Why the Vikings might trade down in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft

Early run on a position of need

The Vikings have two glaring needs as the 2020 NFL Draft looms closer over the horizon. They need to find more depth and talent at cornerback and they also need to bolster their offensive line, specifically at left tackle and even at left guard.

This offseason, Minnesota could potentially lose Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander, and Xavier Rhodes. Mike Hughes‘ future could also in limbo after injuring his neck during this season’s playoffs. These possibilities could result in the Vikings being extremely thin at corner by the time they get to the draft.

Minnesota’s offensive line is also a position group in need of improvement this offseason. The unit, as a whole, was better in 2019 but Riley Reiff‘s play is starting to decline and Pat Elflein‘s performance can’t get much worse. With their first-round pick this year, the Vikings could potentially be looking to find Reiff’s heir apparent.

The problem for Minnesota and a reason why they may be better off trading down could be because of the number of teams picking ahead of them who have the same exact needs.

When it comes to cornerbacks, the Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins, and New England Patriots could all be interested in a prospect from this position group.

If even just four of these teams end up taking a cornerback with their first-round pick this year, that would leave real slim pickings for the Vikings. The only option for Minnesota then would be to reach for a player to just fill their need at corner and this rarely pans out.

Drafting an offensive tackle could present the Vikings with the same issue. The Lions, Dolphins, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and New York Jets could all be in the market for a big beefy tackle this year.

This could leave options on the board for Minnesota that just wouldn’t be worth selecting with the 25th pick. If this happens, then the Vikings should do all they can to move down.

If Minnesota could slide down a few spots and acquire another Day 2 pick, then it makes more sense than taking a chance on a guy who may not even be ranked in the late first to early second-round range.