Grading the performance of the Minnesota Vikings’ 2018 draft class

Undrafted

Holton Hill – CB (Texas)

The Vikings found a hidden gem in Texas cornerback Holton Hill. Injuries forced him into action this past season and he more than held his own.

Hill was active for all 16 of Minnesota’s games in 2018 and he started in three of them. He finished the year with 36 tackles, one interception, and seven pass breakups.

The Vikings made him a priority free-agent after the draft and they were rewarded for taking a chance on the guy who had a ton of character red flags coming out of school.

Grade: 1/0

Final Grade and Analysis

11/13 – B

Minnesota went into the 2018 NFL Draft with an eye on the future. They were coming off an NFC Championship appearance and they had a roster that was primed to make another run.

So Vikings general manager Rick Spielman was drafting guys with the intention that they wouldn’t see the field much in 2018. Injuries to some starters quickly changed all of that and some of Minnesota’s rookies were thrust into action.

Minnesota Vikings

To their credit, these young guys really stepped up in 2018. The Vikings appear to have at least three solid future starters in this class in Mike Hughes, Brian O’Neill, and Holton Hill. Minnesota also has some wild cards in Jalyn Holmes, Ade Aruna, Devante Downs, and undrafted pass catcher Chad Beebe.

Yes, the Vikings missed on Daniel Carlson or at least weren’t patient enough with him, and Colby Gossett got sniped by the Cardinals. Those things happen, but after year one, there are clearly more positives to take away from this class than negatives.

There is a very strong chance that this grade goes up over time, especially if one more key player emerges from this group.

(For more NFL Draft-related content from Nik Edlund, head on over to SkolHole.com and check out his work.)