Mock Draft number three for the Vikings and this time, there is actually some variance on the positions. A dramatic change from the last mock where all but one pick was along the line. As always, the mock was performed using Fanspeak’s Mock Draft Simulator.
Check out out past mock drafts here:
Here are the results of mock draft 3.0.
With this mock, the Vikings potentialy set their interior line for the foreseeable future, while also adding some upside defensive players and an exciting receiving target. And, of course, they get a quarterback with some starter upside.
Round 1 (30): G Will Hernandez, UTEP
Our most recent profile, Hernandez’s name has started picking up some steam as a lock first-rounder. While many fans are set on Billy Price in this spot, Hernandez has a better all-around game at this point in their careers. He is close to flawless technically, both in the run and pass game. He has size and strength to go with good athleticism. His only real weakness is his length, as he has short arms and stands just 6-foot-2. Beyond that, Hernandez’s floor seems to be immediate NFL starter and his ceiling could be All-Pro.
Round 2 (62): TE Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State
Tight end is not necessarily an urgent need for the Vikings. But the Patriots of a few years ago and the Eagles of recent vintage demonstrate what a dual tight end system can do. The Vikings have three legitimate downfield receiving threats in Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen and Kyle Rudolph. Adding a fourth that is also a mismatch like Goedert adds an immediate edge to the offense, assuming his risk pays off. With Goedert, the college production is undeniable: 164 receptions, over 2400 yards and 18 touchdowns over the last two seasons. But his competition has to be considered, given he primarily played FCS opponents.
Physically, Goedert is on another level. His hands are the best among tight end prospects. He has the athleticism to move around the field and work over the top and the strength to be an effective blocker. There may be an adjustment period for him, but Goedert could be the perfect complement to Rudolph.
Round 3 (94): C Frank Ragnow, Arkansas
This is the second time Ragnow has made it into our Vikings mocks, this time falling to round three. We profiled Ragnow a little while back. Athletically, he is average for an NFL guard. But his fierce blocking style and elite instincts suggest he could be a plug-and-play guy. Alongside Hernandez and Pat Elflein, the Vikings could potentially solidify their interior line for a decade with this pick.
Round 5 (167): QB Luke Falk, Washington State
This is the second straight mock where Falk has gone to the Vikings with their fifth round pick. Since last time, the circumstances have changed a bit. Reports are that some around the league feel Minnesota is the clear favorite to land Kirk Cousins. As such, with this pick, the Vikings are looking more at grooming a backup as opposed to a future starter.
To be honest, it seems unlikely that Falk falls this far. But in multiple mocks, there he was. Even in the event Cousins signs, if Falk is available in round five, the Vikings at least have to consider taking him, despite the lack of urgency at the position. He has starter upside, which if nothing else, provides trade bait. Plus, fans around the league learned what a quality backup means. Case Keenum and Nick Foles squared off in the NFC Championship Game, after all.
Round 6 (204): Edge Justin Lawler, SMU
As a late round prospect, Lawler is intriguing. His length and frame are pretty good, but he lacks the overall athleticism to be a consistent pass rusher. Though a productive end at SMU, his play style is more of a 3-technique defensive tackle. He makes a lot of plays in the run game and his pass rush is more straight ahead than anything else. The question with Lawler is what system will work for him. His body is more 3-4 linebacker, but he is not quick enough for that. As a 4-3 end, he is probably a little undersized. However, his strength, motor and work ethic make him at least a worthy draft pick and his East-West Shrine Game performance upped his stock a bit. If nothing else, he should have a career as a special teamer, and maybe a role as a run stopping end.
Round 6 (213): DT P.J. Hall, Sam Houston State
Hall is a favorite here at Full Press Coverage and makes his second-straight appearance in a Vikings mock. You can check out his profile here, but in short, Hall was a machine in college. Playing against FCS talent, he put up some of the most lucrative numbers of any draft prospect, including 14 blocked kicks in his career. Hall spent his first few seasons as an end before making the switch to tackle his senior year. As a result, he packed on an additional 30 pounds without losing any of his quick twitch. Despite his pedigree and relatively short stature, Hall has a high ceiling for a late round pick.
Round 6 (218); CB Greg Stroman, Virginia Tech
Stroman’s projections are all over the place. He has the coverage skills to be a second or third rounder. But many are saying he will drop deep into day three because of his frame. Despite having decent height at six feet, Stroman carries virtually no extra weight on his body. In the Vikings blitz-heavy system, that could be an issue.
But as a cover guy, Stroman is top notch. He is exceptional at playing the ball, frequently undercutting routes. His change of direction and recovery speed make him an ideal slot corner at the next level. As such, as a late round pick, Stroman carries little risk with a lot of upside. Terence Newman did not do a lot of blitzing out of the slot this past year; that job primarily went to Mackensie Alexander. Alexander can continue in that role and be the primary nickel with Stroman serving as a situational guy. The fit is there, so long as Stroman’s body can hold up.
–Sam Smith is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Vikings and Full Press Coverage NFC North. Like and Follow @samc_smith Follow @fpc_vikingsFollow @fpc_nfcn
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