The Athletic’s Draft Haul For The Vikings

Fresh off of dropping “The Beast,” the Athletic’s Dane Brugler released his seven-round mock drafts. Brugler is one of my favorite talent evaluators. He puts so much work into all that he does. A seven-round mock is a daunting thing. Here’s what he got for the Minnesota Vikings. 

1. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

2. Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

3. A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU

3. Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State

5. Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati

6. Mason Reiger, Edge, Wisconsin

7. J.C. Davis, OT, Illinois

7. Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky

7. Josh Cuevas, TE, Alabama

It’s always a bit startling when Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman isn’t mocked to the Vikings at 18. In this mock, Thieneman was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the next pick. Jermod McCoy would be an outstanding addition to the Vikings secondary. It’s been since Xavier Rhodes started to fade that a corner of McCoy’s talent has been in Minnesota. Shortly after the combine, Lee Hunter was one of my favorites for the first round. Preferably with a little trade back. With the way that he moved, I could see a little Dexter Lawrence in Hunter. Getting him in the second round would be a steal. A.J. Haulcy in the third would also be a steal. The Vikings must find a center on Day 2. Sam Hecht works for me. 

The biggest challenge of this year’s mock drafts has been trying to appropriately address all of the Vikings top needs with their four picks in the first three rounds. It’s both difficult and frustrating. Through this draft evaluation process, I’ve become convinced that the Vikings will address receiver or running back on Day 2. If the draft falls their way, I could see both positions being addressed. With center being a priority, Day 2 could be all offense. In Brugler’s mock, I might be tempted to pass on Lee Hunter for Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price. I like Hunter but I might like Price more. Even with Clemson receiver Antonio Williams, I don’t think I’d give up A.J. Haulcy for a receiver. In mocks, Haulcy has often been my pick in the second round if Dillon Thieneman isn’t the pick in the first. 

As for the receiver concerns, Jeff Caldwell would be a fine addition. The Vikings could use a receiver with his size and speed. With edge being a team strength, I’be debated the need for a pass rusher. In today’s NFL, a team can never have enough players that get after the quarterback. Mason Reiger is one of the best Day 3 options. Brugler didn’t get the Vikings a running back on Day 2 but he found an intriguing one in the seventh round. Seth McGowan is one of my favorite Day 3 backs. I’m surprised that he’s available in the seventh round. J.C. Davis looks like a solid offensive line depth addition. I see Josh Cuevas as a nice C.J. Ham replacement. 

Even though I’d swap Jadarian Price for Lee Hunter, I’d be thrilled if the Vikings real draft fell like Dane Brugler’s mock draft.