7 draft prospects the Vikings probably regret passing on

2016 Fourth Round

Original Pick: Willie Beavers – OT (Western Michigan)

This is one of the few picks on this list where when it was announced, it was a bit of a head-scratcher. Sure the Vikings had a need on the offensive line at the time, but Beavers, by many scouts, was seen as a fifth-round pick at best.

Unfortunately for Minnesota, those scouts were right.

Beavers just wasn’t a good football player. He wasn’t very athletic and he was not physical at the point of attack. He didn’t make the team after his first preseason, but the Vikings opted to sign him to their practice squad in 2016.

Beavers never made Minnesota’s active roster and he ended up with the New England Patriots for a bit, then back to the Vikings, then to the Seattle Seahawks, and now he is currently the property of the Chicago Bears.

It seems doubtful that this guy will ever contribute meaningful snaps for an NFL team.

Could’ve Had: Jordan Howard – RB (Indiana)

Minnesota took a dud offensive lineman in the fourth round when they could’ve had a stud running back.

Jordan Howard was sitting there but the team passed. The Vikings must’ve felt good about their stable of backs with Jerrick McKinnon, Matt Asiata, and a returning Adrian Peterson to the mix, but Howard would’ve been a great addition.

He is a powerful runner with deceptive speed. Howard has had a great career so far with the Chicago Bears having rushed for over 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Another bonus of drafting this guy would’ve been the fact that Minnesota wouldn’t have had to face him twice a year. Howard always seems to play his best against the Vikings and the purple defense never appears to have an answer for him.

What’s even more ironic about all of this, is that both of these guys are now in Chicago.