One of the top NFL draft analysts has revealed his first mock draft of the season. 

Dane Brugler of The Athletic published his Mock Draft 1.0 and there are a few surprises in there. Based on the current standings, Brugler has the Vikings picking at No. 20. 

Brugler's pick for the Vikings is a guy who would be an immediate difference-maker on the defensive line. 

Jer'Zahn "Johnny" Newton, defensive lineman out of Illinois, is the pick for the Vikes. Regarding Newton's fit in Minnesota, Brugler said the following:

With his lack of size, Newton isn’t a consensus first-round pick — some teams believe he is more of a second-rounder. But given his disruptive nature while playing a high number of snaps, he offers a ton of value, especially in a lackluster defensive tackle class.

Newton stands at 6'2", but it slightly undersized for an NFL d-lineman at 295 pounds. 

However, that doesn't mean Newton hasn't been productive. Newton led the Fighting Illini with 7.5 sacks in 2023 and collected 52 total tackles. The lineman is not only a pass rushing threat, but he was the Illini's best run defender as well. 

For the Vikings, Newton would likely line up as the starting defensive end from day one. Dean Lowry struggled before going on injured reserve and Jonathan Bullard will enter free agency this offseason. Newton would be an elite addition to the line alongside Harrison Phillips and Jaquelin Roy.

While it may seem like a luxury pick, I believe Newton would be a great fit. Danielle Hunter and DJ Wonnum have combined for 19.5 of the team's 32 sacks- and both players are headed for free agency. 

Even if the Vikes are able to re-sign both, additional pass rushing help is always good to have. Newton could end up being a building block for years to come in Minnesota. 

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