With the first wave of free agency in the books, it’s time to start looking forward to the 2020 NFL Draft. Free agency changes the needs of teams across the leagues, which obviously goes on to impact the NFL Draft. Analysts across the country are doing their best to break down these updated needs to give the clearest picture possible as to what to expect in a months’ time. Without further ado, here is a Minnesota Vikings mock draft roundup from all across the internet.
Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft Roundup: Fixing the Defense
Lance Zierlien – NFL.com
Yetur Gross-Matos, DL [Scouting Report]
Ross Blacklock, DL
Interestingly enough, the Minnesota Vikings double-down on defensive line in this mock draft. The team is losing Linval Joseph and Everson Griffen, it makes sense to stock up on big bodies, especially considering the relative depth at the wide receiver position. Gross-Matos is a raw prospect, but his ceiling is through the roof with the right coaching. Blacklock is more of a two-down run-stuffer that offers some pass rushing upside, but nothing too exciting.
NFL Mock Draft: Post-Free Agency Edition – Last Word on Pro Football
Laviska Shenault, WR [Scouting Report]
A.J. Epenesa, EDGE [Scouting Report]
The Vikings use the first-round pick acquired in the Stefon Diggs trade to find his immediate replacement. Shenault has started to slip down some draft boards, but most of that is due to an underwhelming performance at the NFL Combine. However, it’s worth noting that he was hurt during the Combine and his testing numbers do not reflect his actual athleticism. Epenesa, meanwhile, had a bad combine without any built-in injury excuse. His performance is worrisome, but the film shows a top-15 edge defender. He’s well worth the risk with the 25th pick.
Joe Marino – The Draft Network
Jeff Gladney, CB
Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE
Despite pouring tons of draft capital into the position, the Minnesota Vikings still need tons of help in the secondary. Gladney is an interesting choice, as he’s a high-risk, high-reward prospect. He excelled in press coverage in college, but his relatively small frame means that his skill set might not translate against faster and bigger NFL cornerbacks. Gross-Matos makes his second appearance on this list and would be a welcome addition to the team.
Sports Illustrated Three-Round NFL Mock Draft
Patrick Queen, LB
Trevon Diggs, CB [Scouting Report]
Sports Illustrated looks for the Vikings to build one of the most ferocious linebacker trios in football. Patrick Queen is arguably the best non-Jeffery Simmons linebacker in this class thanks to his ability to play in coverage and stop the run. Combining him with Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks is just unfair to the rest of the league. Trevon Diggs is a safe cornerback without superstar upside that should find his way into the starting rotation before long.
This is a three-round mock, so Sports Illustrated also has the Browns going after defensive lineman Jordan Elliott, wide receiver Van Jefferson and offensive lineman Logan Stenberg with their second- and third-round selections. All three players should fight to start right out of the gate, with Van Jefferson having the highest odds of making an immediate impact.
Will Brinson – CBS Sports
Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE
Kristian Fulton, CB
Yet another vote for Gross-Matos, who has to be considered a favorite for the Vikings at this point. Fulton is a more interesting selection, as the LSU cornerback is typically off the board by the time Minnesota is on the clock. Truthfully, there isn’t much separating the non-Jeffery Okudah first-round cornerbacks, so picking your favorite is mostly comes down to personal preference.
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