2018 NFL Draft: Minnesota Vikings 7-round mock
By Joe Romano
The Minnesota Vikings were a game away from playing in the Super Bowl. They have big decisions in free agency, then they can fill their limited holes in the NFL draft.
Minnesota sports one of the most complete rosters in the NFL. That was evident throughout 2017 when they withstood the loss of their starting quarterback and running back. The team that was in the NFC Championship is a solid offseason away from Super Bowl favorites. A strong draft will help push the needle further in that direction.
This mock draft was done utilizing Fanspeak’s On the Clock, a fun and informative tool for all NFL draft fans.
Before getting started, this mock draft does not address the quarterback position early. My expectation is that either Kirk Cousins or Teddy Bridgewater is the starting quarterback for the 2018 Minnesota Vikings. The team should build around either of those players and gear up for another deep playoff run.
Round 1 – Pick 30
Billy Price, G/C, Ohio State
An area of concern two years ago became a strength for the Minnesota Vikings. Free agent signing Riley Reiff paid big dividends, Fellow tackle Mike Remmers played well enough that his job should be secure next season. Rookie center Pat Elfein brought stability up the middle. Despite being a strength, both guard spots on this team are open for improvement.
Elfein’s replacement at Ohio State was Billy Price. The former Buckeye, like Elfein, has experience playing both guard and center position. He is one of the best interior offensive lineman in this class. A class that may produce five first round prospects. An unheard of number for a low-priority position like interior offensive line.
Price would jump right into either guard spot next to Elfein and make a young, dominant duo in the middle. He is an aggressive player coming from that Buckeye offense. Price is a powerful run blocker but do not let that fool you into thinking he is not an athlete. The former defensive player turned lineman has exceptional athleticism and can pull either way with ease. With such a strong class, the Vikings could sure up that line for years to come with the right pick here.