Vikings land fascinating cornerback prospect and fortify trenches in latest NFL mock draft that will strengthen infrastructure
The NFL Draft is fast approaching and projecting the Minnesota Vikings has been a fascinating exercise. Over the course of free agency, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did a great job in fortifying the biggest needs. Even so, they don't have to target a single need that would be considered dire. Because of that, the Vikings […]
The NFL Draft is fast approaching and projecting the Minnesota Vikings has been a fascinating exercise.
Over the course of free agency, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did a great job in fortifying the biggest needs. Even so, they don't have to target a single need that would be considered dire. Because of that, the Vikings can be flexible with how they handle the NFL Draft. What directions will they end up going in?
Our own Ian Valentino did a full seven-round mock draft and the Vikings came down with a fascinating haul. Let's break it down.
24. Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
Azareye'h Thomas only took part in position drills and the broad jump, but he walked away a winner to emerge as a viable option in this range. Standing 6-foot-2 and proving to be fluid enough to handle fast-breaking routes in drill work, Thomas will be coveted. Brian Flores is the best in the NFL at getting the most out of players with one especially strong skill and then mitigating their weaknesses.
97. Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M
139. Dylan Fairchild, IOL, Georgia
187. Tyler Batty, EDGE, BYU
It's a fascinating haul for the Vikings. They get a true press-man, physical cornerback in Thomas who has really good ball skills. He also gives the Vikings an element of size that they don't have right now at the position.
The other three picks are meant to fortify the trenches. Turner was on the great defensive line the Texas A&M Aggies had this past season while also giving the Vikings more depth, especially considering the three starters on the DL are all over the age of 30.
Fairchild would give the Vikings some competition for Blake Brandel at left guard, which is a very good thing for them. The last pick being Batty is interesting. He's an edge rusher, but arguably isn't a fit for how the Vikings play. He is more of a 5T in a 4-3 defense. Essentially, he'd be a great fit for Mike Zimmer's defense. For Flores', not so much.
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