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Minnesota Vikings mock draft: Complete 7-round edition

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 14, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Corey Coleman (1) warms up prior to facing the Oklahoma Sooners at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Corey Coleman (1) warms up prior to facing the Oklahoma Sooners at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 5, 2015; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers safety Karl Joseph stands in the secondary during the fourth quarter against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers safety Karl Joseph stands in the secondary during the fourth quarter against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /

Find me a team that doesn’t need some added depth in the secondary and I’ll call you a liar. With the NFL becoming a more pass-heavy league, having an elite and deep secondary happens to be the key to success — just ask the Denver Broncos how they won the Super Bowl.

Minnesota’s secondary is aging, but after the emergence of Trae Waynes last season, the Vikings could be set for the future with the addition of a young safety in this year’s draft. That guy could be West Virginia strong safety Karl Joseph, who played just four games in 2015 before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

Joseph was leading college football in interceptions (with five) and showed flashes of brilliance before suffering the injury in game four. He was on his way to an All-Big 12 type of season, with 20 total tackles and a sack to his name as well.

As a junior, Joseph had 82 total tackles, an interception and three pass deflections. He started every game he played in during his four-year career with the Mountaineers.

Although he’s just 5-foot-11 and 197 pounds, Joseph is one of the most physical defensive backs in the entire class. He’s not one to shy away from contact and is extremely aggressive when receivers come down with the ball in his area code.

Minnesota could use a slobber-knocker like that in the secondary.

Next: Fourth Round

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