With the first wave of free agency in the books, the ripple affects will now begin to affect how teams will focus their strategies heading towards next month’s spring draft. The Minnesota Vikings will be going into the draft with some needs to fill as they look to retool and reload for another run at finishing the job they had started in 2017 and make it to the Super Bowl.
With the offensive and defensive lines projected as the top needs at this time, here’s my latest projected Seven Round Mock Draft, post-Combine:
Round 1, Pick #18
Offensive Tackle Andre Dillard, Washington State
With Christian Wilkins and Devin White already off the board, the decision comes down to two offensive linemen in Andre Dillard and Cody Ford. Despite the flexibility that Ford presents, Dillard’s potential at the left tackle position is a little too great to pass up.
Though Riley Reiff was one of the few bright spots of the offensive line. he’s still too much of an up-and-down performer. Dillard may be the best pass protecting lineman in this draft class and would potentially be an upgrage on Kirk Cousin’s blindside.
Round 2, Pick #5 (trade with New York Giants)
Tight End T.J. Hockenson, Iowa
After receiving the Houston Texans’ second and third round picks in exchange for Minnesota’s second round selection prior to the opening of the round, I see that tight end T.J Hockenson is still on the draft board. I decide to initiate a trade with the New York Giants to move up and get him.
In Hockenson, the Vikings would be getting arguably the most complete tight end in the class. His combination of good hands, speed and blocking ability make him an upgrade over Kyle Rudolph going forward. In the interim, pairing him with the veteran in certain packages would give the Vikings mismatches in the pass game that would only help Kirk Cousins.
Round 3, #26 (trade with Dallas Cowboys)
Defensive Tackle Isaiah Buggs, Alabama
With Sheldon Richardson and Tom Johnson both free agents, this is an area of concern. Buggs would be the perfect pick for the Vikings here. His abilities as an inside pass rusher would be a boon for them.
-
Ep 113: The Patriots And The AFC East
by Full Press Coverage on March 17, 2023 at 2:14 pm
Having played alongside one of the draft class’ top five players in Quinnen Williams, he should be right at home playing with guys like Linval Joseph and Danielle Hunter. Could be a Day One starter.
Round 4, #26 (from Dallas)
Guard Ben Powers, Oklahoma
Has good power, but lacking some technique. Has a mean streak that could endure him to Mike Zimmer. Also has enough flexibility to play both guard spots, possibly center in a pinch.
May not be ready to challenge for a starting job right away but could work his way into one down the line.
Round 6, #17
Running Back Benny Snell, Kentucky
He’s probably my favorite Day Three prospect and I’m sticking with him. His power running style is the perfect compliment to Dalvin Cook’s talents.
He’s not going to blow people away with speed, but he will run through and drag defenders for yards. That’s the type of runner this team needs in short yardage and goal line situations.
Round 6, #17
Quarterback Ryan Finley, NC State
With Trevor Siemian a free agent, that leaves only Kyle Sloter behind Kirk Cousins on the quarterback depth chart. Finley would be a guy they could look to as the next developmental quarterback if they are confident that Sloter is ready to be Cousin’s backup.
Has a good arm and pocket presence. Can also scramble a bit.
Round 7, #33
Defensive tackle Amani Bledsoe, Oklahoma
This is mostly a depth selection here. Will need to compete in camp to make the team. More than likely a practice team candidate.
Round 7, #36
Linebacker Dashaun Davis, Auburn
Has some good tape. Could be gone before this pick, but would provide quality depth to the position as well as a presence on special teams.
Let us know what you think here at Full Press Coverage by post comments below!
– Clayton R. Brooks II writes for Full Press Coverage and covers the Minnesota Vikings. Like and follow @ClaytonRBrooks2. Like and follow @fpc_vikings on Twitter and Full Press Vikings on Facebook.
