Latest NFL Draft intel confirms suspicion long held about the Minnesota Vikings’ plans
How the Minnesota Vikings will handle the NFL Draft has been up in the air. The latest intel shows that a long held belief is likely to come to fruition.
The Minnesota Vikings’ strategy in the NFL Draft will be a fascinating one to watch play out.
There are multiple paths the Vikings can take. The secondary and defensive line have been a major focus of NFL Draft analysts, especially Oregon Ducks safety Dillon Thieneman.
What hasn’t made sense is how many believe the Vikings will take a cornerback in the NFL Draft. The history with Brian Flores as the defensive coordinator shows that the position won’t be a priority in the NFL Draft.
Vikings insider confirms suspicion about NFL Draft plans
Not only do the Vikings not take cornerbacks highly, this class predicates that you don’t have to force it. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis confirmed that the Vikings aren’t likely to select a cornerback.
The Vikings haven’t used a first- or second-round pick on a cornerback since Flores arrived, and I don’t expect them to start now, especially after signing free agent James Pierre.
The athletic's alec lewis
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That makes all the sense in the world. I have 15 players in my top 100 prospects in this class, and it’s not a position where the Vikings need to have elite level players. Flores prioritizes the pass rush over coverage players.
The other aspect of this discussion centers around trying to fix an offense that struggled massively last season. Lewis confirmed another suspicion that it will likely be a priority in the NFL Draft, especially wide receiver and center.
The Vikings have done serious pre-draft work on receiver and center prospects. Offensive line coach Keith Carter, assistant offensive line coach Derek Warehime and receivers coach Keenan McCardell have racked up thousands of travel miles with trips to colleges around the country.
The Athletic's alec lewis
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With Tai Felton being the WR3 currently, adding competition is likely going to be a major priority. There is another factor of Jordan Addison. They have budgeted for an extension, but that’s not a guarantee he will agree to one. Adding a day two wide receiver gives them insurance.
Cornerback might be a surface-level need for the Vikings, but they had the second-ranked pass defense with three cornerbacks on the roster. Maybe they know what they are doing.