Minnesota Vikings: Early look at potential 2019 NFL Draft picks
By Joe Kipp
The Minnesota Vikings hold the 18th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Here’s an early look at potential needs and draftees.
The Minnesota Vikings will pick 18th in the 2019 NFL Draft after finishing the 2018 season at 8-7-1. The Vikings currently only have five selections in this year’s draft, barring any future trades or compensatory picks. They’ll have selections in rounds one, two, three, four and six.
As for who they should consider and what positions they should be targeting, offensive line remains the biggest concern on the roster. After general manager Rick Spielman brought in Riley Reiff, Mike Remmers and Tom Compton in free agency, it’s become increasingly clear that the Vikings have an O-line problem.
Second-year center Pat Elflein took a step back from his impressive rookie season and rookie right tackle Brian O’Neill had his issues, as well. That said, both players are likely cornerstones for the offensive line going forward, so the Vikings should focus on both guard spots and a backup left tackle.
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On defense, outside linebacker becomes a need if Anthony Barr signs elsewhere in free agency. Defensive tackle is another concern if Sheldon Richardson and/or Tom Johnson don’t re-sign. Running back and wide receiver are other positions the Vikings could target to shore up depth, especially since Latavius Murray is unlikely to be back next season.
Listed below are some prospects Vikings fans should get used to hearing ahead of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Early-round targets
OT Jonah Williams, Alabama
OT Yodny Cajuste, West Virgina
OT Greg Little, Ole Miss
OT Dalton Risner, Kansas State
OT David Edwards, Wisconsin
OT Jawaan Taylor, Florida
OT Kaleb McGary, Washington
OG Cody Ford, Oklahoma
OG Martez Ivey, Florida
OG Darryl Williams, Mississippi State
OLB TJ Edwards, Wisconsin
OLB Te’von Coney, Notre Dame
DT Christian Wilkins, Clemson
DT Jerry Tillery, Notre Dame
DT Dexter Lawrence, Clemson
DT Dre’Mont Jones, Ohio State
DT Quinnen Williams, Alabama
DT Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi State
DT Ed Oliver, Houston
RB David Montgomery, Iowa State
RB Damien Harris, Alabama
RB Justice Hill, Oklahoma State
RB Miles Sanders, Penn State
RB Josh Jacobs, Alabama
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The good news for the Vikings is this year’s defensive line class is stacked with talent. Waiting on drafting that position until the second or third-round could prove beneficial. It seems like no matter what, though, their first pick should be spent on an offensive lineman. With only five picks (for the moment) in the 2019 draft, Minnesota will need to choose wisely.