1. Jack Conklin – OT – Michigan State
The Minnesota Vikings signed Alex Boone to a four-year deal worth $26.8 million, signed Andre Smith to a one-year deal worth $3.5 million and brought back Phil Loadholt on a new one-year deal worth $4 million. Oh and they also elected to do nothing with Matt Kalil, who will play for $11.1 million in 2016.
Needless to say the Vikes have a lot of money invested in their offensive line – more than any other team in the NFL, in fact – but that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily done adding O-line talent.
If the Vikes decide not to draft a WR in the first, they could target the offensive tackle position and bring in Jack Conklin of Michigan State.
The 6-6, 308-pound Conklin gets high marks from scouts for his size and strength, and possesses enough athleticism to stay at tackle in the NFL. He’s the kind of heady, physical player Mike Zimmer would love to have. The Vikings are not just trying to upgrade the talent on the O-line, they’re trying to take on a nastier, more competitive demeanor. Conklin already has that going for him.