20 star players the Vikings could have drafted in the last 5 years
By Adam Carlson
2020: Jeff Gladney, CB – pick 31 overall
In another situation that doesn’t have a lot to do with a lack of talent, legal issues kept Jeff Gladney off the Vikings roster. He got a second chance in the league when he joined the Cardinals but tragically lost his life in an automobile accident. Seeing what Gladney is truly capable of would have been nice to see, but sadly, fans will never get a chance to do that.
One player who won’t be looked at to be replaced where he was drafted is Justin Jefferson. The young wide receiver has become a star in this league and picking anyone other than him at No. 22 isn’t even something worth thinking about.
But here are some players who could have been chosen by Minnesota at No. 30 overall: Here are some stars who could have been Vikings.
Jonathan Taylor, RB (pick 41 overall)
It’s been a while since a running back has had his first two seasons in the NFL go as well as Jonathan Taylor has. 2,980 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns in 32 games is hugely impressive and led to him leading the NFL in rushing in 2021 giving him All-Pro First Team honors and a Pro Bowl appearance. He will be tough to deal with for many years in Indianapolis.
Antoine Winfield Jr., S (pick 45 overall)
This was a pick that really hurt fans since bringing the son of a former Vikings corner who played his college ball in Minnesota while playing a position of need made a lot of sense. Instead, Antoine Winfield Jr. made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and helped the Buccaneers win the Super Bowl
Trevon Diggs, CB (pick 51 overall)
Minnesota’s revolving door of cornerbacks under Mike Zimmer was concerning, but when a ball-hawk like Trevon Diggs in on the board, the Vikings should have considered him a bit more. Diggs led the league in interceptions in 2021 and was All-Pro First Team and was named to the Pro Bowl as well.
Jonah Jackson, G (pick 75 overall)
Jonah Jackson might not be a household name, but when there is a Pro Bowl-caliber guard that the Vikings could have selected, it hurts a bit that he isn’t wearing purple and gold. He made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and should be a regular in the Lions’ offensive line for many years to come.
Devin Duvernay, WR (pick 92 overall)
When thinking about the best returns specialists in the NFL, Devin Duvernay might not be on the tip of people’s tongues, but the Ravens’ pass-catcher was an All-Pro First Team nod and made the Pro Bowl as well in 2021. He should have a bigger role in the Ravens’ offense in 2022.