2016 NFL Mock Draft: Minnesota Vikings Hit Jackpot in WR Josh Doctson
In his most recent 2016 NFL Mock Draft, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com has the Minnesota Vikings selecting WR Josh Doctson with the 23rd overall pick.
The Minnesota Vikings have done a nice job of adding their already impressive mix of players in free agency. Most notably, the addition of offensive guard Alex Boone is going to greatly improve the Vikings’ chances of being serious contenders in the NFC in 2016 and going forward. The Vikings have an incredible collection of young talent that is going to set them up for success for many years.
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With the 23rd overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the Vikings have a strong opportunity to improve to their impressive young core. With a loaded defense, and an incredible rushing attack led by the great Adrian Peterson, the Vikings are already a force to be reckoned with.
However, if quarterback Teddy Bridgewater can take the next step and become a star at the position, the Vikings are going to be a true Super Bowl contender. Giving Bridgewater as much help as possible to grow into the player who we all know he can become is the number one priority for the Vikings right now. In the 2016 NFL Draft, that means improving his stock at the wide receiver position.
The Vikings have been connected to many receivers at the end of the first round, but if TCU’s Josh Doctson is available, they need to rush to the podium to make sure they get their pick in. Doctson is an incredibly gifted receiver with true number one potential at the next level, and NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah putting him in Minnesota in his latest 2016 NFL Mock Draft helps me believe there could be some interest between the two sides.
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You see, Jeremiah is a former NFL scout who has become one of the most respected draft analysts in the game. It is never wise to put too much stock into a mock draft, but Jeremiah placing a specific player to a specific team always means a bit more in my eyes. Jeremiah undoubtedly has great sources in the league, and him mocking Doctson to Minnesota makes me think it is at least a strong possibility.
That is good, because Doctson is a great receiver prospect, and the Vikings are lacking at the position. Last year’s fifth round pick Stefon Diggs showed some upside as a rookie, but the Vikings have little else to speak of at the position. Getting Bridgewater a true number one option needs to be the Vikings’ priority in this draft.
Doctson is an impressive athlete with legitimately elite leaping ability and balance in the air. He does and incredible job of high-pointing the ball in jump ball scenarios and almost always comes down with the ball in one-on-one situations. Doctson also shows soft hands, nice route running ability and good speed. He is a true total package who is going to be a force to be reckoned with at the next level.
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The Vikings simply must find a receiver to pair with Diggs in their offense. If Doctson is available, it should be an easy decision for the team, as his presence on the field would positively impact Bridgewater’s development in a major way.