While the buzz around Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins not returning to the team is heating up, more and more mock NFL drafts have the Vikings skipping quarterback and drafting defensive help in the first round. That’s the case yet again in the latest mock draft from the folks over at Pro Football Network.
In writer Lorenzo Reyna’s latest mock draft, he has the Vikings taking Alabama’s Dallas Turner with the 11th pick in the draft, opting not to trade up for a quarterback or take one with their pick at that spot. Here’s Reyna’s analysis of the selection:
Minnesota could go quarterback in the draft. But with Danielle Hunter likely on his way out, the Vikings need a disruptor against the run and pass. Dallas Turner, who many believe has top-10 potential, fits that mold here and becomes the first EDGE off the board.
This pick is interesting for a couple of reasons. The obvious is opting for an EDGE when quarterback is a potential major need. More interesting, however, is the who of the pick. Alabama’s Dallas Turner is a great athlete and would provide a great insurance plan in the event of Danielle Hunter leaving.
However, it’s interesting that Turner is the pick here with both Jared Verse and Laiatu Latu still on the board. Both players have been heavily mocked to the Vikings in previous mock drafts, so to see a different name at the position is noteworthy. Ultimately, all three players would provide Minnesota with the insurance they need, and a great complement to Hunter if he stays in Minnesota.
