Stat projections for the Minnesota Vikings’ 2019 rookie class

Kris Boyd – CB

Analysis: 

The Vikings got Mike Zimmer a shiny new corner to play with in the seventh round with this former Texas Longhorn. Boyd is not the biggest corner out there, but he is fundamentally sound. He could be a potential steal as many draft experts had him listed as a top 100 player in this year’s class.

Prediction:

• Practice Squad

Minnesota is currently pretty deep at corner and Boyd would have to play out of his mind to make the final roster. He is a prime candidate for the practice squad in 2019 and it will allow him to learn to adapt to the NFL game over the course of his rookie season.

Dillon Mitchell – WR

Analysis:

Mitchell is 6-foot-1 and he ran a sub 4.4 time in the 40-yard dash at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine. He has good hands and he has a knack for settling into open pockets in the defenses he faces, making life easier for his quarterback.

Prediction:

• 13 catches, 117 yards, 0 TDs

Mitchell has as good a shot as anyone to be the Vikings’ third wide receiver in 2019. That isn’t an endorsement of his skills, but more so just the state of the position currently for Minnesota.

The Vikings’ No. 3 receiver spot should be looked at as a wide-open competition where Mitchell battles with Laquon Treadwell, Brandon Zylstra, Chad Beebe, and fellow rookie Olabisi Johnson for the job. Ultimately it could end up being a rotation of all of them and that is what the above prediction is based on.

Olabisi Johnson – WR

Analysis: 

Johnson isn’t the biggest or fastest wide receiver Minnesota has ever drafted, but he’s a sure-handed, smooth route runner who plays the ball well. He’s got a high football I.Q. and he knows when to break off a route and come back to the quarterback to help him out of a jam.

Prediction: 

• Practice Squad

Johnson will be in that competition for the Vikings’ third wide receiver job. He’s a longshot to win it, but he should at least end up on Minnesota’s practice squad next season. Johnson can learn from Thielen and Diggs for a year, really refine his route running, and take a crack at the No. 3 receiver job in 2020.

Austin Cutting – LS

Analysis:

The Vikings used their last pick on a long snapper, who can’t help them for a couple of years.

Prediction:

• Doesn’t ever play for the team

Cutting has to finish his commitment to the Air Force before he can step on the football field. That could take a couple of years.

Maybe that is when old “Nine Fingers McDermott” will be ready to call it quits. But even then, Cutting is a long shot to win the job.