Defense, defense, defense?
With the NFL Draft less than three weeks away, the final mock drafts are coming in. The Minnesota Vikings are all but guaranteed to address the secondary once or maybe twice over seven rounds. But what if the Vikings use their first three picks on defenders?
JT Ruhnke and Ryan Roberts of A to Z Sports completed a three-round mock draft with alternating picks and explanations.
18. Minnesota Vikings – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
If Thieneman is somehow there when the Vikings pick, they need to run to the podium. With Harrison Smith’s future in question, Minnesota needs a safety who can create some game-changing plays. That defines Thieneman perfectly. – Roberts
Thieneman's name pops up the most in mock drafts. The only question is, will he make it to pick 18 for the Vikings?
49. Minnesota Vikings - Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
Here are Lance Zierlein's thoughts on Miller:
Miller is an even-front nose tackle who can rattle pads and gain early advantages at the point of attack. He has good stack-and-shed against single blocks but lacks the prototypical mass of a space-eater. He will lose his anchor to double teams and strong angle blocks at times. He’s average at matching lateral movement off the snap but is generally aware of play design and hustles across gaps to squeeze run lanes. He’ll continue to bulk up and should become a good starter who is more consistent than dominant along the interior.
82. Minnesota Vikings - Devin Moore, CB, Florida
Zierlein isn't as bullish on the cornerback from Florida.
"Moore is a long outside cornerback with good size but limited experience due to injuries. His size and length benefit him from press. He plays with adequate eye balance as a short-zone defender. Moore is a good deep-ball tracker who tilts jump balls in his favor, but he lacks make-up speed to run down coverage mistakes. He’s upright with sluggish hips in transitions and is missing the foot quickness/acceleration to stay connected with quicker route-runners. Improved anticipation and decisiveness should come with more snaps but durability concerns could hurt his draft stock."
The first two picks would be very well received, with the third one raising eyebrows due to Moore's uninspiring athletic profile (22nd-ranked CB, according to Next Gen Stats) and injury history.
It is still a possibility that Minnesota loads up its defense with its first three picks, as the offense has plenty of firepower.