Combination No. 3
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Xavier McKinney – S (Alabama)
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Ross Blacklock – DT (TCU)
This is the more obscure combination on this list and one that is aimed at bolstering the defense.
The Vikings did slap Anthony Harris with the franchise tag, but they have also made it well known he’s available in a trade for a mid-round pick. This was an odd move by Minnesota, but it still makes safety one of their top needs and one they could address with the 22nd overall pick.
If they take one with their first choice, the top option would be Alabama’s Xavier McKinney. McKinney was used in all sorts of ways during his time at Alabama. He can crowd the line of scrimmage, he is very good in coverage, and he has the range to cover a lot of ground.
If the Vikings do end up shipping Harris somewhere this year, McKinney is a guy who could come in and contribute right away for them as a rookie.
Minnesota made what is likely going to be their biggest splash in free agency this offseason by going out and signing big nose tackle Michael Pierce from the Baltimore Ravens. He should come in and replace Linval Joseph as the primary run-stuffer in the middle of the Vikings defense for next season.
While he is a big addition to the Minnesota defensive front, they still need another big guy who can create consistent interior pressure and that man could be Ross Blacklock.
Blacklock is an impressive looking specimen. He’s got very broad shoulders and a powerful thick base. He’s extremely athletic and quick and he uses his overall power to plow past blockers. He’s a far better pass rusher than a run stuffer, but he can anchor a bit.
As a rookie with the Vikings, he would likely be used on a rotational basis with Armon Watts to keep them both fresh throughout the game. Blacklock’s overall technique needs work, but he has all the tools to develop into a three-down defensive lineman who doesn’t come off the field.