Vikings Draft 2019: Best players that could be available at pick No. 18

Jonah Williams – OT (Alabama)

The Vikings’ biggest need this offseason hands down is their offensive line. It makes no sense to spend more than $80 million on a quarterback and not give him adequate protection. That is what Minnesota did a year ago and they will not be repeating the same mistake again in 2019.

So clearly, the Vikings be looking at a guard or tackle, or a hybrid, at pick No. 18 in this year’s draft and there is a chance a prospect could fall to them who truly would be the best player available. That guy is former Alabama Crimson Tide offensive tackle Jonah Williams.

Williams is a mammoth of a human being, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in around 300 pounds. He’s got everything that NFL teams look for in an offensive line prospect; long wingspan, quick feet, and he moves well.

He’s also a violent blocker who engages his man and he doesn’t stop. Williams doesn’t overpower a lot of guys, but he has textbook technique in both pass and run blocking and it’s rare when a defender is able to get around him.

Minnesota Vikings

Is it possible Williams falls to Minnesota in the first round this year? Yes, it is.

There are some teams around the league who think that Williams’ future is at guard. That thought process has moved Florida’s Jawaan Taylor up to being the top tackle prospect on a few team’s draft boards.

There are a handful of teams that need help at offensive tackle that pick ahead of the Vikings in 2019 and if some of those believe Williams is truly a guard, they may look to address a different need instead.

Minnesota could use help at both positions. So if Williams is still there when it’s their turn to pick in the first round, the Vikings shouldn’t hesitate for a second to put his name on the card. Minnesota will have plenty of time this summer to figure out if they should play him as a guard or a tackle.

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