With two first-round picks, Minnesota has some options in this year’s NFL Draft.
I think with everything the team has in terms of possible choices, the Vikings should not trade up and just try to find value at cornerback with one of the two first picks. I would be fine with the team trading back, though, if it thinks that’s how it can add value.
Here are three reasons why I think the Vikings should go that route, assuming a bunch of corners aren’t taken before pick No. 22, which would be a bit surprising.
The team could use a starter at that position
Minnesota still has Mike Hughes and Holton Hill, who are both good enough to be starters. However, with those two not consistently being on the field in 2019, it would be wise for the Vikings to make sure they have another player who could start out wide.
Minnesota could find a player like that, even with a late pick in the first round.
It’s a pretty good corner class
This is why I think that Minnesota shouldn’t trade up. Doing so would lose at least a couple of the team’s 12 picks most likely.
Those picks are crucial, this year more than ever, because the Vikings have seen so much talent leave this offseason. Luckily for them, there is plenty of value at corner to replace Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander.
TCU’s Jeff Gladney and LSU’s Kristian Fulton are both serviceable corners who could come in and play right away. Sure, it would be nice to have someone like Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah or Florida’s CJ Henderson, but that doesn’t seem realistic, given the Vikings’ draft spot, and for me, it’s not worth it to move up.
The Vikings have 12 draft picks
From offensive line to wide receiver, there are plenty of other positions that the Vikings need to focus on.
But the team has enough picks this season where they can still do that. Minnesota should go for a corner at either No. 22 or 25, and then try to find the best player available at a position of need with whichever pick doesn’t land a corner.
I think other areas such as tackle and wideout can be addressed, even in the first round when it comes to one of those position groups. But considering the depth of talent in the draft at tackle and wide receiver, the Vikings should be looking at corner in the first round, and shouldn’t mind waiting on other positions if need be.
