With offensive line being an obvious need going into the offseason, The Draft Network has the Minnesota Vikings selecting an offensive tackle in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Despite it feeling like the 2018 NFL season just began, there are now just two games left on the schedule remaining for the Minnesota Vikings. Which means it’s also getting even closer for the Vikings to begin preparing for 2019.
Near the top of Minnesota’s list of priorities for next year should definitely include improving their offensive line. The position group has been a thorn in the Vikings’ side for a number of seasons and it’s time for them to put some serious effort into giving their franchise quarterback a better group of blockers.
Part of Minnesota’s effort to improve their offensive line will likely take place in the 2019 NFL Draft. How early the Vikings draft a young blocker will obviously depend on what moves the team makes in free agency.
But according to a recent mock draft from The Draft Network’s Jon Ledyard, Minnesota will be adding an offensive lineman as soon as they can in the 2019 draft.
Ledyard has the Vikings selecting Florida offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor with their first-round pick in next year’s draft. He admits that this selection may be a reach by Minnesota, but that Taylor is still a solid player to add to their roster.
In Ledyard’s mock draft, Taylor is one of six offensive tackles taken during the first 21 picks. With this draft class featuring a number of talented offensive lineman, he does also mention that it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Vikings made a move in the first round to get a blocker they have their heart set on.
At 6-foot-5, 340 pounds, Taylor could be the guy Minnesota is looking for though to shore up the outside of their offensive line with current rookie Brian O’Neill.
According to WalterFootball.com, a number of pro scouts even believe that the Florida tackle could be the first blocker taken off to the board in the draft. The site also has Taylor ranked as their top offensive tackle prospect in this year’s class.
Whether they go with the Florida tackle or not, it seems safe to say that a bunch of Vikings fans would be very satisfied with the team actually using their first-round draft selection on any offensive lineman in 2019.