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NFL mock draft: Minnesota Vikings select OT Taylor Decker

By Dan Zinski

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Taylor Decker on the bench against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Taylor Decker on the bench against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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A new NFL mock draft from Saturday Blitz has the Minnesota Vikings selecting OT Taylor Decker with the no. 23 overall pick.

In their latest first-round mock draft, FanSided college football site Saturday Blitz has the Vikings passing on wide receiver Corey Coleman and taking Ohio State OT Taylor Decker.

Why Decker instead of Coleman (or any other wide receiver for that matter)? Here’s the reason:

"The Minnesota Vikings need to do everything they can to build around quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and they could go to Corey Coleman to fill a need at receiver or they could take an offensive lineman like Taylor Decker who can play both tackle and guard spots. I’m partial to size in these toss-ups and think Decker would be able to move along the line and would be a dream to coach."

The 6-7, 310-pound Decker was named a consensus All-American in 2015. CBSSports.com compares him to Jack Mewhort of the Indianapolis Colts, noting his size and power. USA Today sees Decker as an “ideal left tackle,” pointing out that he is technically sound.

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NFL.com compares Decker to Sebastian Vollmer, noting his intangibles and mindset. Walter Football ranks Decker as the #4 overall offensive tackle, but notes that he struggles against pass rushers. Drafttek praises Decker’s footwork and compares him to Nate Solder of the Patriots.

The Vikings have already made a lot of moves to shore up their offensive line, adding free agents Alex Boone and Andre Smith, re-signing 2015 starters Brandon Fusco and Mike Harris, bringing back former starter Phil Loadholt to compete at right tackle and of course retaining Matt Kalil at the hefty price of $11.1 million for one year.

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Given all the shoring-up the Vikings have already done on the line, it would seem that O-line would not then be a pressing need in the draft, but then again you never know.

A player like Taylor Decker might make sense for Minnesota given that he can play multiple positions, providing a backup option at several spots in year one and then moving into the starting lineup – perhaps at left tackle – in year two.

The fact that Decker basically looks like Alex Boone’s twin brother doesn’t play into this at all.

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