2018 NFL Mock Draft: Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen top first round
By Brad Weiss
Martinas Rankin
Offensive Tackle, Mississippi State
During the 2016 preseason, the Minnesota Vikings lost their starting quarterback to a devastating injury. They ended up trading for Sam Bradford to replace the injured Teddy Bridgewater, trading away their first round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. With their first pick in 2018, look for them to bring in a player who is going to protect the quarterback, and Martinas Rankin is one of the best this class has to offer.
This offseason, the Vikings lost star offensive tackle Matt Kalil to free agency. In order to make up for that loss, they went out and signed Riley Reiff to a free agent contract. While Reiff is a solid player, the Vikings should look to bring in more depth along the offensive line, and Rankin has the size, and speed to stay on the left side of the line at the next level.
Minnesota spent a draft pick on running back Dalvin Cook last season, and he could wind up being one of the best backs in the league before all is said and done. With Bradford looking strong this preseason, they need to make sure they keep him on his feet going forward. Bradford has struggled with injuries in his career, so protecting him has got to be a top priority for the Vikings.
The Minnesota defense is loaded, and this team is only a player or two away from being a serious contender in the NFC. They are building their team the right way, and with a beautiful stadium, the Vikings appear headed in the right direction. Drafting an offensive tackle is a smart more this late in the first round, and with the depth they already have elsewhere, Rankin would be a nice grab here.