The fine folks at the Vikings website did the collecting.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr.
Jan. 17, 2019
The predicted first-round pick: Greg Little, T, Ole Miss
There's a case to be made that Little is the best true left tackle in this class.
He's certainly the most talented. The former five-star high school prospect was
inconsistent at times in college, but he should take off in an NFL strength and
conditioning program. Coach Mike Zimmer loves guys who get after quarterbacks
too, so that's going to be in consideration here.
ESPN’s Todd McShay
Dec. 12, 2018
The predicted first-round pick: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
Getting a prospect like this at No. 22 would be robbery. Brown is the type of
pass-rushing tackle that Mike Zimmer loves, and Sheldon Richardson's one-year
deal provides an opening in the interior of that Minnesota line.
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah
Jan. 18, 2019
The predicted first-round pick: Jonah Williams, G, Alabama
Williams is a solid offensive tackle prospect, but I believe he has All-Pro
potential at guard. The Vikings need to address the O-line this offseason.
NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks
Jan. 18, 2019
The predicted first-round pick: Greg Little, T, Ole Miss
The Minnesota Vikings are looking to solidify the offensive line. So much of
the blame went to Kirk Cousins, but how can you do it when you don’t have the
offensive line. That is why Greg Little is the pick here at 18. He’s a solid pass
protector, and good on the run. They need to get better in both facets, and I think
he is the pick for them.
CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson
Jan. 21, 2019
The predicted first-round pick: Dalton Risner, T, Kansas State
Same as last week -- but is it too early for the Vikings to look for a quarterback?
That was rhetorical, mostly because Kirk Cousins is one year into a three-year,
$84 million — all guaranteed — deal. And since Cousins isn't going anywhere,
Minnesota has to do a better job of protecting him. Risner was a tackle in college
but could kick inside at the next level where he will be a Day 1 starter.
CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso
Jan. 21, 2019
The predicted first-round pick: Dalton Risner, T, Kansas State
Risner would start immediately at right tackle for the Vikings, and after three years
of dominating at that spot, I'm confident when I write he can be an instant-impact pro.
Kirk Cousins would be pleased with this pick.
The Washington Post’s John Clayton
Jan. 22, 2019
The predicted pick: Greg Little, T, Ole Miss
Everyone knows offensive line was the biggest problem for the Vikings last season.
The position has to be a top priority for them in the draft, and in this scenario, one
of the best in the class falls to them.
SB Nation’s Dan Kadar
Jan. 21, 2019
The predicted pick: Jawaan Taylor, T, Florida
The Vikings need to hit on some picks this draft to really get into contention in the NFC.
One thing holding Minnesota back has been subpar offensive line play. Taylor is a
standout run blocker who could get looked at either at tackle or on the inside.
Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer
Jan. 22, 2019
The predicted pick: Greg Little, T, Ole Miss
The Vikings suffered from shaky pass protection in 2018, which is part of the reason Kirk
Cousins’ first season as their starting quarterback ending with a thud. Little (6-5, 325 pounds)
has the agility and athleticism to lock down the blind side for now full-time offensive
coordinator Kevin Stefanski.
Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller
Dec. 31, 2018
The predicted pick: Yodny Cajuste, T, West Virginia
The Minnesota Vikings took a step back this season after expectations were high following
a deep playoff run last year. To get back on track, the front office has to nail draft picks
to build a group around expensive free-agent signing Kirk Cousins at quarterback.
West Virginia's Yodny Cajuste has excellent athleticism and movement for a left tackle
prospect. There will be concerns that he's coming from the Big 12 where blockers don't
encounter many top-tier defensive linemen, but his traits are good enough to justify a
selection on the first night of the draft.
Pro Football Focus’ Steve Palazzolo
Jan. 15, 2018
The predicted pick: Cody Ford, OL, Oklahoma
The offensive line is still an issue in Minnesota, and Little has the five-star pedigree
and year-to-year development to get excited about his future. He allowed just 10
pressures on 493 pass-blocking snaps last season.
MMQB’s Kalyn Kahler
Dec. 19, 2018
The predicted pick: Cody Ford, OL, Oklahoma
The Vikings still need to improve the offensive line, and Ford is versatile and talented,
the kind of capable run-blocker Mike Zimmer would advocate for.
USA TODAY’s Nate Davis
Jan. 16, 2019
The predicted first-round pick: Devin White, LB, LSU
The O-line should be a priority but could be tough to address at this juncture.
White (6-1, 240) isn't as big as free-agent-to-be Anthony Barr but his ranginess
might make him a better fit in Mike Zimmer's defense.
The Draft Network’s Jon Ledyard
The predicted first-round pick: Garrett Bradbury, OL, North Carolina State
Pat Elflein hasn’t been a great pivot in Minnesota, so maybe a move to guard would
do him well. Meanwhile, Bradbury has the agility and technique to be dominant in
the run game, an offensive direction that will likely be paramount for offensive
coordinator Kevin Stefanski next season. Good fit at a position of need.
USA TODAY’s Luke Easterling
Jan. 17, 2019
The predicted first-round pick: Dalton Risner, T, Kansas State
This offensive line needs help across the board, so finding a versatile blocker with
the experience and polish to start immediately at multiple spots would be ideal.
Lucky for the Vikings, that’s exactly what Risner can bring to the table.
First of all, when did John Clayton start working for the Washington Post?
Second of all, what is Todd McShay and Nate Davis thinking.
Defensive players? Did they not watch the 2018 Minnesota Vikings?
There has probably never been a greater draft need than
the offensive line need that this Vikings team currently has?
If the defense is the pick there will be a revolution in Minnesota.
McShay made his pick way back on December 12. That was so early
that the Vikings draft position was still an unknown. But the offensive
line need was as glaring then as it is now.
McShay made his pick way back on December 12. That was so early
that the Vikings draft position was still an unknown. But the offensive
line need was as glaring then as it is now.
My current favorite pick for the Vikings is Oklahoma's Cody Ford or
Alabama's Jonah Williams. Mississippi State C/G Elgton Jenkins
is rising fast.
It's January. It's so damn early in the draft evaluation process but
the way it looks rightnow an offensive lineman with the talent to
help immediately should be available at the 18th pick of the first
round. That's a very good thing.
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