2018 NFL Draft: Minnesota Vikings 7-round mock

Round 5 – Pick 167

Fred Warner, LB, BYU

This is the type of pick a team that has few holes can make. Next offseason will have some tough decisions on their hands with contract extensions. One of the talented duo of Anthony Barr or Erc Kendricks will likely not return. Being proactive about that loss could bring a steal for the Vikings.

Fred Warner is the type of athletic rangy linebacker that the NFL is looking for. His seven career interceptions show that he has almost safety-like skills in coverage. He is not the biggest linebacker in the class but his athleticism more than makes up for it. Warner is a candidate to impress at the combine. There is very little chance he is available here. However, in this scenario he was and an easy decision.

Minnesota could also do the same thing with edge rusher in preparation that a long term deal does not work out with Danielle Hunter. The team will have to work on signing Hunter and wide receiver Stefon Diggs next offseason. Being prepared for losses due to cap space is what separates the great general managers in the NFL.