Fansided

5 players Vikings should draft in the first round

By Rucker Haringey

TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 6: Defensive End Jermaine Johnson II #11 of the Florida State Seminoles is being defended by Tackle Ikem "Ickey" Ekwonu #79 of the NC State Wolfpack during the game at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on November 6, 2021 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Wolfpack defeated the Seminoles 28 to 14. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 6: Defensive End Jermaine Johnson II #11 of the Florida State Seminoles is being defended by Tackle Ikem "Ickey" Ekwonu #79 of the NC State Wolfpack during the game at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on November 6, 2021 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Wolfpack defeated the Seminoles 28 to 14. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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Vikings mock draft
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 20: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings calls a play in the huddle against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 20, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The Vikings defeated the Bears 17-9. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

The Vikings are ready to reshape their roster with Kevin O’Connell at the helm. Here are five players Minnesota might draft to help their new coach. 

Minnesota heads into the 2022 season looking to forge a new identity under first-year head coach Kevin O’Connell. The presence of Kirk Cousins’ contract on the team’s cap sheet prevents the Vikings from making a ton of changes via free agency. As a result, nailing April’s draft is imperative for the franchise if they want to take a meaningful step forward next season.

The team definitely still needs help in the secondary despite spending a lot of draft capital on cornerback during Mike Zimmer’s tenure. The starting spot opposite Cam Dantzler could be addressed with the team’s No. 12 overall selection.

The Vikings’ front office could also elect to build their defense from front to back. If that happens, an edge rusher could be the way to go in Round 1. Danielle Hunter is entrenched on one side of the line but he needs a partner to maximize his effectiveness. The depth of edge rusher in this year’s draft class could work to Minnesota’s advantage.

Predicting Minnesota’s draft plans is a challenge this season, but Vikings fans should spend their time watching these five prospects.

5. Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner

It’s highly unlikely that Gardner will fall to Minnesota at No. 12 but stranger things have happened. If the former Cincy star is on the board the Vikings should sprint to the podium to select him without a second thought.

He’s tailor-made to be a No. 1 corner on the outside for whoever drafts him. Landing him is the best semi-realistic outcome for Minnesota on draft day.

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