6 players the Vikings passed on during the 2019 NFL Draft

Amani Hooker – S

Ever since they drafted Harrison Smith in 2012, the Vikings have been looking for a safety to pair with him in their defensive backfield.

Minnesota tried to use Andrew Sendejo for a few years. But his welcome wore out and the Vikings let him hit free agency this offseason.

Sendejo also became expendable with the emergence of Anthony Harris last season. Minnesota re-signed Harris this year and they’re hoping that he will turn out to be the long-term solution next to Smith.

If not though, the Vikings could have used their fourth-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft to add an insurance policy behind Harris. Former Iowa safety (and Minnesota native) Amani Hooker was still on the board in round four when it came time for Minnesota to make their selection, but they opted to add another offensive lineman instead.

If Hooker was drafted by the Vikings, he likely would have been able to sit for a year and further develop his skills as a defensive back with help from the guidance of head coach Mike Zimmer. Then Minnesota could let him loose in 2020 and potentially have one of the most talented safety duos in the league.

At the same time, the Vikings shouldn’t be faulted for using their fourth-round pick on another offensive lineman. The unit was depressing to watch in 2018 and Minnesota needed to come out of this year’s draft with at least two more blockers.