NFL Draft 2019: Minnesota Vikings full mock draft

By Joe Romano | Apr 1, 2019

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 18: Stefon Diggs #14 and Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings speak during warmups before the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 18, 2018 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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RALEIGH, NC – SEPTEMBER 29: North Carolina State Wolfpack center Garrett Bradbury (65) prepares to line up for the next play during the game between the NC State Wolfpack and the Virginia Cavaliers on September 29, 2018 at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by William Howard/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Round 1 – Pick 18

Garrett Bradbury, OL, North Carolina State

In all the mock drafts I’ve written this offseason there have been a few constants. None were as easy of a selection as the best interior offensive lineman paired with the Minnesota Vikings. It seems like you could pencil in the top guard or center to Minnesota without fail for months now. Bringing in veteran Josh Kline gives them an answer at one guard spot.

Pat Elflein, the team’s third round pick from 2017 has flashed at center as well. That leaves a hole at the other guard spot, currently occupied by Aviante Collins. An upgrade there would go a long way opening holes for Dalvin Cook and keeping Kirk Cousins clean.

Garrett Bradbury of North Carolina State is the top interior offensive lineman in the draft. He’s currently battling for that position with Texas A&M’s Erik McCoy and Boston College’s Chris Lindstrom. Bradbury is the best of the bunch, by a decent margin. He’s one of the safest picks in the entire draft and can be slotted into a guard or center spot for the next decade.

A scheme versatile offensive lineman, Bradbury would excel in the Vikings zone heavy scheme where he can use his excellent mobility and play speed to dominate defenses.

As a player that came in as a tight end to the Wolfpack and leaving a guard, he certainly did not leave his athleticism behind on campus. He’s an agile yet powerful offensive lineman who would allow Minnesota to pick between him and Elflein at the center position with the other being able to kick out to guard. This would complete the offensive line for Minnesota with former second round pick Bryan O’Neill at right tackle and Riley Reiff on the left side.

Do not rule out a trade back for Minnesota. There is talent in this part of the draft along the offensive interior. The Vikings could allow teams to jump back into the middle of the first round, slide back a bit and still get a plug-and-play guard while collecting picks.

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