Fansided

NFL mock draft: SEC stars get moved around

By John Buhler

Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97) against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97) against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Geno Atkins

Defensive Tackle, Georgia Bulldogs

Well, it turns out that the Cincinnati Bengals forgot to realize that they would be losing their best player on defense in the SEC redistribution draft by retaining wide receiver A.J. Green. Cincinnati had to say goodbye to Green’s two-time teammate in defensive tackle Geno Atkins.

The Minnesota Vikings may still like Sharif Floyd, but they know that they’ll need to do something to make that defensive front more imposing. Taking Atkins away from the Bengals helps make the Vikings a better contender to win meaningful games in 2018.

2017 was more in the vein of 2016 for the Vikings. Quarterback Sam Bradford threw for a high completion percentage, but rookie running back Dalvin Cook never really got going behind that bad Vikings offensive line. Outside of the rival Green Bay Packers, the NFC North had a terrible year and the Vikings were certainly a part of it.

Minnesota is still choosing to win with defense. Since the Vikings won’t lose many of its star players to the SEC redraft, they find a way to get better by upgrading from Floyd to Atkins. Maybe Floyd will be available in round two. Certainly, beloved wideouts like Laquon Treadwell and Cordarrelle Patterson will be.

The NFL’s longest playoff drought continues into its 18th year. The Buffalo Bills are now on the clock…

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