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Latest NFL Draft intel confirms suspicion long held about the Minnesota Vikings' plans
TL;DR
Recent intel suggests the Minnesota Vikings are likely to focus on their secondary and defensive line in the upcoming NFL Draft, confirming long-held beliefs about their strategy. Analysts are particularly eyeing safety Dillon Thieneman as a potential target.
How the Minnesota Vikings will handle the NFL Draft has been up in the air. The latest intel shows that a long held belief is likely to come to fruition.
The Minnesota Vikingsā strategy in the NFL Draft will be a fascinating one to watch play out.
There are multiple paths the Vikings can take. The secondary and defensive line have been a major focus of NFL Draft analysts, especially Oregon Ducks safety Dillon Thieneman.
What hasnāt made sense is how many believe the Vikings will take a cornerback in the NFL Draft. The history with Brian Flores as the defensive coordinator shows that the position wonāt be a priority in the NFL Draft.
Vikings insider confirms suspicion about NFL Draft plans
Not only do the Vikings not take cornerbacks highly, this class predicates that you donāt have to force it. The Athleticās Alec Lewis confirmed that the Vikings arenāt likely to select a cornerback.
The Vikings haven't used a first- or second-round pick on a cornerback since Flores arrived, and I don't expect them to start now, especially after signing free agent James Pierre.
That makes all the sense in the world. I have 15 players in my top 100 prospects in this class, and itās not a position where the Vikings need to have elite level players. Flores prioritizes the pass rush over coverage players.
The other aspect of this discussion centers around trying to fix an offense that struggled massively last season. Lewis confirmed another suspicion that it will likely be a priority in the NFL Draft, especially wide receiver and center.
The Vikings have done serious pre-draft work on receiver and center prospects. Offensive line coach Keith Carter, assistant offensive line coach Derek Warehime and receivers coach Keenan McCardell have racked up thousands of travel miles with trips to colleges around the country.
With Tai Felton being the WR3 currently, adding competition is likely going to be a major priority. There is another factor of Jordan Addison. They have budgeted for an extension, but thatās not a guarantee he will agree to one. Adding a day two wide receiver gives them insurance.
Cornerback might be a surface-level need for the Vikings, but they had the second-ranked pass defense with three cornerbacks on the roster. Maybe they know what they are doing.
Q&A
What positions are the Minnesota Vikings prioritizing in the NFL Draft?
The Minnesota Vikings are prioritizing the secondary and defensive line in the NFL Draft.
Who is the key safety prospect the Vikings are targeting in the NFL Draft?
The key safety prospect the Vikings are targeting is Dillon Thieneman from the Oregon Ducks.
Why might the Vikings not prioritize cornerbacks in the NFL Draft?
The Vikings may not prioritize cornerbacks due to their history with defensive coordinator Brian Flores, indicating other positions are more critical.