With the 2019 NFL Draft two weeks away, the Minnesota Vikings will have their best chance of the offseason to add the right pieces to vault them back to the head the NFC North division. After largely sitting out free agency, the Vikings will need to make sure to maximize each of their draft picks. In addition to that, they will almost certainly need to use this time to create some cap space via trade, as they’re likely to lose a number of players after 2019 as they currently stand.
This week’s mock draft used the Fanspeak.com draft simulator and includes trades. One of the trades scenarios will include the Vikings dealing cornerback Trae Waynes as his name has been among those rumored most frequently.
Round 1, Pick #18: OT Andre Dillard, Washington
Passed On: DT Jerry Tillery, OG Cody Ford
With the Vikings signing guard Josh Kline in free agency, this gave them some flexibility with their opening selection. Tillery would’ve made a good pairing inside with Linval Joseph, but it’s difficult to find quality left tackles and when one comes along, you have to get them.
Dillard is arguably the best pass protecting tackle in the class. With the pass protection issues the Vikings have had two of the past three seasons, he could give them a stable blindside protector for years to come, possibly forcing Riley Reiff inside from the start if he can make the transition to the pros quickly enough.
Round 2, Pick #2 (acquired in trade for CB Trae Waynes): CB Trayvon Mullen, Clemson
Passed On: CB Rock Ya-Sin, WR N’Keal Harry, WR A.J. Brown
Even though fixing the offense is the top priority, the Vikings need to address a potential depth issue in the secondary with Holton Hill recently receiving a four-game suspension. Enter Trayvon Mullen.
Mullen has the talent and tools needed to succeed in Mike Zimmer‘s scheme. His technique will need a little refinement and his instincts can be a little sketchy, but make no mistake about it. He’s a Zimmer-type of prospect, measurables (6’1, 199lbs) and all.
Round 2, Pick #18: DT Dre’Mont Jones, Ohio State
Passed On: S Juan Thornhill, WR Riley Ridley
This was the easiest selection to make. Jones would immediately compete with Shamar Stephen for the starting job opposite Joseph, while also providing more depth on the defensive line.
Jones finally broke out in 2018, showing he is a disruptive force against both the run and the pass. He could be a potential upgrade over the departed Sheldon Richardson in the long-term.
Round 3, Pick #26 (trade with Dallas Cowboys): WR Andy Isabella, Massachusetts
Passed On: DL Zach Allen, DE Charles Omenihu
As tempting as it is to want to add another pass rusher, Isabella is a talent that helps the Vikings in multiple ways.
What he lacks in size (5’9, 188 lbs), he more than makes up for with solid route running, quickness and deep speed that can take the top off a defense. He can settle in behind Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs as a quality third receiver while also being a candidate to return kicks.
-
Ep 39: Quarterback Contracts, Hill vs Adams, Top 5 QB Contracts
by Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 12:36 am
Round 4, Pick #18: C Erik McCoy, Texas A&M
Passed On: WR Preston Williams, QB Will Grier
With the Vikings not having many top-tier talents on the offensive line, they can’t afford to bypass a potential one if one happens to fall down the board. In this scenario, that’s exactly what happens to Erik McCoy.
He’s a lineman who can hold his own against a variety of different pass rushers. His skillset would be a good fit in Gary Kubiak and Kevin Stefanski’s scheme as they try to rebuild the Vikings rushing attack.
Round 4, Pick #26 (from Dallas Cowboys): TE Josh Oliver, San Jose State
Passed On: S Jaquon Johnson, RB Justice Hill
Even with addressing the offensive line with a free agent pickup and two draft picks to this point, the offense could still use another weapon for Kirk Cousins. Josh Oliver could be a great find at this spot.
His athleticism and speed would be an upgrade at the position, enough to where he could become an immediate contributor in some two-TE packages in 2019 before possibly taking over the starting job from longtime starter, Kyle Rudolph.
Round 5, Pick #26 (from the Indianapolis Colts): RB Devin Ozigbo, Nebraska
Passed On: S Sheldrick Redwine, WR Greg Dortch
If Minnesota is determined to fix their ground game, they are going to need to add a back that brings a skillset missing from the group currently on the roster. Ozigbo is one such back that does exactly that.
