Switching to a 3-4 defense will give the Vikings flexibility in the NFL Draft

What other scenarios could arise from a switch in personnel?

The idea of playing positionless football is something that is gaining more and more traction in the NFL. Teams have started adding players that can move around the defense and just match up with players across from them without the traditional label. The Vikings have done this to an extent with Harrison Smith over the years and it was a big reason why Mike Zimmer was so successful.

Kyle Hamilton is the poster child for this class in terms of moving around and being a matchup nightmare. His size and range allow him to be a deep safety or play in the box to stop the run. With his pre-draft workouts not playing in his favor, Hamilton may slide to the Vikings with the 12th pick.

Just like Thibodeaux, Hamilton is a no-brainer type of selection if he is available. He can play on the back end next to Harrison Smith or move up to the middle to cover tight ends and defend the line of scrimmage. He would be a long-term answer for several holes in Minnesota’s defense.

There are a handful of guys who will be available a little later on that can be similar to Hamilton in terms of usage at the next level. Georgia’s Lewis Cine is a fiery player with speed in the secondary that can be a game-changer all over the defense. Baylor Jalen Pitre was a linebacker when he arrived on campus but has developed into a safety and a slot corner.

The Vikings can add versatile players and sort out the rest later. That should excite fans for the future and give the roster a much-needed jolt of energy heading into the new season.

Rather than reaching for players at positions of need, especially if the top cornerbacks are off the board, the Vikings should look to add studs to the defense regardless of position.

Having a 3-4 defense should keep them in the market for talented pass rushers over the next few months. If the right one falls into their lap in the draft, do not rule out a selection.

The defense has improved this offseason but the work is not done yet. The Vikings could still improve in the secondary and in the trenches but Ed Donatell will have a big say in how they attack that unit come the start of the season.

Would the Minnesota Vikings ignore greater needs to draft based on their board? That would help change the direction of the roster under Kwesi and O’Connell.