Five 2019 draft prospects the Vikings should be watching

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GAINESVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 25: Jacques Patrick #9 of the Florida State Seminoles carries during the first half of the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /

Jacques Patrick, RB – Florida St.

I know what you’re thinking: Dalvin Cook was a second-round draft pick only two seasons ago, so why would the Vikings use another high draft selection on a running back with other, more pressing needs for the franchise?

The reason is pretty simple. Latavius Murray, Ameer Abdullah, and even C.J. Ham are set to become free agents and it can be questioned as to whether or not Mike Boone or Roc Thomas will be ready for a bigger role. And even if the Vikings can bring Murray back, odds are he will be much more expensive than his $5.2 million price tag this season.

For that reason, looking at a bigger-bodied running back like Jacques Patrick makes a lot of sense. The 6-foot-3 and 236 pound back could be a great bruising complement to Cook and a good insurance policy if Cook is forced to sit out some games. Plus, with him not scoring many touchdowns during his senior season, there is a good chance he could slide as far as the third round, a great value for a guy averaging 7.6 yard per carry over his collegiate career.

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