Vikings Mock Draft With Trades
The NFL Draft is one of the most exciting events for football fans. It kicks off the beginning of the NFL year and gives fans a reason to get excited about their team’s future. So with the first day of the draft less than a week away, let’s take a look at how the board could fall for our beloved team in this Vikings mock draft.
Vikings Mock Draft
Vikings Trade Pick #12 To The Pittsburgh Steelers
With QB Malik Willis still on the board at #12, the Steelers offer the Minnesota Vikings a trade package they can’t resist. The package includes the Steelers selections at picks 20, 52, and 138.
With the top corners, Ahmad Gardner and Derek Stingley Jr., off the board, there is no reason for the Vikings to stick around and reach on a player they could see later in the round. This swap allows Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to have two second-round picks, a luxury that any team would enjoy.
Round One, Pick 20: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
With another top corner still on the board in Kaair Elam, the Vikings elect to take Andrew Booth Jr. out of Clemson.
Booth only had one full year as a starter in college. However, he showcased his versatility and potential to become a star in the NFL during his time.
Scouts believe that Booth’s elite footwork and ability to adapt to any coverage make him a valuable asset for any team and a certain first-round talent. With the Vikings thin at the cornerback position, Booth would likely step in and become an instant starter opposite of Patrick Peterson.
Booth has downsides, with many scouts seeing him as a weak tackler. However, his refined footwork combined with his unique twitch and speed gives him excellent potential in the NFL.
Round Two, Pick 46: Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, Sout Carolina
The Vikings were able to add Za’Darius Smith in free agency this season, meaning they no longer have an immediate hole at the defensive edge position. This depth will provide Kingsley Enagbare, who is considered to be a raw prospect, the time to develop. Who better to learn from than two of the top edge rushers in the league in Danielle Hunter and the aforementioned Smith?
Even as a raw talent, Enagbare was able to have two great seasons of production in the SEC, arguably the most competitive conference in all of college football. He relied on his physical traits, specifically his violent hands, to win consistently against linemen in college.
Because of his young age and potential to develop, Enagbare would be an exciting selection for the Vikings at 46.
Round Two, Pick 52: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
With the extra selection from the earlier trade with the Steelers, the Vikings elect to improve their cornerback situation once again.
Roger McCreary out of Auburn is one of the more battle-tested corners in this entire draft class and would almost certainly compete with new Vikings corner Chandon Sullivan for the slot CB role on this defense.
McCreary is a fluid and balanced corner. However, he will fall down draft boards because of his short arms and lackluster speed. But with the Vikings still needy at the corner, McCreary provides instant depth.
Round Three, Pick 77: Dohnavan West, IOL, Arizona State
With their selection in the third round of the draft, the Vikings address their interior offensive line issues with Dohnovan West out of Arizona State.
Listed as a center, West has proved that he is versatile, having played all three interior offensive line positions at ASU. A quality that could catch the eye of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
West has also shown outstanding balance and hand placement for a player his age. However, scouts are concerned that he is not strong or heavy enough for the NFL just yet, causing him to fall out of the first two rounds.
Side Note: Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s former boss, Andrew Berry, is known for his affinity for young players. West is the youngest interior offensive lineman in the entire draft at age 20. Will the new Vikings GM follow in his former boss’s footsteps?
Wrap-Up
This Draft would be, in my opinion, a near-perfect draft for the Minnesota Vikings. They would be addressing multiple different needs with young talent that have star potential. If Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could pull something similar to this off, it would be hard to walk away unsatisfied.
If you enjoyed this Vikings mock draft, check out my other articles here!
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