All of these mock drafts are done with Pro Football Focus’s draft simulator. So, I’m at the mercy of their player rankings. With top draft evaluators like the Athletic’s Dane Brugler, ESPN’s Matt Miller, and NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah releasing their “final” rankings, it’s interesting to see that PFF’s evaluations often don’t match those that have been doing this a long time. It’s safe to say that they won’t match how NFL teams see the players either. PFF is what I have so I’m forced to mock with their rankings. This is what I got this week.
1. Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn
2. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
3. Connor Lew, C, Auburn
3. Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
5. Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest
6. Tanner Kozoil, TE, Houston
7. Max Dredeson, TE/FB, Michigan
7. Micah Morris, G, Georgia
7. Jakobe Thomas, S, Florida
This is one of my favorites of the Monday mocks. Keldric Faulk has emerged as one of my top choices for the 18th pick. He and Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman are currently running as my top picks. At 6’6” and about 280 lbs, Faulk is the biggest of the draft’s top edge rushers. He has the frame to add even more size. An edge rusher for most teams, I think the Vikings might see him as a defensive tackle in their defense.
I don’t think there’s any chance for Chris Johnson to be available for the Vikings in the second round. But, it’s fun to dream. The Vikings need a center. It’s nice timing as there are a handful of centers in this draft that project as early starters in the NFL. It’s expected that they’ll come off the board as early as the second round and into the third. Connor Lew has emerged as my favorite and I’d be thrilled if he’s the pick with one of their Day 2 picks. I believe that the Vikings will select a receiver and/or a running back on Day 2. Ted Hurst is easily my favorite Day 2 receiver. If a running back isn’t one of the picks in the second and third rounds, Demond Claiborne would be an excellent option on Day 3. With no pick in the fourth round, I’d be hoping that he’s available in the fifth round.
The final four picks in this mock draft include a couple late-round staples in Houston tight end Tanner Kozoil and Michigan blocker Max Bredeson. The mock newcomers are Georgia guard Micah Morris and Florida safety Jakobe Thomas. I’d like to see the Vikings add some offensive line depth. Tackle is probably the priority but Morris is difficult to pass on in the seventh round. I believe that he goes much earlier on Day 3. I also believe that the Vikings will address safety earlier than the seventh round in the real draft. Thomas is a nice late-round option.
Until the next, and last, one.
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