The Viking Age
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ESPN’s Todd McShay mocks 3 rounds of Vikings 2017 draft picks

By Adam Carlson

Sep 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; ABC television broadcaster Todd McShay interviews Stanford Cardinal coach David Shaw after the game against the Southern California Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Stanford defeated USC 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; ABC television broadcaster Todd McShay interviews Stanford Cardinal coach David Shaw after the game against the Southern California Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Stanford defeated USC 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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ESPN draft expert Toddy McShay released his most recent 2017 mock draft and his selections for the Minnesota Vikings in the first 3 rounds are interesting.

The 2017 NFL Draft is just around the corner. Scheduled for April 27th through April 29th, the Minnesota Vikings may not have a first round selection, but they can still improve their team with picks on days 2 and 3 of the event.

Whenever this time of year comes around, the draft experts come out to play. Two of the most notable are ESPN’s Todd McShay and Mel Kiper. Many experts and fans put a lot of stock into what these two individuals think about prospects and their fits with teams, making them the premiere authorities.

McShay recently released a 3 round mock draft. Although it is behind the ESPN paywall, the official Minnesota Vikings website shared the team’s projected picks on their official website.

The ESPN expert had some rules when making this mock draft. He looked to make the best pick in the interest of the team without looking at upcoming teams and prospect fits. No trades were allowed that weren’t already made. And picks were made based on value and team need rather than projecting picks.

The first pick for Minnesota was at #48 overall where the choice was Temple guard Dion Dawkins:

"“O-line is a massive need for Minnesota, but without a first-round pick, the Vikings are unlikely to get one of the higher-rated players at the position. Dawkins has the necessary length (35-inch arms) to potentially play tackle, but he lined up at guard during Senior Bowl practices, and that might end up being his best fit in the NFL.”"

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Next, Mcshay chose Iowa defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson with the first of the Minnesota’s third round draft picks at #79 overall.

"“Johnson is one of the most explosive interior pass-rushers in this class, as he displayed improved strength this past season.”"

Finally, at #86 overall, a running back was the focus in the third round as Texas running back D’Onta Foreman was selected.

"“The Vikings cut RB Adrian Peterson and signed Latavius Murray in free agency on a low-risk contract. It couldn’t hurt to add another running back to the fold. Foreman runs with great power, but durability is a concern.”"

Next: Vikings free agency tracker

What do you think of McShay’s selections for the Minnesota Vikings? Would you consider Dion Dawkins, Jaleel Johnson, and D’Onta Foreman as a solid start to the 2017 draft class? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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