Draft Wire’s Curt Popejoy released his mock draft ahead of the legal tampering period that signals the start of NFL free agency. With this mock draft, there were no trades, leaving teams to reach for some premier positions, including the Minnesota Vikings.
At pick number 11, the Vikings found themselves without a quarterback after the top four quarterbacks (Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye & J.J. McCarthy) were taken off the board. So, according to Popejoy, they decide to take Oregon’s Bo Nix to address the position. Whether Kirk is back in the fray or not, taking Nix within the top 15 should not be an avenue Minnesota pursues.
There was not a defensive player picked within the first ten picks. Minnesota could have their pick of a defensive playmaker, whether at edge or cornerback, to add to Brian Flores’ arsenal. That is a much more advantageous bet than Nix at this point.
In the second round, at pick 42, the Vikings select West Virginia’s Zach Frazier. Offensive line depth is a concern and Frazier is a great run blocker who can add instant value to the offensive front.
However, two picks later, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. goes off the board to Las Vegas. Penix and Nix seem to be on the same tier for most, with one going at 11 and the other going at 44, picking Nix that high feels like a massive reach.
