2019 NFL Mock Draft: Kinnan’s final first-round projection

There is much to be said about Alabama offensive tackle Jonah Williams. Some say he is too small to play tackle in the NFL, others say he has the technique and competitive edge to compensate for his lack of size. Regardless, he sees himself fall all the way to the 18th pick in the draft and into the laps of the Minnesota Vikings who are in desperate need of some help along their offensive line.

Here is the best part for both parties: the Vikings need both tackles and guards, so drafting Williams will give them the flexibility to shuffle their offensive line and field the best five linemen on their roster. After signing Kirk Cousins to a massive $84 million, fully guaranteed deal, the Vikings did not live up to expectations in 2018; most of their failures can be pegged on health and on the struggles of their offensive line.

While once regarded as the far and away best tackle in this class, Williams becomes the fourth offensive lineman off of the board in this mock draft. The Vikings need a massive upgrade along their offensive front, and adding Williams will help to protect their $90 million man in Cousins in 2019 as they hope to get back into Super Bowl contention in 2019.