5 positions the Vikings could draft more than once in 2020
By Nik Edlund
Defensive Line
Defensive line is a position the Vikings put a lot of value in and they could address it earlier and more often in this year’s NFL Draft than many expect. They are much thinner at defensive end than defensive tackle and that is the position group they could use more draft picks for.
The Vikings have one of the best defensive ends in the league in Danielle Hunter. Opposite him is currently Ifeadi Odenigbo, who is ready to explode next season.
The depth behind these two is scary thin. Minnesota signed journeyman Anthony Zettel in the offseason and they also have Eddie Yarbrough, who they signed last year. The Vikings have to find guys who can push those two for their jobs. Minnesota could very well draft two defensive ends this year, but the biggest question is when.
The first round could be in play and the Vikings could consider players like A.J. Epenesa and Yetur Gross-Matos. While it may not be the best strategy to bring in a first-round pass rusher to be a backup, the team could look at it as more of insurance.
Odenigbo does appear ready to bust out in 2020, but he could just as easily take a step backward. Having a high draft pick who can be waiting in the wings, would be a solid backup plan for Minnesota. The Vikings could also use their top three pass rushers as a trio and help keep Hunter fresh all game long.
It is more likely that Minnesota uses a mid-round pick or a later selection to bring in a high upside pass rusher that Andre Patterson can develop like he did with Hunter and Odenigbo.
As for defensive tackle, the Vikings really need to find a three-technique interior disruptor. They have plenty of run stuffers on the roster with Michael Pierce, Jaleel Johnson, and Shamar Stephen. For interior pass rushers, all they have is Armon Watts, Hercules Mata’afa, and Jalyn Holmes. Of that trio, only Watts is likely assured of a job in 2020.
One under the radar first-round option for Minnesota this year is TCU’s Ross Blacklock. This man is powerful, quick, and once he develops a few more pass-rushing moves, he could be very productive.
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The Vikings could also choose to move up for big Javon Kinlaw. No matter what they do, the team will be using at least one pick on a defensive tackle, as well as at least one on a pass-rushing end.