Vikings Draft 2018: Ranking the picks from worst to first
By Adam Patrick
3. Brian O’Neill – OT (Pittsburgh)
Selection: Second round (62nd overall)
As is the case with Gossett, O’Neill could also be in the running for a starting role with the Vikings in 2018 depending on how his offseason goes.
Some believe he will need at least year on the bench to improve his strength and some of his other flaws, but Minnesota probably wouldn’t have drafted O’Neill so high if they didn’t feel comfortable about the possibility of him starting a few games next season.
He is capable of playing both on both sides of the line, so the Vikings may decide to keep him in a reserve role next year in case one of their starting tackles has to miss time due to injury.
Once he eventually does crack the starting lineup, O’Neill is going to allow Minnesota to do a variety of different things on offense. With his abnormal speed for an offensive lineman (4.82 40 time), O’Neill could be leading the way on a bunch of screens and toss plays for many seasons with the Vikings.
2. Mike Hughes – CB (Central Florida)
Selection: First round (30th overall)
Many Vikings fans love Marcus Sherels and what he has done for the team in the past handful of years. But the addition of Hughes could mean that Sherels’ time in Minnesota could be coming to an end.
The Vikings’ new cornerback had three return touchdowns (two on kickoffs, one on a punt) in 2017 alone.
Not only does Hughes have great returning skills and the ability to replace Sherels next season, but Minnesota’s 2018 first-round pick is also excellent in pass coverage. Last year at Central Florida, Hughes didn’t allow a single touchdown or a pass to be caught longer than 21 yards.
His impact on defense may not be felt immediately next season (especially with him being a defensive back and Mike Zimmer not being a fan of playing rookies that much), but it’s hard to imagine Hughes’ presence as a return-man will go unnoticed in 2018.