Vikings Draft 2018: Ranking the picks from worst to first
By Adam Patrick
1. Jalyn Holmes – DT (Ohio State)
Selection: Fourth round (102nd overall)
With Sharrif Floyd now gone and Sheldon Richardson likely leaving after a year, Holmes has the opportunity to sit and learn for a season before possibly becoming a starter in 2019.
He was listed as a defensive end at Ohio State, but Minnesota general manager Rick Spielman has already said that they will be using Holmes as a three-technique defensive tackle. With his combination of speed and strength, using Holmes on the inside could prove to be a dangerous weapon for Mike Zimmer’s defensive arsenal.
Adding him to a group that already features Richardson, Danielle Hunter, Everson Griffen, and Linval Joseph improves a defensive line that is already regarded as one of the best in the NFL. Opposing offenses are going to continue to have their hands full with the Vikings’ defensive line over the next few years with Holmes now in the mix.
Next: 15 best Vikings first-round picks of all time
Minnesota took a risk by trading out of the third round during last weekend’s draft. But it the risk proved to be worth it when the Vikings were able to snag Holmes off the board.