Kirk Cousins needs to be better. That’s the only thing there is to say about the Minnesota Vikings. From 13-3 to 8-7-1. The only thing that changed was Kirk Cousins instead of Case Keenum. Rick Spielman has done a really good job putting a roster together. The hope is that Gary Kubiak gets more out of Cousins to make the Vikes dangerous again. Let’s head inside the war room. What can we expect from the Minnesota Vikings during the 2019 NFL Draft?
First Round (Pick 18) – I would think the Vikings are going best player available. They have such a strong roster that should be the goal. Except, they really, really, really need offensive line help. The best offensive lineman on the board should be the pick. Andre Dillard? Take him. Jonah Williams? Take him. Jawaan Taylor? Take him. Whoever the Vikings have as the highest rated offensive lineman (within reason) will likely go in this slot.
Second Round (Pick 50) – Double dipping is acceptable. Go offensive line again. It’s an egregious offensive line group. How about an interior lineman this time? Erik McCoy, Nate Davis, Elgton Jenkins, and Garrett Bradbury are just some of the options. Want to improve Kirk Cousins? Get him better protection and create more running lanes for Dalvin Cook. It’s actually unbelievable how good Dalvin Cook is. We just don’t talk about him enough because this offensive line stinks.
Third Round (Pick 82) – Now the Vikings can go attack some defensive needs. I think there are two options here. Linebacker or defensive line. I have two solutions. I think the two TCU guys would look good staying in Purple. Ben Banogu would be a nice third linebacker to go with Anthony Bar and Eric Kendricks. He has plus speed and can really move in space. He also can rush the passer well on third downs as a situational guy.
L.J. Collier would also be a nice fit on the defensive line. Minnesota thought about moving on from Everson Griffin. They also lost Sheldon Richardson in free agency. Collier is a guy who had a nice Senior Bowl and plays with an edge. Danielle Hunter and Linval Joseph are stars but they also need help.
Outside of that, the Vikings could use another corner. Xavier Rhodes took a big step back this year. Trae Waynes kind of sucks. Mike Hughes is coming off a torn ACL. Adding some corner depth makes sense.
