Minnesota Vikings draft grades: Analyzing every 2018 NFL Draft pick

Minnesota Vikings: Grading every 2018 NFL Draft pick

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 08: Brian O'Neill #70 of the Pittsburgh Panthers rushes for a 24-yard touchdown in the first half during the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on October 8, 2016 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

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Grade: D

Kai Forbath, say hello to your competition.

Unfortunately, this was another bad move for the Vikings. While there’s no denying that Daniel Carlson is an intriguing kicker prospect with the potential to be a 10-year starter, there’s no need to trade up — especially when you already have a proven boot on the roster.

There’s plenty to like in Carlson, who has spent the last four years serving as one of the SEC’s best special teams players. He boasts a fairly reliable leg with a career field goal conversion rate of 80.7% and doesn’t have too much trouble putting kickoffs through the end zone.

Still, with a number of positions in need of depth, I don’t think this was the right move for the Vikings. They gave up a sixth-round pick to move up and snag Carlson at No. 167. Even if he does end up becoming the best kicker to emerge from this draft class, I’m not sold on him as worthy of a fifth-round selection.

Minnesota better hope Carlson wins the job and shines early in his NFL career. Otherwise, this pick will forever be marked as a huge waste.

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