NFL Draft: 5 players Vikings should draft in the first round

5 players Vikings should draft in the first round

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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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAR 04: Jermaine Johnson II #LB20 of the Florida State Seminoles speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 4, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

1. Jermaine Johnson II

Unlike the majority of players on this list, Johnson is a prospect who has enjoyed a meteoric rise up draft boards this season. He entered the year as a fringe first-rounder and now he has a real chance to become a top-10 pick.

Johnson was dominant at times for Florida State out on the edge last season. He’s a long, quick pass-rusher who understands how to produce pressure from the edge via both power and speed. It’s easy to envision him as a double-digit sack guy at the next level once he grows accustomed to the technical challenges of working against NFL tackles.

Johnson’s ability to work through blocks and make plays against the run makes him one of the most complete edge guys in this year’s draft class. Throw in the reality that he can play as a down lineman in a four-man front or as a stand-up linebacker in a 3-4 alignment and it’s easy to see why he’s a perfect building block for the Vikings’ defense.

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There’s a chance he won’t remain on the board when the Vikings go on the clock at No. 12 but the odds favor him falling just far enough to take his talents to Minnesota. Landing him would be an excellent break for the team’s front office in Round 1.

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