The Minnesota Vikings could be an interesting player in this years NFL draft. They have the 8th pick overall and several needs on both offense and defense. Will one of the top quarterbacks fall to them? Will they draft a quarterback if there is one to take? Or will they turn to the defensive side of the ball for improvement? They are definitely in a spot that could have them trading back if the right players fall out of the top 5. If they are unable to trade out of the top spot, here is the pick I think will be smart and fill a need. Thanks for reading my Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft.
1st Round (#8 Overall) CJ Mosely, MLB, Alabama, 6’2 238lbs
CJ Mosely is a middle linebacker with a high football IQ and a great work ethic. CJ Mosely made over 200 tackles in his last two seasons playing college football and was a finalist for the Butkus Award and won the Coaches Defensive Player of the Year in the SEC in 2013. There are some injury concerns and other prospects have jumped up the draft board because of their pro days. Mosely was a top 10 prospect in January so it’s not a complete reach to take a player that will fill your most glaring need. They could possibly trade back and still draft Mosely. But for the sake of this mock draft we will just take him here.
Alternate picks: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh. Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan. Justin Gilbert, CB,
2nd Round (#40 Overall) Jimmy Garopollo, QB, Eastern Illinois 6’2” 226lbs
The first thing you notice when you see Jimmy Garapollo is his lightning quick release. It does remind people of Tony Romo and the fact that he is coming out of the same college doesn’t help with that comparison either. Garapollo is tough and willing to stay in the pocket and take a hit. He is able to deliver the ball quickly with a clean smooth throwing motion. Could develop into a starter rather quickly under Norv Turner. Turner will like his toughness and how he understands to throw the ball away if the play isn’t there. In 2010, the Vikings panicked and drafted Christian Ponder, this year they don’t and are rewarded for it.
Alternate Picks: Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU. Tom Savage, QB, Pittsburgh, Phillip Gaines, CB, Rice
3rd Round (#72 Overall) David Yankey, OG, 6’5” 311lbs
David Yankey is a very well balanced guard that can help in the run game and the passing game. He is mobile enough that he can pull and lead running back through the hole. Yankey, struggle at the NFL combine and his draft stock has suffered. Once consider the best guard in the draft he has fallen a bit. Vikings are happy to pick up a potential week 1 starter in the 3rd round.
Alternate Pick: Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU. Jeremy Hill, RB, LSU, Deone Bucannon, SS, Washington St.
3rd Round (#96 Overall) Charles Sims, RB, West Virginia. 6’0” 214lbs
Charles Sims can do a little bit of everything in the offensive backfield. He has the quickness and speed to get to the outside. He can run with power and catch the ball out of the backfield. He can also pass block on 3rd down, which can help him stay on the field and give Adrian Peterson a breather from time to time.
Alternate Pick: Shayne Skov, MLB, Stanford, Cyril Richardson, OG, Baylor, Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia
4th Round (#108 Overall) Ahmad Dixon, SS, Baylor. 6’0” 212lbs
Ahmad Dixon is an aggressive safety that has very good instincts and has a knack for always being around the ball. Ran a pretty impressive 4.41 40 at the NFL combine and loves to come up and help in the run game. His aggressiveness may get him in trouble at times but could develop into the strong safety that the Minnesota Vikings need
Alternate Pick: Jordan Tripp, LB, Montana. Dakota Dozier, OG, Fordham. Caruan Reid, DT, Princeton
5th Round (#148 Overall) Trevor Reilly, DE, Utah. 6’5” 255lbs.
Trevor Reilly had a very productive 2013 college season with 100 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss. With the loss of Jarred Allen, Reilly could add some depth at defensive end. He will need time to develop and probably has to add some weight to be able to become an everyday player. He has good enough quickness that he can be used as a situational pass rusher and help out on special teams.
Alternate Pick: Storm Johnson, RB, UCF, Yawin Smallwood, MLB, Connecticut. Christian Kirksey, OLB, Iowa
6th Round (#184 Overall)Kevin Norwood, WR, Alabama. 6’2” 198lbs
Kevin Norwood doesn’t have any eye popping stats because he played in a system that liked to run the ball more than pass it. He may not have the stats but he catches the ball well and is an exceptional route runner. He would be a nice receiver to groom behind Greg Jennings.
Alternate Pick: Jeoffrey Pagan, DE,DT. Aaron Colvin,CB, Oklahoma. Colt Lyerla, TE, Oregon.
7th Round (#223 Overall) Chris Davis, CB, Auburn. 5’10” 202lbs
I'm sure Alabama fans refer to Chris Davis as Chris “bleepin” Davis, similar to Bucky”bleepin” Dent. Yup, it was Chris Davis who returned the field goal miss 100 yards in the Iron Bowl. Arguably the greatest college football play of all time. Davis has good speed and can help in the return game. Averaged over 20 yards a return in 2013. Might be able to develop into a nice nickel corner in the right system.
Alternate Pick: Michael Sam, DE, Missouri. Isaiah Lewis, SS, Michigan St. John Urschel, OG, Penn St.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtH-yp0liU4
I hope you enjoyed my Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft. I think if they are able to address these needs in the draft, especially a quarterback, they can become a playoff contender.