The Minnesota Vikings are the most exciting team to talk about when it comes to the NFL draft. They own the 11th and 23rd overall picks, are likely to trade up for a quarterback and also have seven picks on day three. What does a seven-round mock draft look like?
There are many different directions that a mock draft can go with the Vikings. If they trade up for a quarterback, which pick do they trade up for and how much does it cost? What happens if the Vikings can't make a trade up for a quarterback? There are a lot of situations and Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema took a look at the Vikings trading up to the fifth overall pick for a quarterback.
5. Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy
The Vikings send picks 11 and 23 to the Los Angeles Chargers for pick five
McCarthy has become the popular pick for the Vikings. He has risen up draft boards significantly over the last few months but the talent has been there the whole time. Ideally, Drake Maye would be available here but it's not always the case.
McCarthy does have a lot to offer in the NFL. He already thrives on third downs, runs a pro-style offense with play-action and can create outside of structure when he needs to. Now, McCarthy doesn't have to start right away in Minnesota with Sam Darnold in the fold which will make his transition easier.
108. Kansas State OG Cooper Beebe
The Vikings have a need at guard and Sikkema has them taking a really talented guard in Beebe.
Beebe has been a steady high grader in PFF's system, with overall grades above 80.0 in each of the past three seasons. He has started at left guard and left tackle with some reps at right guard and right tackle. His experience and versatility would be a big boost for Minnesota.
The versatility is a massive positive for the Vikings. He would have a chance to earn the starting job at left guard but wouldn't be forced into duty. As a long-term backup, that kind of versatility is necessary for your depth players.
129. Northern Iowa DT Khristian Boyd
This is a high upside defensive tackle from the FCS level who dominated at the Shrine Bowl but ended up being a combine snub. He wins with power and had 41 pressures for the Panthers. What is really impressive with Boyd is his ability to thrive in all phases with his play strength. He will compete right away with the likes of Jaquelin Roy for playing time.
157. Tennessee CB Kamal Hadden
The Vikings could use some depth at cornerback, but is it the right route to get on in round five? If you are going to go that route, Hadden is a good option. He has the size and speed combination and was a late bloomer which tells you he is coachable.
167. Michigan EDGE Braiden McGregor
As a depth player, McGregor is an interesting option. He suffered a brutal knee injury during his senior year of high school and worked his way back. McGregor needs to work on his strength but is technically sound which will help him get on the field early.
177. Illinois WR Casey Washington
If the Vikings are going to wait this long for a wide receiver, taking one that has some explosiveness and speed is a good option. While Washington's RAS is only a 7.04, he has a 94th percentile vertical jump (39.5"), 90th percentile broad jump (1007") and an 80th percentile 40-yard dash (4.48 seconds). There is some talent to be developed there and that's what you are hoping for in the sixth round.
230. Toledo LB Dallas Gant
Gant is an athletic linebacker with some size who showed growth year over year. At this point in the draft, taking special teams guys who could develop over time is a good bet. Gant has athletic upside that is worth taking a bet on.
232. Monmouth RB Jaden Shirden
Shirden is one of a couple FCS running backs who is on the radar of the NFL. He was explosive in college with a run of 20+ yards in 16 of 22 games and ran a 4.45 40-yard dash. With the running back room in a good spot for the Vikings, taking a bet on Shirden is one worth making.
Overall thoughts
The Vikings ended up getting their quarterback of the future and some players who can develop at positions of need. Did they end up getting the best options at those positions and spots in the draft? That's where I'm not sold. I think they could have done a better job maneuvering with the draft board and gotten some better talent. The positions they took were smart and that is likely what you see come the NFL draft.
Grade: B-