Ten days out, and this is my last attempt for Minnesota.
With the NFL draft approaching, it's time I submit my final Vikings mock draft. Sure, this is only my second attempt, but this is the best time, and with as much intel as possible to put it out. This time around, I'll highlight my favorite picks and the rationale behind them.
Round 2, Pick 49 - EDGE Malachi Lawrence, UCF: Grade C+
PFF dinged me for taking a player that isn't a direct need for the Vikings in the second round, but the player and his impact were too great to ignore. Lawrence is literally a Brian Burns clone in terms of measurables and has a chance to be a top EDGE in this class. With everyone enamored with the other top EDGE rushers, Lawrence is screaming value in the second. While I doubt he will be available and the possibility of Jonathan Greenard returning, I feel great about the player and his potential impact for Brian Flores and Minnesota.
Round 3, Pick 97 - CB Malik Muhammad, Texas: Grade C
Again, PFF doesn't like my selection, but again, the value is too great to ignore. Muhammad would be a steal at pick 97 and would make Minnesota's secondary as formidable as it gets.
Locked on 49ers host and former NFL DB Eric Crocker has a big opinion of Muhammad after his film study. The thread below shows his prowess as a cover corner and in the run game with matchups against OSU's Jeremiah Smith, who should be the first receiver off the board in the next draft.
Round 6, Pick 196 - C Pat Coogan, Indiana - Grade A
Landing the 188th prospect at pick 196 earns me an "A," but Coogan will be drafted much higher. The center led the Hoosiers' offensive line, which is as close to an NFL line as there is in college and could start immediately for Minnesota. I doubled up at center with my final pick, which also gained me an "A."
Still, Coogan would start with Alabama's Parker Brailsford as the backup or a candidate to sneak onto the practice squad, giving the Vikings immense depth at the position following Ryan Kelly's retirement.
What do you think of my final mock? Did I nail it, or should I stick to my day job, whatever that is? Let us know in the comments, and here is to the end of a wild draft season.
