The Minnesota Vikings haven’t had a lot of success in the draft in recent years, and it’s one of the main reasons that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was fired last January. But outside of an overall mess in recent drafts, Minnesota could be in a better place if they hit on its third-round picks.
The latest former Vikings’ third-rounder to fall into the gutter is cornerback Mekhi Blackmon, who was released by the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday afternoon.
While Blackmon had solid stats of 64 tackles, two interceptions, and seven pass breakups last season, he was torched frequently during preseason games and joint practices, surrendering six catches for 74 yards on seven targets, according to PFF.
Blackmon’s performance is one reason he’ll be looking for a job ahead of roster cutdown day. And it makes him part of a streak of busts in the third round that the Vikings need to end as new GM Nolan Teasley takes over.
Mekhi Blackmon becomes the Minnesota Vikings’ latest third-round pick to disappoint
Selected with the 102nd overall pick in the 2023 draft, Blackmon turned in a solid rookie season by posting a 71.8 overall grade and allowing 28 catches for 285 yards and two touchdowns with eight pass breakups, an interception and no penalties on 44 targets per PFF.
But his career took a turn when he tore his ACL during training camp ahead of the 2024 season.
Traded to the Colts in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick, Blackmon never found his footing, posting a 51.2 overall grade and allowing 42 catches for 563 yards and three touchdowns with eight penalties (two declined) on 66 targets last season.
That performance ended his time in Indianapolis but also added him to a list of failed third-round picks by the Vikings.
Adofo-Mensah’s tenure has contributed greatly to the streak as Tai Felton was non-existent during his rookie season, Blackmon lasted just two years and Brian Asamoah disappeared after his rookie year.
But the problem stretches back before his arrival as the Vikings’ last impactful third-round pick was Danielle Hunter in the 2015 draft.
Year | Pick | Player |
|---|---|---|
2015 | 88 | Danielle Hunter - DE |
2017 | 70 | Pat Elflein - C |
2019 | 102 | Alexander Mattison - RB |
2020 | 89 | Cameron Dantzler - CB |
2021 | 66 | Kellen Mond - QB |
2021 | 78 | Chazz Surratt - LB |
2021 | 86 | Wyatt Davis - OG |
2021 | 90 | Patrick Jones II - EDGE |
2022 | 66 | Brian Asamoah - LB |
2023 | 102 | Mekhi Blackmon - CB |
2025 | 102 | Tai Felton - WR |
2026 | 82 | Domonique Orange - DL |
2026 | 97 | Caleb Tiernan - OT |
2026 | 98 | Jakobe Thomas - S |
Minnesota Vikings desperately need their third-round luck to change
The goal of a third-round pick isn’t to find a superstar player like Hunter (even though it would be nice). But the Vikings should either get a solid starter or at least some valuable depth within the top 100 picks.
This year’s draft class has some candidates to break the trend, as Caleb Tiernan (97th overall) could develop into the type of depth Minnesota hasn’t had behind its starting offensive line in years.
Safety Jakobe Thomas (98th overall) could also play a role, although he’s been limited by a back injury this preseason.
The Vikings are already off to a good start in this class as Domonique Orange (82nd overall) has impressed during the preseason and could contribute early when the regular season begins.
There may even be some hope for the future as Teasley prepares for his first draft class next spring.
While the Seahawks haven’t hit big on their recent third-round picks under GM John Schneider, they’ve at least made solid picks on the second day of the draft, including Boye Mafe, Kenneth Walker III, Derick Hall, Zach Charbonnet and Nick Emmanwori.
For a team that had to spend and make lopsided trades to fill holes, solving their issues no matter what round of the draft that player comes from would be a great start. But the third round is a specific hole that Blackmon has now fallen into.
Add us as a preferred source on Google