Round 7 Pick 2: Josiah Tauaefa, LB – UT-San Antonio
Bringing back Anthony Barr was big for Minnesota, and the team is expected to return with him as part of the starting group along with Eric Kendricks and Ben Gedeon. There is also Eric Wilson who has played well when plugged in, but there needs to be more depth behind him.
Josiah Tauaefa has a non-stop motor with a big body. That combination alone makes him an interesting prospect if he is not asked to do too much. He should shine as a special teams contributor while he learns more of the details of the position.
Standing six-foot-one and weighing 232 pounds, scouts have praised him for his football intelligence and commitment to plays. With those tools already in place, all he needs is a place that is patient enough to watch him develop.
Some scouts see Tauaefa as an undrafted free agent, but NFL teams would be foolish to overlook a player who may need a little time to progress and not roll the dice in the seventh round. This is when high-potential, low-risk picks can really pay off.
What do you think of this seven-round mock draft? Does it fill the Minnesota Vikings team needs well heading into free agency? Are the individual players chosen ones who will help the team ascend to the next level? Let us know in the comments section!