This week, Minnesota was awarded three compensatory draft picks.
Compensatory draft picks are awarded to a team based off free agency losses and gains. The most compensatory picks a team could have received was four, so three is pretty good. The Vikings received a third round pick and two seventh round picks.
That third round pick will really come in handy for the Vikings, considering this could be an offseason that sees a lot of veteran talent finding elsewhere to play.
So how much success do the Vikings have when it comes to compensatory picks? Here is a quick breakdown of each Vikings player drafted with a compensatory pick in the past decade.
2019: WR Bisi Johnson, seventh round
The Vikings got solid production out of Johnson for where they drafted him. He was third among Minnesota wideouts in receiving yards this past season. He filled in when Adam Thielen was hurt at times. Overall, he was a good choice that added depth to a position that occasionally needed it.
2019: LS Austin Cutting, seventh round
The Vikings selected the only long snapper in the NFL Draft in 2019: Austin Cutting, out of Air Force. He appeared in every game. According to the Star Tribune, Cutting didn’t make any “game-altering” mistakes. Overall, a decent choice and decent value for the seventh round.
2018: G Colby Gossett, sixth round
The Appalachian State product was waived by the team, but then signed to the practice squad. The Cardinals then signed him off the Vikings’ practice squad, only to release him. After a brief stint with the Patriots, Gossett was signed to the Browns practice squad in 2019. He then worked his way up to the active roster. If Gossett finds success in the NFL, it likely won’t be with the Vikings at this point.
2018: DE Ade Aruna, sixth round
Aruna signed with the Vikings and played on the practice squad before going to the Raiders. Then, he signed a Future/Reserve contract with the Raiders. He didn’t work his way up to playing time with the Vikings
2017: G Danny Isidora, fifth round
I wouldn’t consider Danny Isidora a bust just yet, cause he still has some years left in the NFL to prove people wrong, but he didn’t impress when he was with the Vikings. Isidora started 21 total games for Minnesota, before getting traded to Miami.
2012: TE Rhett Ellison, fourth round
Recently, Rhett Ellison announced that he was retiring, putting an end to a decent NFL career. Ellison could serve as a blocking and pass-catching tight end in the NFL. He finished his career with 1,189 receiving yards and seven touchdown receptions. He played five years with the Vikings and the last three years with the Giants.
2012: WR Greg Childs, fourth round
Greg Childs’ NFL career was unfortunately marred by injuries. After he got drafted, Childs suffered injuries to both of his knees at practice during training camp. He didn’t record any stats in the NFL.
2011: LB Ross Homan, sixth round
The Ohio State product ended up getting cut by Minnesota before the 2011 season began. He only played in the preseason for Minnesota.
2011: WR Stephen Burton, seventh round
Due to the Vikings releasing Bernard Berrian, Stephen Burton ended up on the final roster for the team. He ended up playing sparingly for Minnesota over the course of two seasons. He had 73 yards receiving for the team. He also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
2010: LB Nathan Triplett, fifth round
Nathan Triplett played for the Gophers in college. His game didn’t translate as well to the pros. The Vikings cut him before the 2010 season started. He ended up playing on the Chargers, Colts and Buccaneers afterwards.
