I've done it. I fixed the Vikings
No, this isn't a late April Fool's joke. I was able to fix the Minnesota Vikings with my first mock draft. The NFL Draft is less than a month away, and this would be a dream draft for Minnesota, which has four picks in the first three rounds. Yes, this is unlikely. However, I played the board as it lay, and the draft is very unpredictable.
Let's review the picks using Pro Football Focus' draft board.
Round 1, Pick 18 - Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Safety, Toledo
I prefer Dillon Theineman, but he was off the board at number 12 to the Dallas Cowboys. McNeil-Warren is a perfect replacement for Harrison Smith this year or next. Yes, people are concerned about where he went to school; scout the player, not the helmet.
McNeil-Warren will be a nice new toy for Brian Flores and bring stability to the Vikings' back end for years to come.
Round 2, Pick 49 - Lee Hunter, Defensive Tackle, Texas Tech
Ok, you'll have to stay with me on this one because there is little to no chance Hunter is available in the second round at this pick. Either way, Hunter would be a fine addition to the interior defensive line with the release of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen.
This would be a dream, home run pick in the second round, and truly beef up the defensive line.
Round 3, Pick 82 - Sam Hecht, Center, Kansas State
Ryan Kelly's retirement opened up a need at center for Minnesota. Yes, they have a frontrunner in Blake Brandel, who is a career backup, but Hecht could start Week 1 and be the future of the position.
Hecht's size is a concern, but his technique is not, and that is what will lead to success in the NFL. The Vikings staff will have to help Hecht add mass to his frame, but once he does, it will only bolster a fine prospect.
Round 3, Pick 97 - Ted Hurst, Wide Receiver, Georgia State
Ok, I had some fun with this one, envisioning Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Hurst in a three-receiver set. Godspeed defenses. Hurst projects as a "Z" receiver, but put him in the slot and watch him stretch the field.
Kyler Murray would have a ball with this receiver trio and T.J. Hockenson. His athletic ability just makes the Vikings offense more potent and difficult to game-plan for.