-
Ep 148: Hall of Fame Voter John McClain Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on March 15, 2023 at 10:15 pm
Hall of Fame voter John McClain of Gallery Sports returns to the show to […]
-
Ep 147: Discussing Jerry Richardson's Complicated Legacyby Full Press Coverage on March 8, 2023 at 1:39 am
Pat Yasinkas joins Clark and Ira to discuss former Carolina Panthers owner […]
-
The Latest on where the Top QB's In the NFL Draft Might landby LandryFootball.com on March 20, 2023 at 9:00 pm
With some teams taking care of their quarterback issues in Free Agency and […]
-
How the Early Free Agent Signings could affect NFL Draft Strategyby LandryFootball.com on March 20, 2023 at 9:00 am
With the First Wave of Free Agency in the books, we take a look at how […]
-
Ep 277: Free Agency March Madnessby Full Press Coverage on March 17, 2023 at 2:39 am
-
Ep 276: Franchise Tag 2023by Full Press Coverage on March 8, 2023 at 8:28 pm
-
Ep 275: Dynasty Dispersal Draftby Full Press Coverage on March 4, 2023 at 2:06 pm
-
Ep 274: Coaching Changes - Fantasy Football Impactby Full Press Coverage on March 2, 2023 at 8:29 pm
-
Episode 3.5: "Free Agent Frenzy" w/ Pete Hailey from NBC Sports Washington and "Big Doug" McCrayby Full Press Coverage on March 15, 2023 at 8:40 pm
George Carmi hosts NBC Sports Washington's Pete Hailey and Doug McCray on […]
-
Season 3.4: "Winds of Change" with Rick Snider of 106.7 The Fan and "Big Doug" McCrayby Full Press Coverage on March 2, 2023 at 10:33 pm
George Carmi hosts Rick Snider from 106.7 The Fan to discuss the latest […]
-
Full Press Kraken - Monday, March 20thby Full Press Coverage on March 20, 2023 at 6:00 pm
On today’s Full Press Kraken we recap the tough home loss to the […]
-
Full Press Islanders - Monday, March 20thby Full Press Coverage on March 20, 2023 at 3:00 pm
We discuss Saturdays win against San Jose and how some of the spotlighted […]
-
3/20 - Aaron Rodgers, Brandin Cooks, Boston Bruinsby Full Press Coverage on March 20, 2023 at 2:25 pm
Ian and John discuss the latest with Aaron Rodgers, the Brandin Cooks […]
-
3/17 - Aaron Rodgers, New England Patriots, AFC Eastby Full Press Coverage on March 17, 2023 at 2:16 pm
Ian and John discuss Aaron Rodgers, the New England Patriots, and the […]
-
3/16 - More Aaron Rodgers News, Wide Receivers Start Movingby Full Press Coverage on March 17, 2023 at 11:25 am
Ian and John discuss the latest on Aaron Rodgers and look at the latest […]
-
3/14 - Legal Tampering Day One, Best/Worst Signings, What's Next?by Full Press Coverage on March 14, 2023 at 1:59 pm
Ian and John discuss the latest on Aaron Rodgers and recap the first day […]
-
Ep 2: Top 5 Super Bowls Of All Timeby Full Press Coverage on February 7, 2023 at 3:26 pm
Ian Glendon and John Sapochetti give their Top 5 Super Bowls of all time. […]
-
Ep 1: The Top 10 Quarterbacks Of All Timeby Full Press Coverage on January 12, 2023 at 8:42 pm
On the first episode of 'According To Who?', host Ian Glendon and John […]
-
Full Press MMA - Monday, March 20thby Full Press Coverage on March 20, 2023 at 11:00 pm
-
Kings at Jazzby Broken Controller Media on March 20, 2023 at 8:00 pm
-
Mavericks at Grizzliesby Broken Controller Media on March 20, 2023 at 7:00 pm
-
Warriors at Rocketsby Broken Controller Media on March 20, 2023 at 6:00 pm
-
Timberwolves at Knicksby Broken Controller Media on March 20, 2023 at 5:00 pm
-
Bulls at 76ersby Broken Controller Media on March 20, 2023 at 4:00 pm
-
Pacers at Hornetsby Broken Controller Media on March 20, 2023 at 3:00 pm
-
3/20 - Aaron Rodgers, Brandin Cooks, Boston Bruinsby Full Press Coverage on March 20, 2023 at 2:25 pm
-
Ep. 150: Regis University Head Baseball Coach Drew LaCombby Full Press Coverage on March 20, 2023 at 5:00 am
-
Magic at Lakersby Broken Controller Media on March 19, 2023 at 9:00 pm
-
1/6 - Damar Hamlin Update, Bills/Bengals, AFC Playoffs, Week 18 Picksby Full Press Coverage on January 6, 2023 at 3:11 pm
-
Winter Classic: Bruins Rally To Beat Penguins At Fenwayby Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:09 am
-
1/3 - Bills/Bengals Postponed; Bruins Topple Penguins In Winter Classicby Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:05 am
-
1/2 - Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Week 17, Bills/Bengalsby Full Press Coverage on January 3, 2023 at 3:22 am
-
12/30 - New Year's Eve, Luka Doncic, NBA Talk, Week 17 Preview and Picksby Full Press Coverage on January 1, 2023 at 2:29 am
-
Aaron Rodgers, Packers Win Third Straight; Playoffs In Sightby Full Press Coverage on December 27, 2022 at 7:36 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 230by Talkamania on September 6, 2022 at 11:43 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 229by Talkamania on August 5, 2022 at 3:37 am
-
Boot 2 The Face Revolution Reviewby Boot 2 The Face on March 10, 2023 at 12:42 am
AEW Revolution Review, Power Rankings, B2TF of the Week, and […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 215by Boot 2 The Face on March 2, 2023 at 12:50 am
We are back talking Kenny Omega's importance to AEW. Also, we break down […]