The Vikings were awarded three compensatory draft picks for the 2020 NFL Draft.
I wanted to see how that would change the strategy of the draft, especially in the third round, where the team now has two picks. More draft picks, in addition to good players getting picked before the Vikings could take them, led to this draft being harder than the first simulation I did.
I drafted the best player available in the first round, which was Alabama safety Xavier McKinney. From there, I attempted to stitch together a draft class that could benefit the Vikings for next season.
Defensive tackle remains a tough position for me to draft when I’m doing a simulation. It seems like I either have to draft a defensive tackle who’s supposed to be taken in the next round, or hold off and miss out on more talent on the interior defensive line.
You can see what other teams did in the simulation here.
Here is who I decided to take, followed by a brief explanation for why I chose them. I did this simulation at The Draft Network.
Round 1: Alabama safety Xavier McKinney
Like I said, Xavier McKinney was my first-round choice. He seemed like the best player available at the time, and Minnesota could use a safety for next season if Anthony Harris walks. McKinney paired with Harrison Smith at safety could be menacing for opposing offenses.
Round 2: Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson
Mike Zimmer loves a good cornerback, and Utah’s Jaylon Johnson seems to be just that. The Vikings have two cornerbacks entering free agency and one corner who might be a cap casualty. This position is in dire need of depth, which Johnson can provide. He had two interceptions and 11 pass breakups for Utah in 2019-20.
Round 3: Boise State tackle Ezra Cleveland
Ezra Cleveland is sound in pass protection. He could come in at tackle and Riley Reiff could be moved to the guard position. Cleveland would only have to play right tackle if Brian O’Neill was able to make the switch to left. Apparently, Cleveland isn’t considered incredibly physical, but the Vikings can struggle with pass protection, so that’s a bigger need than a guy who can push defensive lineman way down the field.
Round 3: North Carolina defensive lineman Jason Strowbridge
Now this one was tough. Strowbridge seems like he could’ve gone a round later, but I kind of had to take a defensive tackle. Maybe the best option for Minnesota is to restructure with Linval Joseph or go out and get a defensive tackle in free agency. The actual draft could always go differently, but it seems like there is a big drop off after the top defensive tackles in the class. After that, it’s hard not to reach for a player too early. Strowbridge can be a bit of a finesse player, working his way through holes in the offensive line quickly.
Round 4: Minnesota wide receiver Tyler Johnson
A player from Minneapolis is my fourth-round choice. Johnson is athletic and an effective route runner. Some critics have said that Johnson’s lack of speed might be a problem in the NFL, but he clearly overcame it in college. He could fight for the third wide receiver spot.
Round 6: Arkansas cornerback Kamren Curl
The Vikings don’t have a fifth round pick, but Kamren Curl can add depth to the team in the sixth round. Curl could vie for the nickel corner spot or possibly play as a reserve next season.
Round 7: Florida wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland
In this simulation, Tyrie Cleveland is one of four picks in the seventh round of the draft for the Vikings. With just 351 receiving yards in his final season with the Gators, Cleveland didn’t light up opposing defenses, but he is still worth taking a flyer on late in the draft. He has speed and could compete for the third wide receiver position on the team.
Round 7: Michigan State safety David Dowell
Safety isn’t a dire need for Minnesota if the team drafts McKinney in the first round. But David Dowell can still compete for a reserve spot and maybe work his way up to some playing time. Dowell is a big safety and started every game for the Spartans last season. He had 55 total tackles.
Round 7: Clemson center Gage Cervenka
Gage Cervenka can provide versatility on the interior of the offensive line. He is able to play both guard and center, and could serve as a platoon lineman for the team.
Round 7: South Carolina linebacker T.J. Brunson
Brunson could serve as a backup in case Eric Wilson, Anthony Barr or Eric Kendricks get injured. Brunson isn’t a huge threat to get to the quarterback, but he was serviceable as a run-stopper.
