The Viking Age
FanSided

NFL mock draft: Mel Kiper says Josh Doctson to Vikings

By Dan Zinski

Sep 19, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Josh Doctson (9) catches a touchdown pass past Southern Methodist Mustangs defensive back David Johnson (4) during the first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Josh Doctson (9) catches a touchdown pass past Southern Methodist Mustangs defensive back David Johnson (4) during the first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

A new NFL mock draft from ESPN expert Mel Kiper has the Minnesota Vikings taking WR Josh Doctson with the #23 overall pick.

Mel Kiper has released his fourth mock draft of the year and he’s sticking with his guns when it comes to the Vikings’ pick. Kiper mocked Josh Doctson to the Vikes the last time around, and he’s mocking Doctson to the Vikings this time too.

Kiper decrees (via ESPN Insider):

"As I said then, you have Stefon Diggs, but this is a huge year for Teddy Bridgewater and the Vikings need to add another weapon in the passing game. Doctson is a magician when the ball is in the air, and he can make plays after the catch as well."

Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman recently got a close-up look at Doctson when they visited TCU pro day, and Zimmer even lined up on Doctson to test out his press-coverage-beating skills.

The Vikings get another chance to sit down with Doctson this week as part of their annual top-30 event. Wide receiver Laquon Treadwell was also invited to the event which took place Tuesday and Wednesday.

Athleticism is the big selling point with Doctson. His performance at the combine showed that he’s a top-tier athlete at the position, and you know how the Vikings like targeting players with great pure athletic ability.

There are of course questions about Doctson as there will be with any prospect. He ran a limited route tree at TCU, leading some to wonder if he will be a good route-runner at the next level. Doctson also does not possess elite speed.

If you’re debating between Doctson and Ole Miss WR Laquon Treadwell, Doctson comes out on top in pure athletic ability but Treadwell wins in terms of technical polish. Current Vikings WR Stefon Diggs recently made it known which side of this debate he falls on.

Next: Vikings won't take LB in first

The Vikings’ decision to have both Doctson and Treadwell into Winter Park for their top-30 event possibly indicates that they have not yet made up their mind which player they favor. If they have any doubts either way, it doesn’t hurt to take one last look.

Home/Minnesota Vikings Draft