5 Minnesota Vikings storylines to watch during the 2019 NFL Draft

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) Jeffery Simmons
(Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) Jeffery Simmons

How will the Vikings fill their other needs?

While the offensive line has gained most of the headlines, there are several holes that the Vikings will need to fill by the end of this weekend.

Finding a three-technique defensive tackle figures to also be high on Minnesota’s priority list after losing Sheldon Richardson in free agency this offseason.

Although the Vikings have already signed Shamar Stephen, he’s not the kind of player that will demand the attention that Richardson did. If Ed Oliver were to fall to them at pick No. 18, he would make for a tough decision. But more likely, Minnesota will be diving into the market on the second day where Mississippi State’s Jeffery Simmons or Texas’ Charles Omenihu could fill the void.

A receiving option outside of Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen will also be in heavy consideration after Laquon Treadwell failed to seize the role in 2018 and Aldrick Robinson was not retained this year.

It’s unlikely that the Vikings will be in the market for one of the top receiving names in this class, but with many names able to contribute, such as UMass’ Andy Isabella or Nebraska’s Stanley Morgan Jr., it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Minnesota add some competition by the end of the weekend.

Finally, the Vikings may seek to add help on the edge where they have the services of Danielle Hunter and Stephen Weatherly, but also have uncertainty on what type of Everson Griffen they could get in 2019 and beyond.

Minnesota has made a habit on selecting guys with big athletic traits with the intention of coaching them up and if they make a pick or two in that mold this year, that would be a fitting bow to their 2019 draft class.