2018 NFL Draft: Minnesota Vikings 7-round mock

Round 2 – Pick 62

Derrick Nnadi, DT, Florida State

Minnesota proved during its spectacular 2017 run that this defensive unit is one of the best in the NFL. Their third down percentage was almost historic. It is a defense filled with playmakers at every level. A pending issue for the group is at defensive tackle. Jaleel Johnson is a free agent. Fellow tackle Shariff Floyd is speculated not to return as well. The Vikings will need someone to come in and plug next to Linval Joseph, one of the game’s best.

Derrick Nnadi of Florida State present great value late in round two. A deep defensive tackle class pushed him down the board a bit, good news for the Vikings here. There is a bit of an overlap between him and Joseph, as both are more nose tackles than outside shade players. However, Nnadi at 6-foot-1 and 299 pounds, is a bit undersized to stay there in the NFL.

The former Seminole has excellent tape, and a relentless motor, likely related. Nnadi uses his small and compact frame to be a headache for opposing offenses. He is quick off the ball, and uses his leverage to get into the backfield. His excellent eyes give him the ability to shed blocks and make tackles despite being engaged by a blocker. Nnadi can also provide some pass rush from the interior with some moves to attack edges of guards and centers. The loss of Johnson and Floyd would be lessened with a player like Nnadi being plugged in.