Minnesota Vikings: Re-drafting the team’s last 6 first-round picks

2014, No. 9 Overall

Original Pick: Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA
Re-draft Pick: Aaron Donald, DT, Pitt (No. 14 overall)

When the Vikings originally drafted Anthony Barr at No. 9 overall, I wasn’t too excited about the selection. He seemed overrated — a supreme athlete who lacked the refinement to be the pass-rushing extraordinaire he was being touted as.

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In all honesty, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the pick. And yet, would anyone in their right mind pass on the opportunity to take Aaron Donald instead?

Since entering the league in 2014, Donald has emerged as arguably the most dominant and disruptive defender of the last decade. Only J.J. Watt and Khalil Mack really have much of case in that argument. Realistically, the numbers speak for themselves.

In six seasons, he’s been named All-Pro five times, has two Defensive Player of the Year awards to his name, and nearly broke the single-season sack record in 2018. His athleticism, quickness and power from the defensive tackle spot are unparalleled. He’s essentially a human wrecking ball, making life miserable for opposing offensive coordinators everywhere.

For years, the Vikings have been trying to find the answer at the three-tech spot. Drafting Donald would have done exactly that.