The offseason for the Minnesota Vikings wasn’t super exciting. Linval Joseph and Xavier Rhodes got cut. They spent way too much money on Michael Pierce and signed up for more years of Kirk Cousins. Oh… and they traded Stefon Diggs too! Let’s take a look at what they Vikings might do during the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Vikings have A LOT of draft picks. 12 altogether. The Diggs traded netted them 4 (one next year) and they collected 3 comp picks. The Vikings already have a really good roster but still have some work to do.
I think the Vikings dream scenario would be to grab a cornerback to replace Xavier Rhodes and wide receiver to replace Stefon Diggs. With the Bills pick, CJ Henderson feels like a logical target at 22 if he’s still on the board. Henderson was a technician at the combine and has closing speed. Someone like AJ Terrell could be a back up plan.
As far as wide receiver goes, The Vikings might target someone like Justin Jefferson at 25 if available. Minnesota will miss Diggs’ ability to stretch the field. Jefferson has good speed and really excelled at the contested catch. Either way, I think the Vikings want that sort of skill set. Maybe they trade down a few spots and take KJ Hamler.
The Vikings have other needs on the roster that are starting to pile up. Everson Griffin looks like he’s going elsewhere. That’s not great. I could see the Vikings using a pick on a player like Curtis Weaver of Boise State. Weaver is coming off a 13.5 sack season and could be available in the back half of the 3rd round.
Minnesota needs another linebacker. Akeem Davis-Gaither out of App State fits that mold. I thought Kentrell Brothers would fill that role but it never happened. Eric Kendricks is great. Anthony Barr is good. Then there’s a big hole. Minnesota hasn’t addressed it since Chad Greenway. Yeah, a long time ago. Someone who has range and speed that can be a pseudo Levonte David. Maybe Davis-Gaither can be that as a smaller guy who can cover ground.
The Vikings still need more offensive lineman. Preferably smaller ones that can move in the zone scheme. Jonah Jackson would be a great get at guard. Bit of shorter arms but can move well. The strength of this team is Dalvin Cook and the ground game. Draft more offensive lineman.
