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

2019, No. 18 Overall

Original Pick: Garrett Bradbury, C, NC State
Re-draft Pick: Erik McCoy, C, Texas A&M (No. 48 Overall)

Here’s another same-position swap for the Vikings, but one that would likely make a significant long-term difference for the Minnesota offensive line.

I want to start by saying that Garrett Bradbury was not a bad pick for the Vikings. He showed fairly well as a rookie, but also made plenty of mistakes and clearly needs to take significant strides heading into Year 2. If the Vikings wanted someone who could make more of an instant impact, they should have gone with Erik McCoy.

Instead, the Saints snagged him in the second round and watched him develop into one of the league’s top centers — as a rookie. He was exceptional both in pass protection and as a run blocker, doing an excellent job of keeping Drew Brees and Bridgewater upright while also opening running lanes for Alvin Kamara. Overall, he was probably one of the top steals of the 2019 class.

It’s a bit early to say the Vikings missed on Bradbury, especially after he did show some promise in 2019. Based on what we know now, though, I believe taking McCoy at No. 17 overall would have benefited Minnesota more.