He has some power-back features but can be inconsistent. He’ll need to improve in setting up his blocks if he’s going to make it at the next level. If he can do that, he could become a great complement to Dalvin Cook.
Round 6, Pick #36: DT Rennel Wren, Arizona State
Passed On: S Lukas Denis, QB Ryan Finley
With the Vikings recently making free agent additions at both quarterback and safety, making a pick for the future made sense here. Rennel Wren’s draft projection has been all over the map, so getting him late may come as a surprise.
He has experience playing both 3-tech and nose tackle. He may be a better fit at the latter, but could develop into a respectable nose tackle with the right coaching, something that the Vikings organization has.
Round 7, Pick #33: Defensive End Byron Cowart, Maryland
Throughout Zimmer’s tenure, the Vikings have spent draft picks on developmental prospects, particularly pass rushers. That trend continues here.
He wasn’t very productive at the collegiate level, but he does have a few tools that line coach Andre Patterson can work with. Will likely need time on the practice squad.
Round 7, Pick #36: Linebacker Dashaun Davis, Auburn
With both of the three-down roles filled, the Vikings could look for competition for third starter, Ben Gedeon.
Davis feels more like a prospect that will need to show he can contribute on special teams to have a shot to make the roster. His has limited range and can he get lost in the crowd when plays flow sideline to sideline.
– 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 118: Senior Class Talk With Football Historian Ken Crippenby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 10:03 pm
Pro Football historian Ken Crippen joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 117: Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 10:26 pm
Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich joins Clark and Ira to […]
-
Ep 116: Former Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 3:03 am
Former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians joins Clark and Ira to discuss […]
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 118: Senior Class Talk With Football Historian Ken Crippenby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 10:03 pm
Pro Football historian Ken Crippen joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 117: Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 10:26 pm
Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich joins Clark and Ira to […]
-
Ep 116: Former Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 3:03 am
Former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians joins Clark and Ira to discuss […]
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 247: Full Foss NFL Projectionsby Full Press Coverage on August 16, 2022 at 12:39 am
-
Ep 246: NFC TD Projectionsby Full Press Coverage on August 13, 2022 at 1:40 pm
-
Ep 245: AFC TD Projectionsby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 3:16 pm
-
Ep 244: Auction Draft Strategyby Full Press Coverage on August 6, 2022 at 4:20 pm
-
Top 5 Running Backsby Full Press Coverage on August 12, 2022 at 12:42 am
Ian and John discuss FPC Chiefs Managing Editor Braden Holecek's Top 5 […]
-
Tyreek Hill vs. Davante Adams: Who Has The Better Season?by Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 12:48 am
From Full Press NFL Weekly, Ian Glendon, Braden Holecek, and Kyle Senra […]
-
Julio Jones Signs in Tampa Bayby Full Press Coverage on July 29, 2022 at 2:11 pm
Ian and John discuss Julio Jones joining Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. Learn […]
-
Juan Soto Wins Home Run Derby; Is It Worth Watching?by Full Press Coverage on July 19, 2022 at 1:10 pm
From FPC Radio LIVE, Ian Glendon and John Sapochetti react to Juan Soto's […]
-
8/15 - Zach Wilson, Deshaun Watson, NFL Top 100 Listby Full Press Coverage on August 15, 2022 at 1:15 pm
Ian and John discuss the Zach Wilson injury scare, Deshaun Watson's debut […]
-
NBA Retires Bill Russell's Jersey League Wideby Full Press Coverage on August 13, 2022 at 2:25 pm
Ian and John discuss the NBA's decision to retire Bill Russell's "#6" […]
