Minnesota secured two important positional needs in the first round of the draft Thursday.
After the Vikings took LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson, the team traded back from the No. 25 pick, and ended up selecting TCU corner Jeff Gladney at No. 31.
Drafting talent that can come in right away and start is essential for Minnesota this year, due to offseason departures at cornerback, defensive tackle, wide receiver and other posiitons.
Another important factor in drafting key contributors: It doesn’t break the bank.
The Vikings only have just over 12 million in cap space at the moment, according to Over The Cap. The team wasn’t in a position this offseason to be big buyers in the free agency market, so it makes sense that the focus for this team would be on the draft.
According to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press, Jefferson will receive an estimated four-year, $13.12 million deal. That contract also includes a $7.1 million signing bonus. His cap hit for 2020 is an estimated $2.38 million.
Tomasson also reported that Gladney will earn an estimated four-year, $10.99 million deal. That contract has a $5.55 million signing bonus. His cap hit is estimated at $1.99 million for 2020.
