20 star players the Vikings could have drafted in the last 5 years
By Adam Carlson
2016: Laquon Treadwell, WR – pick 23 overall
Coming into the 2016 NFL Draft, it was obvious the Minnesota Vikings needed to target a pass catcher that could help out a struggling offense. Sadly, this wasn’t the best draft to be looking for help in that department.
Treadwell struggled to make an impact with Minnesota and eventually left the team after catching only 65 passes for 701 and two touchdowns over four seasons, Sadly, there were plenty of amazing players on the board when the Vikings picked who could have been selected.
Derrick Henry, RB (pick 45 overall)
Adrian Peterson may have still been in Minnesota and Dalvin Cook might be on the horizon at this point, but there is no denying the impact Derrick Henry has made as a rusher in the NFL. “King Henry” has led the league in rushing twice and was named the league’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2020. He would become a star with the Titans.
Xavien Howard, CB (pick 38 overall)
The Vikings love drafting cornerbacks and taking Xavien Howard would have been a great fit for a Minnesota defense. Since being drafted by Miami, he led the league in interceptions for two seasons and was All-Pro First Team in 2020.
Dak Prescott, QB (pick 135 overall)
If Minnesota hadn’t traded for Sam Bradford, they may have gone into the 2017 NFL Draft looking for a quarterback. There were many prospects, but Dak Prescott was the Offensive Rookie of the Year and has been named to two Pro Bowls while in Dallas.
Michael Thomas, WR (pick 47 overall)
Needing a receiver, Michael Thomas would have filled that gap nicely. the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 has led the league in receptions twice and receiving yards once on his way to two First-team All-Pro nods and three Pro Bowls.
Tyreek Hill, WR (pick 165 overall)
Looking back, missing out on both Michael Thomas and Tyreek Hill to select Laquon Treadwell really hurts. The former Chiefs speedster is now in Miami and brings with him three All-Pro First Team nods, six Pro Bowls, and a Super Bowl championship.