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Weekly Vikings
Roundup
By Jordan Wright
Last week we cov- ered the Minnesota Vikings’ draft needs on offense. Today, let’s take a look at the de- fensive side of the ball.
The Vikings don’t
have many question
marks on a defense
that ranked number
one in 2017. The only
position that doesn’t have a returning starter is defensive tackle, and the Vikings filled that void by signing Sheldon Richardson in free agency. However, it doesn’t take a crystal ball to realize head coach Mike Zimmer isn’t ready to rest on last year’s success and will likely target defensive players early and often in the draft.
Here are a few prospects to keep an eye on that will likely be drafted in the first few rounds.
The Vikings don’t need a defensive end, with Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter firmly locked as starters. However, Zimmer can never haveenoughpassrushersonhisdefense,and he would love to add another which would allow Griffen and Hunter some rest. A name thatisassociatedwiththeVikingsisArdenKey, DE, LSU. Key is very similar to Danielle Hunter, and not just because they are both from LSU. Key is an athletic edge rusher who didn’t have manysacksincollege.Heisarawprospect that Zimmer would love to get his hands on, and will likely be drafted in the third round.
Defensive tackle can be considered a need for the Vikings since Sheldon Richardson was onlysignedtoaone-yeardeal.Whileit’spos- sible the Vikings re-sign him next offseason, the team will still be looking for a defensive tackle who can provide depth in year one and possibly become a starter next season. If either Taven Bryan, DT, Florida or Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama fall to the Vikings in the firstround,theteamwilllikelypounce.Bryan is a very athletic defensive tackle who some scouts say needs to develop his instinct before he can become an NFL starter. Payne is one of the strongest players in this year’s draft and has the ability to come in and contribute rightaway.Heshouldbeatop15playerinthe draft,butsometeamswillseehimasstrictly a run-stopping DT which could cause him to slip down the draft.
The Vikings play primarily in the nickel, which meansthereareonlytwolinebackersonthe field to make room for the extra cornerback. The Vikings are fairly set at the position, but they could still look to add depth in the mid roundsofthedraft.LorenzoCarter,LB,Geor- gia is a name to keep in mind. He is talented enough to be drafted in the first round but couldslipintothesecond.Hefitsthebillforthe Vikings, as a sideline-to-sideline linebacker who wasatoprecruitcomingoutofhighschool. MalikJefferson,LB,Texasisanotherplayerto keepaneyeone.Hewasthetoplinebackerre- cruit coming out of high school and should be afirstroundpick.Forsomereason,however, scouts are scared away by his apparent lack ofproduction,andhecouldfallallthewayto the second or third round of the draft.
Cornerback is another position that the Vikings will likely draft early. Like pass rush- ers, Mike Zimmer believes he can never have enoughcornerbacks.XavierRhodesandTrae Wayneswillremainthestarters,buttheteam needs competition at the third corner position. Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville would likely be thefirstcornertakeninthedraftifitwasn’t for an injury during his senior season. Mike Hughes, CB, UCF will be drafted in the first round but would be a great selection for the Vikings, as he can play cornerback as well as return kicks.
SafetyisnotabigneedfortheVikings,but if a great prospect falls to the team in the
second or third round they might consider it. Two names to keep an eye on here are Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama and Jessie Bates III, S, Wake Forest.
Make sure to check back next week, where I will have multiple three-round mock drafts for you to peruse. Skol!
If you have any questions or comments, reach out to me by searching for my new Twit- ter handle (@JordanWrightNFL)
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