-
Kevin Durant and Aaron Rodgersby Full Press Coverage on August 12, 2022 at 4:20 pm
Ian and John discuss the Kevin Durant power move and the similarities […]
-
8/12 - Recapping NFL Preseason Action; NBA Retires Bill Russell's Jerseyby Full Press Coverage on August 12, 2022 at 1:20 pm
Ian and John discuss the pair of NFL preseason games from Thursday and […]
-
8/11 - Serena Williams, Kevin Durant, Top 5 Running Backs, NFL Preseasonby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 3:03 pm
Ian and John discuss Serena Williams impending retirement, Kevin Durant, […]
-
Serena Williams And The Best 21st Century Athletesby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 2:59 pm
Ian and John discuss Serena Williams' career and impending retirement as […]
-
Aaron Rodgers, Ayahuasca, and The Green Bay Packersby Full Press Coverage on August 10, 2022 at 12:00 pm
Ian and John discuss Aaron Rodgers recent revelations and the upcoming […]
-
Recapping The 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame Ceremonyby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 2:21 pm
Ian discusses his experience in Canton and the Hall of Fame ceremony with […]
-
Ep 39: Quarterback Contracts, Hill vs Adams, Top 5 QB Contractsby Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 12:36 am
Ian, Braden, and Kyle discuss the new quarterback contracts, Tyreek Hill […]
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to the […]
-
Talkamania Episode 229by Talkamania on August 5, 2022 at 3:37 am
-
Talkamania Episode 227by Talkamania on June 12, 2022 at 3:27 am
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 193 "Summer Slam Review"by Boot 2 The Face on August 8, 2022 at 10:05 am
Marty and Rucker return to talk the sights and sounds of Nashville for WWE […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 191 "Summer Slam Preview"by Boot 2 The Face on July 28, 2022 at 12:31 am
Rucker is joined by Angel and Timmy C of Filter Free Popcast who you can […]
-
Ep 247: Full Foss NFL Projectionsby Full Press Coverage on August 16, 2022 at 12:39 am
-
8/15 - Zach Wilson, Deshaun Watson, NFL Top 100 Listby Full Press Coverage on August 15, 2022 at 1:15 pm
-
Ep.19: 2022 Michigan State Football Previewby Full Press Coverage on August 15, 2022 at 5:00 am
-
Ep 141: Preseason Week 1by Full Press Coverage on August 14, 2022 at 10:56 pm
-
Ep 126: Kamalaby Full Press Coverage on August 13, 2022 at 2:00 pm
-
Ep 246: NFC TD Projectionsby Full Press Coverage on August 13, 2022 at 1:40 pm
-
8/12 - Recapping NFL Preseason Action; NBA Retires Bill Russell's Jerseyby Full Press Coverage on August 12, 2022 at 1:20 pm
-
Top 5 Running Backsby Full Press Coverage on August 12, 2022 at 12:42 am
-
The Game Talks About Mets, Yankees, Braves, Phillies and Dodgers at the Deadlineby Full Press Coverage on August 12, 2022 at 12:30 am
-
Ep 118: Senior Class Talk With Football Historian Ken Crippenby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 10:03 pm
-
8/15 - Zach Wilson, Deshaun Watson, NFL Top 100 Listby Full Press Coverage on August 15, 2022 at 1:15 pm
-
NBA Retires Bill Russell's Jersey League Wideby Full Press Coverage on August 13, 2022 at 2:25 pm
-
Kevin Durant and Aaron Rodgersby Full Press Coverage on August 12, 2022 at 4:20 pm
-
8/12 - Recapping NFL Preseason Action; NBA Retires Bill Russell's Jerseyby Full Press Coverage on August 12, 2022 at 1:20 pm
-
8/11 - Serena Williams, Kevin Durant, Top 5 Running Backs, NFL Preseasonby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 3:03 pm
-
Serena Williams And The Best 21st Century Athletesby Full Press Coverage on August 11, 2022 at 2:59 pm
-
Aaron Rodgers, Ayahuasca, and The Green Bay Packersby Full Press Coverage on August 10, 2022 at 12:00 pm
-
Recapping The 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame Ceremonyby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 2:21 pm
-
8/9 - Pro Football Hall of Fame; Shawshank Prison; Aaron Rodgersby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 2:06 pm
-
Tom Brady Turns 45; Is He Still The Face Of The NFL?by Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 9:49 pm