2017 NFL Draft: Minnesota Vikings final draft grade
Pat Elflein
Center, Ohio State
The Vikings were out to hit holes in this draft. If you watched any Vikings football last year you probably learned that the offensive line is a much bigger issue than who is running behind that line. Elflein could be argued as the top center in the draft class. He is a great center but has also played guard and there is a chance that is where he ends up.
The Vikings have Joe Berger on the roster, and while he played a lot of guard and center last season, he is currently on the depth chart as a center. It leaves Willie Beavers at center and that is something that has to be addressed. Whether it be Elflein at guard and Berger at center or vice versa, it is a clear and immediate upgrade and should be looked at as a home run in the third round.
Jaleel Johnson
Defensive Tackle, Iowa
Johnson is another great selection. The team lost Sharrif Floyd for a long stretch last season, and the depth in the interior saw the effects. On top of that, Floyd is a free agent in 2018, and teammate Linval Joseph is a free agent the following season. Tom Johnson is a depth piece but he dealt with injury last season and is a depth piece for a reason. Johnson can slide in as the fourth in the rotation, and have the upside to potentially start next year and into the future if needed.
Johnson has great strength and technical movement. He is not a stud athlete who will awe you with his burst but he wins with heavy hands and leverage, which is what you need in the NFL. He can see immediate snaps and his technical precision gives him a low floor, making this a safe and impactful pick.
Ben Gedeon
Linebacker, Michigan
With the retiring of Chad Greenway, a roster spot is open. Gedeon is a run stuffer and will certainly be able to make the team with his special team’s presence. He likely will not start as a rookie, but injuries could force the talented and ready linebacker into the fire.