It’s NFL Draft season, and everyone will have their opinions on what a team should or should not do for the 2017 NFL Draft in Philadelphia. I am going to take a look at the Minnesota Vikings, and give my opinion on who they should take in this draft.
[NickF]
Round 2 – Dan Feeney G, Indiana
Feeney would be a dream pick for the Minnesota Vikings in Round 2. They landed their starters at both tackle positions in free agency. Right guard is the last major weakness they have on the offensive line. He is a pro-ready prospect who the Vikings will start from day one, and hopefully many, many more Sundays after that.
Round 3 – Desmond King S, Iowa
The Vikings have yet to find a suitable and reliable counterpart to Harrison Smith. That could all change here. While things would have to fall into place for King to slide to round 3, it is possible. He is a fluid moving safety who can cover like paint, and also come up and lay a big hit in run support. He’d do well in a Mike Zimmer defense.
Round 3 (from Dolphins) – Montravius Adams DT, Auburn
The Minnesota Vikings were brutal against the run a season ago, and they have yet to address this position in free agency. Adams had an up and down Senior Bowl depending on who you ask. Still, he’s a SEC battle tested big man, who can create interior pressure and help slow down opponents’ running attacks.
[VikingsNFL]
Round 4 – Ethan Pocic C, LSU
Pocic is a guy who is all over the experts’ draft boards. He is tough as nails player who can also kick over and play guard if needed. He is too good a value to pass up in round 4 and could battle Nick Easton for the starting center job as a rookie.
Round 4 (from Dolphins) – Kareem Hunt RB, Toledo
I waited until the second pick in round four, and still landed one of the sleeper running backs in this draft. Hunt showed up at the Combine eight pounds heavier than his playing weight at Toledo. He also ran a disappointing 40 time at 4.62. To me, it’s more important that he’s got the tape that showcases his burst and also soft hands out of the backfield. He could end up being a hidden gem here.
[Sean2]
Round 5 – Taywan Taylor WR, Western Kentucky
The Minnesota Vikings wanted Alshon Jeffrey but lost out, so they want to add a WR to the mix. Taylor is a compact 5’11, who runs smooth routes and has a sure pair of mitts on him. He could end up going higher than this, so there was value here in the 5th round.
Round 6 – Dan Skipper OT, Arkansas
The Vikings would be wise to bring in at least one offensive tackle via the Draft. They did sign Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers, but the depth chart is still paper thin. Skipper is a huge man who towers damn near the 7-foot mark. His footwork could stand to improve, but hopefully, the Vikings have time to refine his tools before he’s forced to see any live action.
Round 7 – Ben Boulware LB, Clemson
Boulware is one of my favorite players in this Draft, because of the intensity he plays with. He isn’t the biggest or most athletic guy out there, but he is a ball of energy and workhorse. It’s easy seeing Boulware start out as a special teams standout before working his way into the rotation.