Minnesota Vikings plan of attack for the 2019 NFL Draft
By Nik Edlund
Third-Round Options:
- David Edwards – OT
- Yodny Cajuste – OT
- Michael Deiter – G/T
- Nate Davis – OG
- Connor McGovern – OG
- Michael Jordan – OG
- Gerald Willis – DT
- Khalen Saunders – DT
- Blake Cashman – LB
- Damien Harris – RB
- David Montgomery – RB
- Darrell Henderson – RB
- JJ Arcega-Whiteside – WR
- Riley Ridley – WR
- Jace Sternberger – TE
- Marquise Blair – S
- Mike Bell – S
- Zach Allen – DE
Plan of Attack:
Round three could be a great spot for the Vikings to land another running back. Dalvin Cook is an explosive talent, but he hasn’t been able to stay healthy for an entire season yet. Behind him is still an unproven Mike Boone and then Ameer Abdullah, who at this point in his career is best off as a return man.
There are plenty of talented ball carriers who should be on the board when Minnesota is on the clock in the third round.
Damien Harris and David Montgomery both would be solid additions. They are similarly skilled players who run with great vision, patience, and power. They can both be effective catching the ball out of the backfield as well.
Either of these players could get a handful of touches per game and each could handle the load for the Vikings in 2019 if Cook were to get hurt again.
Minnesota could also look at a wide receiver in the third round. Big red zone threat JJ Arcega-Whiteside could be an option as could Riley Ridley.
The Vikings could also add a safety in round three like hard-hitting Marquise Blair, or look for the heir apparent to Kyle Rudolph.
After next season, the only tight end under contract would be Tyler Conklin. If Jace Sternberger were to fall to Minnesota in the third round, he’d be a steal. He’s an excellent pass catcher with very good overall speed and he is a fierce competitor. He has the potential to be a star at tight end in the NFL.
The Vikings adding to their offensive line also cannot be ruled out in the third round this year. Even if they take a blocker earlier in the draft, Minnesota could go back to the position group as soon as the third round. Guys like Nate Davis and Michael Deiter could still be around and either one of them could start right out of the gate as the Vikings’ left guard.