If Anthony Harris ends up staying with the Vikings, the team can take an easier approach to the NFL Draft.
The Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson reported that Harris and the Vikings have been active lately in discussing a long-term extension for the safety.
Solidifying Harris at safety helps the Vikings focus on positions other than safety in the offseason. Harris, paired with fellow starting safety Harrison Smith, can help Minnesota not have to draft a corner incredibly early.
The team reportedly lost starting corners Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes in the offseason. The Vikings also saw Mackensie Alexander sign somewhere else. Corner is still a crucial pick for the team, considering the rookie could very well be a starter, but it’s no longer priority No. 1 if Harris and Smith are back deep to protect, and cover up mistakes that the corners make.
Here is how the most recent mock simulation from Vikings Wire shook out across all teams.
Here are my picks and why I chose them.
Round 1: Alabama WR Jerry Jeudy
Jeudy is an exciting choice for the Vikings in the first round, because he’s the full package. He can play in the slot or out wide. He’s an effective route-runner with big play potential and speed. I think he’d be a good pairing with Adam Thielen at wide receiver if the Vikings took him.
Round 1: Wisconsin Edge Zack Baun
A lot of mock drafts have the Vikings taking A. J. Epenesa at this point, but Baun had slightly more sacks in his 2019 collegiate season, totaling 12.5 to Epenesa’s 11.5.
Baun was also faster than Epenesa in the 40-yard dash at the combine. Granted, it’s the combine, and the players are running in a straight line for the 40-yard dash, but still. Baun had a 4.65 to Epenesa’s 5.04. That’s a pretty big difference. If Baun can convert to defensive end in the NFL, the Vikings should definitely take a look at him.
Round 2: Utah CB Jaylon Johnson
OK, so cornerback isn’t dire, but Minnesota still probably has to draft a player who can come in and start. I think Johnson would be adequate in that role. Johnson is a good, pressing corner who fits Vikings coach Mike Zimmer’s defense well.
Round 3: Auburn T Prince Tega Wanogho
Wanogho learned football later in life, but he already has many of the physical tools to play in the NFL. He probably needs a little more development, but then he can be a successful tackle in the NFL. I think it’s worth it for the Vikings to take him in the third round. If he pans out, the team can move Riley Reiff to guard, in order to replace Josh Kline.
Round 3: Oklahoma QB Jalen Hurts
Not a necessity by any means, but the Vikings could use a quarterback in waiting, in case Kirk Cousins, who no longer has a no-trade clause, ends up costing the team too much money or Minnesota just wants to go in a different direction. Hurts is that different direction, providing mobility at quarterback and giving the Vikings a new dimension to their offense.
Round 4: Utah DT Leki Fotu
Leki Fotu is another huge defensive tackle, who can be paired with Michael Pierce in run-stopping situations. If Fotu isn’t ready for a starting position in the NFL, then he can at least add depth to the Vikings defensive line. I think Fotu could compete with Shamar Stephen, Armon Watts and Jaleel Johnson for the starting position at defensive tackle alongside Pierce. I also think it’s likely all those guys will play at one point during the season.
Round 5: Colorado LB Davion Taylor
Minnesota is solid at linebacker with Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr, but the other linebacker on the defense, whether that be Eric Wilson, Cameron Smith or Ben Gedeon, looked inconsistent in 2019-20. It’d be great if Taylor could come in and start, but if not, he at least is another player who can be in the rotation.
Round 6: Nebraska CB Lamar Jackson
The Lamar Jackson everyone is talking about (just kidding). Even if Jaylon Johnson is a starter and Mike Hughes or Holton Hill are at the other corners out wide, the Vikings need a nickel corner. Maybe that’s Hill or Hughes, depending on who claims the starting position, but maybe it’s not. Jackson can compete for that spot and possibly win it, due to his large frame and physicality.
Round 6: Oregon C Jake Hanson
Hanson was a center at Oregon, but he can possibly convert to guard at the NFL level. He can compete for the starting guard spots against Pat Elflein and others. He could also fill out a platoon role for the team.
Round 7: North Carolina S Myles Dorn
Safety is not as dire if Harris stays with the team, but the Vikings could still use some more reserves with the reported departure of Andrew Sendejo and Jayron Kearse. Dorn can compete for a roster spot on account of his size.
Round 7: South Carolina OT Alex Taylor
Taylor would likely be a reserve, but it helps to have a player who can possibly come into the game and play swing tackle. The Vikings recently re-signed Rashod Hill, who is a reserve swing tackle, so maybe tackle isn’t the biggest need for the Vikings. But I still think it helps to have depth there and Taylor is worth taking a flyer on.
Round 7: Michigan State DT Mike Panasiuk
Panasiuk is another big-body defensive tackle who could compete for a spot against Fotu and others. He is big and physical, and could clog up holes on the line of scrimmage alongside Michael Pierce.
