Grade: B
Best pick: Mike Hughes (CB, UCF)
Questionable pick: Tyler Conklin (TE, Central Michigan)
Sleeper pick: Brian O’Neill (OT, Pitt)
The Vikings entered the draft with needs in the secondary and managed to pick up a player some felt was the most talented cornerback in the class in UCF’s Mike Hughes. Hughes reportedly fell due to character concerns but he should be able to make an immediate impact in an already-talented Minnesota secondary.
Protecting new $84 million man Kirk Cousins figured to be high on the priority list for the Vikings as well, and landing Pitt’s Brian O’Neill late in the second round could be an extremely good value. O’Neill possesses outstanding athleticism for a player of his size and if not for an uneven Senior Bowl performance, he very well could have seen him sneak into the back half of the first round. There’s enough to work with that the Vikings should feel good about his chances going forward.
Tyler Conklin made perhaps more highlight-reel catches than any player in this class but it’s unclear whether he’s recovered enough from a foot injury to be a pass-catching threat at the next level. After testing with a 4.8 40-yard dash, I’m not sure Conklin will be able to create enough separation from opposing defenders to make those circus catches in the NFL.