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After adding a value pick for the secondary, the Vikings will likely address the offensive line during day two of the NFL Draft. Daniel House lists five players the Vikings may target.
After adding a value pick for the secondary, the Vikings will likely address the offensive line during day two of the NFL
Draft. With several options still on the board, Minnesota could trade up or
down depending upon who is selected near the top of the second round. There’s
even a remote chance they could draft the best player available at No. 62 and
use picks next year to add a player they covet late in the second or early
third round.
Here’s a few potential options:
Connor Williams,
OT/OG- Texas
Texas OT/OG Connor Williams is an offensive lineman who could
provide versatility for the Vikings. He likely pegs more as a guard because of
his length. There are a few traits which stand out in Williams' skill-set, including
his hand technique, mean streak and movement skills. He always finishes blocks
to the whistle and has the mean streak you look for in an offensive line
prospect. His run blocking skills are underrated and he has shown flashes as a
pass protector. His pass blocking technique and footwork are far ahead of many
prospects in this offensive line class.
Much of the concern related to his slide down the board
surrounds his weight dropping, along with a less productive 2017 season. In his
sophomore season, he allowed just four pressures and looked like a top-flight
offensive tackle. Williams was once considered a top-15 prospect, but the above
concerns have led him to Day Two. The Vikings would likely need to move up in the
second round to snag Williams, but they could pool a few resources next year to
make it possible. Williams is probably the best fit for what the Vikings are
looking for in an offensive line prospect.
James Daniels, C/OG-
Iowa
At one point, Iowa offensive lineman James Daniels was
starting to gain a high volume of draft buzz. Many draft analysts projected he
could be selected within the first 20 picks. On the surface, Daniels fits the
Vikings’ scheme, especially considering how he can move in space. He drives
into the second level and finishes blocks to the whistle. I project him as natural
center, but he has the skill-set to play guard, too. He has mastered the
technique at center and his footwork is sound. The main concern with Daniels is
the inconsistent power he has shown when he is driving downhill. Teams would
like to see him add more weight and strength. This is especially the case when
he sees top-tier interior talent in the NFL. However, Daniels could be the best
value pick if he continues to slide.
Austin Corbett- OG/OT-
Nevada
The Vikings could stay put and land Austin Corbett, an
underrated offensive line prospect. In fact, this is arguably the best move they
could make at No. 62. He has versatility the Vikings value in an offensive
lineman. He started every game at left tackle last year and was quietly an anchor
of Nevada’s offensive line. He projects as a guard at the next level, but doesn’t
have experience playing there.
When you fire up Corbett’s film, you see an extremely physical
prospect who destroys defenders to the whistle. As a pass protector, he
displayed great angles to go along with quick feet and above average agility.
Corbett plays so aggressive and it’s what really stands out. He is a smart, physical,
tough, technically sound and versatile offensive linemen. All of those traits match
up nicely with what the Vikings generally look for in a prospect. Out of high
school, knee injuries kept him from gaining a scholarship offer. He sent an
email to Nevada, convincing the coaches to give him a walk-on opportunity. He
quickly became a team captain after his sophomore year and was one of the most
respected players on the team. His toughness, leadership and intelligence are
an added bonus when you pair it with his overall skill-set. The Vikings would
be making a solid pick if they added Corbett.
Dallas Goedert- TE-
South Dakota State
Could the Vikings wait until the third round to add an
offensive lineman? It seems unlikely, but if players they covet are available,
Rick Spielman may package a few picks next year to move into the late second or
early third round. The Vikings could use a mismatch tight end to stretch the
defense at all three levels. There is no better option than South Dakota State
tight end Dallas Goedert. When you watch offensive coordinator John DeFilippo's
tape at Cleveland, along with Philadelphia's red zone packages, you'll
see this type of player is important. Goedert can be flexed all over
the field to create mismatches against defensive backs and linebackers. He can
line up at split end and take the top off of defenses via a simple fade. However,
he's most dominant across the middle, consistently making contested grabs in
traffic. His excellent hands, body control and playmaking ability would give
the Vikings another intriguing skill player for quarterback Kirk Cousins to
work with. If the team elects to wait another round for a tight end, Penn State’s
Mike Gesicki is a solid option, too.
Maurice Hurst- DT-
Michigan
Michigan’s Maurice Hurst is probably the best
three-technique defensive tackle in the draft, but a reported heart condition
at the combine has him falling down draft boards. Eventually, if a medical
staff feels confident about his health, a team will pull the trigger. If he’s
still available at No. 62, would the Vikings consider selecting him? It seems
unlikely, but it’s certainly possibility. If the medical flag had not occurred,
Hurst was a potential top-ten pick. He has a sudden, explosive first step and
incredibly powerful hands. His tape and skill-set are eerily similar to Sharrif
Floyd, whose career ended after a failed nerve surgery in his leg. With his athletic
ability and a compact build, Hurst has the potential to dominate in a scheme similar
to Mike Zimmer’s. Although it seems unlikely, you just never know, especially considering
free agent signing Sheldon Richardson signed just a one-year deal. If he doesn’t
check the boxes medically, the team has done plenty of homework on Nathan
Shepherd, who is another name to monitor closely.
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