Minnesota Vikings 2017 NFL Draft grades from around the internet

How do the experts from around the NFL feel the Minnesota Vikings did at the 2017 NFL Draft? Here are some grades and analysis from around the internet.

One of the most popular things around the internet following the NFL Draft is to assign grades to teams like the Minnesota Vikings based on the selections that they made, their fit with the team. and how much value they represented.

Of course, grading these players before they even step foot on an NFL field is far from a science. For many of the experts or websites, they have their own opinions of these individuals and how they will do with their new teams while others may have the exact opposite opinions.

However, these grades are always a lot of fun to look at. Even though they shouldn’t be taken too seriously since the true worth of these players will be revealed as they play games in the future, it is interesting to see how the experts feel general manager Rick Spielman did with the ammunition at the draft.

Here is a list of some major sites along with their grades for the Minnesota Vikings 2017 draftees and some analysis in order from best grade to worst:

SBNation – Grade: A

"“They still managed to get first-round value in running back Dalvin Cook. I think he can be a star in the NFL, and trading a fourth-round pick to get him was worth it. On the field, he’s a playmaker who runs with speed, shiftiness, and enough power.”"

Sporting News – Grade: A-

"“GM Rick Spielman got his true three-down replacement for Adrian Peterson with a smart trade-up for Cook. It was important to get interior blocking help for him, too, with Elflein and Isidora. Gedeon is a classic Mike Zimmer depth defender.”"

Bleacher Report – Grade: A-

"“This draft will revolve around Cook’s future, but if he keeps things clean, this is the steal of the draft…Johnson and Odenigbo are two linemen to watch in Mike Zimmer’s aggressive system.”"

NFL.com – Grade: B+

"“Minnesota didn’t have many picks to start with, and then they traded a fourth-round pick to move up to get Dalvin Cook. Cook’s talent was worthy of a top pick, so it’s hard to blame Rick Spielman for this move…Pat Elflein will provide strength in the middle of the offensive line for years to come.”"

ESPN’s Mel Kiper – Grade: B+

"“Getting Pat Elflein, my No. 1 center, at pick No. 70 was solid. I wonder if he could play guard next to Joe Berger, too. Dalvin Cook dropped a little throughout the pre-draft process, but he’s a home run threat and will help out in the passing game.”"

Sports Illustrated – Grade: B+

"“In Round 2, they landed a Round 1 talent (RB Dalvin Cook); in Round 3, they landed a Round 2 talent (G/C Pat Elflein)…The Vikings took some shots from there.”"

USA Today – Grade: B

"“Both – RB Dalvin Cook and OL Pat Elflein – should be instant difference makers for a rushing game that ranked last in 2016. Cook has red flags to shed after suffering several injuries at Florida State along with questions about his off-field behavior.”"

The Washington Post – Grade: B-

"“Getting RB Dalvin Cook with the ninth choice of the second round was well worth it. This draft was deep in runners but he’d been projected as a first-rounder by some observers…The center taken in the third round, Pat Elflein, could be a very solid although far-from-glamorous pick.”"

CBS Sports – Grade: C+

"“They got a first-round talent in the second round in running back Dalvin Cook. If he can stay away from the issues that had many dropping him down, he will be a steal. Upgrading their offensive line with Ohio State center Pat Elflein in the third round was a good pick. They added some weapons with a chance to help the passing game in the later rounds.”"

FOX Sports – Grade: C

"“Dalvin Cook is an excellent player, but is he, a one-cut runner, going to be a seamless fit into the Vikings’ offense? Pat Elflein is an excellent center, but did the Vikings need a center? They have two already, and I like them both.”"

Next: Our grades for each Vikings 2017 draft pick

How do you feel the Minnesota Vikings did during the 2017 NFL Draft? Did they draft talented players to fill important needs or do you feel they missed the mark with their selections? Leave your grade and analysis in the comments below.

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