Fansided

Minnesota Vikings 7-Round Mock Draft

By Adam Carlson

Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; A detailed view of the Minnesota Vikings helmet during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; A detailed view of the Minnesota Vikings helmet during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 9
Next
Oct 18, 2014; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai (74) in action against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2014; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai (74) in action against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4: Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OT – TCU

As much as it hurts to say it, Minnesota can’t rely on right tackle Phil Loadholt returning at full strength for the 2016 NFL season. Backup T.J. Clemmings has been doing his best to fill in for Loadholt, but some competition at the position as well as offensive tackle depth will be essential for the Vikings.

At 6’6″ and 315 pounds, he has the size needed to play right tackle in the NFL. However, when needed, he was also able to step in and play left tackle for the high-powered TCU offense. He could either compete for the starting job or be a swing tackle for the Vikings, but much of that will likely hinge on the future of Loadholt.

With no major red flags or concerns about his technique, Vaitai might be one of the most complete offensive linemen in the draft who isn’t rated extremely high. A value at his current spot, the offensive tackle might slip under the radar of many teams, as long as they don’t ask him to spell his name at the NFL Combine.

Next: Rolling the dice on a pass catcher

Home/Minnesota Vikings