5 early contenders to be the Vikings first draft pick in 2020

By Dean Jones | Jan 19, 2020

COLLEGE STATION, TX - OCTOBER 12: Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Trevon Diggs (7) returns a kick during the college football game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Texas A&M Aggies on October 12, 2019 at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Daniel Dunn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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(Photo by David Madison/Getty Images) Shane Lemieux /

Shane Lemieux – OG (Oregon)

Pat Elflein’s play after moving to guard has been suspect and it was, once again, a cause for concern during the Vikings’ playoff loss to the 49ers. So this is something that Minnesota will need to examine in more detail to give quarterback Kirk Cousins more time in the pocket going forward.

Shane Lemieux is predicted to be a riser on 2020 NFL draft boards thanks to his size and burst.

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has highlighted the need for continuity within the offense following the departure of offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski. Lemieux’s powerful hands make him a good run blocker that should open up space for star running back Dalvin Cook should he end up on Minnesota’s roster.

One area where Lemieux does struggle though is when he is isolated against pass rushers, especially in 3rd-and-long situations and against blitzes. But his characteristics make him easy to coach up providing his footwork shows improvement during the next stage of his development.

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