2018 NFL Draft: Biggest need for each team
By Conor Dorney
Minnesota Vikings: Offensive guard
The Vikings were victors in the ever-important Kirk Cousins sweepstakes, inking the former Redskins signal-caller to a three-year, $84 million (fully guaranteed) deal. The priority now in this draft? Protect their new investment at all costs.
With their quarterback situation now set, Minnesota should turn to the boys up front, particularly on the interior at guard. Although the play of Riley Reiff and and Mike Remmers at the tackle positions have been average, the depth of this class at offensive guard will be the best bet as the Vikes look to improve their offensive line.
Last year’s third-round pick, Pat Elflein, has shown promise at center but Minnesota could use some help to flank him. The return from injury of running back Dalvin Cook should help to rejuvenate the ground game and open up things in a Minnesota air attack that is loaded with weapons.
Though the Vikes will miss out on a top-tier guard talent like Quenton Nelson, there are still plenty of options late in the first round, as well as on days two and three. Isaiah Wynn and Will Hernandez are both potential options with the club’s first selection, while names like Austin Corbett, Wyatt Teller, and Braden Smith could all make sense in the second round and beyond.
The lack of clear-cut talent at tackle means Minnesota will likely wait to address depth at the position in later rounds, but for now, they add some help on the interior for a team that already looks to be one of the NFC’s top Super Bowl contenders heading into next season.