A disruptive pass rusher from Miami could be available. Will the Vikings snag this game-changer if he surprisingly slides to pick 18?
The Minnesota Vikings are looking to take a huge step forward next season. This comes after the team fell from a 14-3 record in 2024 to a 9-8 record last year.
If the Vikings are to take that step forward, a top pick in the first round would help facilitate that breakout. Their draft positioning could make it difficult.
Minnesota might be just out of the range where you could see a player reliably plug and play and break out as a rookie. Typically, many look at the No. 15 or 16 pick as a line of demarcation for impact rookies, though there are some exceptions. Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson bucked that trend with the No. 22 overall pick for Minnesota in the 2020 NFL draft.
The Vikings may not be looking for a receiver at No. 18, but they will be looking for the best player available. Some might be hoping that will be Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Akheem Mesidor. ESPN's Field Yates has him going to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the No. 15 pick with the following explanation.
"An improved pass rush is a must for Tampa Bay after it tied for 18th in total sacks last season (37) and lost defensive end Logan Hall in free agency. The relentless Mesidor would help achieve that goal, coming off a College Football Playoff run where he had 5.5 sacks in four games.
Mesidor was primarily a defensive tackle at West Virginia before reshaping his body and skill set to play largely from the edge at Miami. He has an impressive get-off and nuance as a rusher. While he turns 25 before the draft, most view him as a top-15 player off ability alone."
Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor (3) celebrates after a sack against the Indiana Hoosiers in the third quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship game. Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesEdge rusher might not be the Vikings first choice, but a player like Mesidor may be too hard to pass up this year. Minnesota knows what a mid-round player like Dallas Turner can bring to a defense. Adding another player of Turner's caliber could launch the Vikings defense even higher in NFL statistical rankings.
If Mesidor falls to No. 15 the Vikings' decision becomes even more interesting. He is the caliber player the team may not be able to pass on if within striking distance. Does Minnesota trade up for a player like Mesidor or stay put and draft a star safety like Oregon's Dillon Thieneman?
The Vikings will sort all of that out over the next few weeks, but one thing is for certain: The build up to the pick for Minnesota fans will make it a must-see selection.