback of the future in Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy. The second round would be a great spot to take McCarthy but he’s also not likely to be taken that late. The quarterback class has multiple options both at the top and in that second tier. With how many teams need a quarterback, McCarthy could easily go earlier.
The idea of McCarthy wearing purple is a good one. He has true dual-threat ability with experience both operating under center and in similar pro-style concepts. With a redshirt year being the best route for his future, McCarthy could be the successful option down the line.
