Rick Spielman and the Vikings answered the fans’ prayers Thursday night, selecting center Garrett Bradbury to shore up the interior line. With one position of need addressed, they have some flexibility with how they can attack day two. Here are ten names who could be on their radar today.
OL Dalton Risner, Kansas State
Getting the center of the future in Bradbury was a good start. But the Vikings still have questions long-term on their offensive line, and several spots where they could realistically go after another day one starter. Risner is the most NFL-primed lineman still on the board, with his vast experience, tenacity and versatility. He could slide in to guard or give the Vikings some options at tackle.
iOL Erik McCoy, Texas A&M
Sticking with lineman, McCoy carries some of the same traits Bradbury has. He too is a quick center who thrives in zone blocking systems. With Bradbury on board, McCoy would probably figure to play guard in this situation.
TE Jace Sternberger, Texas A&M
Sternberger and Irv Smith Jr. are the hot tight end commodities still available. Smith figures to go early in round two, so Sternberger comes into play later in the round as a dynamic pass catcher with excellent YAC ability.
WR Andy Isabella, Massachusetts
The number of receivers still on the board means the Vikings could find a good one as late as round three. Isabella will probably have to wait behind at least D.K. Metcalf, A.J. Brown and Hakeem Butler today. That could lead to his availability with the 81st pick.
DT Khalen Saunders
Now for the defense. Saunders may go as high as round two, but if he can slip to round three, he would fit a lot of what the Vikings would like in a three-technique. He is built like a nose tackle but can move and shoot gaps like a linebacker.
DT Dre’Mont Jones, Ohio State
Probably the best pure defensive line prospect still on the board. Jones became a star following Nick Bosa’s injury last season. He combines quickness, power and hand fighting to make up for his relative lack of size for the position.
Edge Jaylon Ferguson, Louisiana Tech
Ferguson’s stiffness and poor pro day may tank his stock a bit today. But that does not take away the fact that he was one of the most dominant and productive defensive linemen in all of college football. His push-pull move and incomparable strength on the edge gets him results, even if his athleticism is lacking.
S Nasir Adderley, Delaware
Adderley was a fringe first round prospect, so chances are decent his name is called early today. That said, his style of play is reminiscent of many Vikings safeties under Zimmer. He is a ball hawk with excellent burst, yet he also sticks his nose in when necessary.
S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Florida
Gardner-Johnson is not quite the fit that Adderley is, given he is more of a pure center fielder. That said, he is more likely to be available with either of the Vikings two picks today. Plus, his tackling ability and burst to the ball could both translate to a more positionless safety down the road.
CB Rock Ya-Sin, Temple
Another fringe first round candidate, Ya-Sin was one of several corners who dropped lower than expected. Byron Murphy and Greedy Williams should go early today, leaving Ya-Sin as a good target in that 50 range. He is a strong, physical press corner who could be a stout nickel or a stopper on the outside.
–Sam Smith is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Vikings and Deputy Editor for Full Press NFL. Like and Follow @samc_smith.
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