New Todd McShay Mock Draft: Vikings Select LB C.J. Mosley

Jan 2, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker C.J. Mosley (32) runs toward Oklahoma Sooners ball carrier during the second half of the Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Todd McShay has dropped another mock draft, and he has the Vikings going defense with the #8 overall pick. McShay’s new projection has Minnesota taking Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley…even though Derek Carr is still on the board in this mock.

McShay explains:

If there’s anything that keeps Mosley out of the first half of the first round, my guess is it would be concerns about his durability (he’s had significant shoulder, hip and elbow injuries in the past), but it’s hard not to fall in love with his performance on tape. He was highly productive at Alabama, and set the tone for that defense with his motor and aggressive play. In addition to his outstanding cover skills, he’s very disruptive when turned loose as a pass-rusher. He’d be a good fit in Minnesota as the Vikings’ weakside linebacker.

McShay has the Vikings going with Mosley over Anthony Barr. Khalil Mack is already off the board in this mock. So are QBs Teddy Bridgewater, Johnny Manziel and Blake Bortles.

Another popular guy at least among Viking fans, receiver Sammy Watkins, goes right after Minnesota at pick #9.

Does Mosley make an ideal #8 pick? If that’s the guy they want, it seems like a trade down would make sense. Watkins seems like a guy teams might covet enough to try to swing a deal up to 8.

We know how Rick Spielman loves to wheel and deal on draft day. He lives for it. It’s in his blood.

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