The Vikings are currently slated to pick 30th, 62nd, and 94th in the upcoming 2018 NFL draft. As many of you know, this could very well not be where they pick due to Spielman's tendency to trade back and try to maximize value. I cannot account for these trades but I do think there are three players that would be very nice additions in these spots.
Pick 30- Billy Price | Guard | Ohio State University | (Projected late first round)
I don't think that there is much debate that the offensive line is the weakest position group for your Minnesota Vikings. Billy Price has some favorable comparables to Pat Elflein, and would probably be a plug and play starter day one. This should in no way be the extent of upgrading the line, but Price would solidify the interior immediately, despite his Combine injury
Pick 62- Justin Reid | Safety | Stanford | (Projected anywhere in rounds 2-3)
Andrew Sendejo picked up his play quite a bit this past year but I still want to see what Harrison Smith could do alongside a better playmaker. Scouts rave about Reid's overall ability, though he shows no exceptional skill that would make him a round one pick. Can come up and stop the run and has above average range.
Pick 94- Lorenzo Carter | OLB | Georgia | Projected anywhere in rounds 2-3)
I like Ben Gedeon, but I do not think he is a long term answer. Carter is a lengthy OLB, in the same body as Barr, 6'6'', and Zimmer could mold him into an effective rusher. Carter might not be here at 94 but if he is I think the Vikings grab a steal from another powerhouse program (5 Star Recruit, needs to add bulk).
* I favor big time schools/conferences and these picks reflect that
* After the Sheldon Richardson signing, I do not want to see a DT in the first three round, these three positions in worse shape.
* Vikings need another Cornerback, I am a huge Nick Nelson, (CB out of Wisconsin) and I think he can be taken in the 5th. Played as #1 corner on the nation’s top defense. Had some blown coverages but the speed and physicality is there to be an effective Nickel corner, (depending on Mackenzie’s development).