Minnesota Vikings NFL Mock Draft 2015: Latest 7-round projections
By Ryan Lehrman
Round 2 Pick 45 – Jake Fisher OT (Oregon)
The next order of business for the Vikes is fortifying their offensive line. I’d scoop Jake Fisher, a former tight end who has initial quickness and can adjust rapidly to change direction. On the field, the 6-foot-3-and-300-pounder fights hard against defenders, and could give Teddy more time in the pocket.
Although Fisher missed part of 2014 in Oregon with a leg injury, he has the wits and footwork to run both left and right side of the ball.
Plus, he has the versatility to play the guard position.
Round 3 Pick 76 – Steven Nelson CB (Oregon State)
Ever since the Antoine Winfield-Darren Sharper era, the Minnesota Vikings have lacked a dependable secondary. Yes, Xavier Rhodes has his shutdown moments, but Coach Zimmer could string up some consistency with cornerback Steven Nelson. Because Oregon’s star cover corner Ifo Ekpre-Olomu will likely get nabbed by the Eagles in the second round, I think Nelson makes for a great pick here.
At 5-foot-10 nearly 200 pounds, he has a broad build, top-notch hand-eye coordination and hits with the confidence of someone 30 pounds heavier. The Vikings have a history of not drafting the tallest cornerbacks (despite their division’s lanky receiver matchups), so Nelson would fit well into Minnesota’s defensive scheme.
Round 4 Pick 107 – Jamil Douglas OG (Arizona State)
To drive home the point, protection around young gunslinger Bridgewater has to improve. Vikes’ current guard Charlie Johnson is not top-caliber material, and may very well be replaced by Arizona State’s guard Jamil Douglas.
Douglas is quick off the snap and absorbs the bull rush, moving through the second level. The 6-foot-4, 307 pounder may have short arms, but he possesses above-average agility that the Vikes — specifically Teddy — eagerly desire.
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