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.
In the first mock draft that we did, the Vikings took a cornerback at 23rd overall, took a wide receiver in the second with a trade down and man coverage cornerback with the third. This one, we stayed at each pick and took good players that filled needs.
23. Florida QB Anthony Richardson
This is a dream scenario for anyone that wants a quarterback. There are four players at the position who have the talent to go in round one, but the one true wild card is Richardson. There is a chance that he can fall this far, but his ability says that it shouldn’t happen.
The tools that Richardson has are second to none. He has a cannon for an arm, is built like a Mack truck at 6’5″ and over 230 lbs while also having incredible pocket presence. Richardson does a great job trying to throw the ball down the field before he takes off running, which he is also tremendous at.
With all these superlatives, why would he fall down to the Vikings at 23? He is viewed as raw. That comes from mechanical inconsistencies and only having started 13 games in his three seasons. His issue is coaching and repetitions on the field. The easiest way to do that is to get him on the field and let him work through those.
87. Wisconsin DT Keeanu Benton
The Vikings defensive line will need to be fortified, especially with the uncertain futures of free agents Jonathan Bullard and Dalvin Tomlinson. Even if they both return, the Vikings need to add versatility and talent to the room.
Benton solidified his stock at the Senior Bowl and has some dominant tape from his time with the Badgers. He has sledgehammers for hands and has the quickness and savvy to beat offensive lineman at the point of attack.
118. Miami FL CB Tyrique Stevenson
When Stevenson appeared on Daniel Jeremiah’s first mock draft, it was quite a shock. He hadn’t been included in any mock drafts up to that point, but his performance in Mobile solidified his stock and then some.
Stevenson is an aggressive press-man coverage cornerback that won’t be bullied by receivers at the line of scrimmage or at the stem. His quick reaction time is a net positive and he attacks the ball with a controlled reckless abandon.
158. Syracuse RB Sean Tucker
The Vikings will likely be in need of a running back with the projected release of Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison a free agent. This class is loaded with talent in every round and could even see a day one starter or two on day three.
Tucker is a great fit for the zone scheme that Kevin O’Connell runs. A speed demon, he can take anything to the house with just one cut and has the ability to catch the football as well. He is available here because his vision isn’t where you would like it to be but his track speed keeps him very intriguing.
176. Ole Miss WR Jonathan Mingo
The Vikings need to add to their wide receiver room and, while I believe taking one of the top players in the class is the way to go, there is talent to be had on both day two and three.
After a lackluster career at Ole Miss, Mingo went down to Mobile and was one of the better wide receivers at the Senior Bowl. Likely a power slot at the next level, Mingo needs work on route running savvy and nuance, but he can get open and win in the open field.
