Minnesota Vikings take WR first in 4-round mock draft

The Minnesota Vikings take a wide receiver with their first pick in a new four-round mock draft from NFL Spin Zone.

The gang over at NFL Spin Zone has come out with a new four-round mock draft for the Minnesota Vikings, and I advise all Vikings fans to go check it out. Briefly, let’s run down the four players the Spin Zone gang has Minnesota drafting in their mock.

In the first round, the Vikings go with Notre Dame WR Will Fuller. Here’s the explanation for the pick:

"Bringing in a player that can stretch the field is the important take away for the Vikings. Fuller is a big play threat who will demand coverage as he streaks across the field and will, hopefully, force the defense to back off playing the run almost exclusively."

It should be noted that Fuller ran a 4.3 40 at the combine Saturday, so his speed is legit. If pure straight-line speed is what you’re looking for from a receiver? Fuller certainly has it.

In the second round of the NFL Spin Zone mock, the Vikings select safety Darian Thompson from Boise State. We have mentioned Thompson here before and he is definitely an intriguing option at the safety position. Is he the right kind of safety to line up alongside Harrison Smith? Only Mike Zimmer knows for sure.

In the third round, the Vikings select OG/OT Willie Beavers of Western Michigan. Here’s what the NFL Spin Zone folks say about him:

"Beavers, who may not be an inspiring name, is an athletic college tackle who may not be ideal as a plug and play starter but should have enough upside to force the players above him to take notice and up their game."

There’s no question offensive line is a need for the Vikes and they should address the position fairly early in the draft.

Next: Zimmer wants to improve O-line demeanor

And in the fourth round of the four-round mock, the pick for Minnesota is WR Tajae Sharpe from Massachusetts:

"If the Vikings take someone who is a deep, big play threat in the first round like Will Fuller, Sharpe would be the perfect piece to pair with such a player. Sharpe is meticulous in his route running, his footwork is excellent, and his hands do not leave much to be desired. He’s an all-around wide receiver who already has the game of a professional."

Two receivers in four rounds would definitely be a curveball from Rick Spielman. Remember to check out the mock and the full write-ups on each player over at NFL SpinZone.