Vikings 7-Round Mock Draft highlights multiple trade backs, acquiring more picks with high-upside talent
The Minnesota Vikings are entering a crucial NFL Draft for their future. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah hasn't had the best history with his 22 NFL Draft selections, but there are some success stories, along with his process showing significant growth. There are a group of nine players I have identified that the Vikings could take in […]
The Minnesota Vikings are entering a crucial NFL Draft for their future. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah hasn't had the best history with his 22 NFL Draft selections, but there are some success stories, along with his process showing significant growth.
There are a group of nine players I have identified that the Vikings could take in round one after my study on how Adofo-Mensah has approached the first round.
- Alabama ILB Jihaad Campbell
- Georgia EDGE/ILB Jalon Walker
- Georgia S Malaki Starks
- Michigan DT Kenneth Grant
- Missouri WR Luther Burden III
- Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen
- Oregon DT Derrick Harmon
- South Carolina S Nick Emmanwori
- Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton
Our latest mock draft comes from my appearance on the Locked On Vikings podcast.
26. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Vikings trade pick 26 to the Los Angeles Rams for picks 26 and 101
The board fell well enough for the Vikings to feel comfortable trading down a couple of spots to get their guy. Starks is a tremendous player who has a history of high-level play in the SEC over his three seasons with the Bulldogs. He would be a perfect replacement for Camryn Bynum as a deep safety.
97. Tate Ratledge, OG, Georgia
With the Vikings having two picks in the compensatory section of the third round, they can feel flexible in their process. One route that we could argue is the smartest route is fortifying the trenches. Ratledge was an excellent player at guard for the Bulldogs and would provide competition for Blake Brandel.
101. Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon
Caldwell is one of my favorite prospects in this draft. His ability to torque his body on the interior and his movement skills are awesome for a nose tackle. Caldwell also pairs that with some pass rush acumen at nose tackle, giving the Vikings an interesting talent to have on their defensive line.
139. Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
Riley is my favorite prospect in the NFL Draft. He might be a little bit small at 5'-10, 193 lbs, but he doesn't play that way. Riley is a feisty cornerback who has excellent ball skills with 13 interceptions and 34 passes defended over his career. He also fits the prototype of what the Vikings like at cornerback.
192. LeQuint Allen, RB, Syracuse
Vikings trade pick 187 to the Cleveland Browns for picks 192 and 254
Running back isn't a major need for the Vikings, but getting one in the draft should be a priority. How they approach drafting the position could be to fortify the room with a different skillset, something that Allen has. He's one of, if not the best, pass catchers in the class. Allen doesn't turn 21 until August 5th, making him one of the youngest prospects in the class.
254. Seth Henigan, QB, Memphis
Quarterback is more of a secondary need for the Vikings, but finding someone who can compete with the likes of Brett Rypien for the QB3 job. Henigan was arguably the best quarterback at the Senior Bowl after being a four-year starter at Memphis. He profiles to me as a Chase Daniel type player who could be a backup for a decade plus.
Vikings NFL Draft History: Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s past decisions in Round 1 leave plenty of breadcrumbs for future picks
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s process has evolved through the first three seasons as general manager
