Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are absolutely killing this draft. I have been in love with literally every move the team has made.
Pick No. 22 – Justin Jefferson, WR – LSU
This pick essentially replaces Stefon Diggs. Justin Jefferson is one of the best wide receivers in this draft class. Some have him as high as the third receiver in the class, but I have never seen him lower than fifth. He will be a great addition to the Vikings who need to find offensive weapons for Kirk Cousins. Watch out NFC North.
The Vikings then trade back by stealing draft capital from the 49ers. The Vikings swapped No. 25 for No. 31 and also gained a fourth (No. 117) and fifth (No. 176) round pick in the process.
Pick No. 31 – Jeff Gladney, CB – TCU
Two players from TCU went in the first round. My favorite was Jalen Reagor who went to the Eagles at No. 21. I wanted Reagor in Chicago, but deep down knew he’d never fall that far. Jeff Gladney was a great pick here though. The Vikings needed help at corner after losing Xavier Rhodes, Mackensie Alexander and Trae Waynes. Gladney will likely be a day one starter.
Pick No. 58 – Ezra Cleveland, OT – Boise State
Ezra Cleveland was my fourth-ranked tackle prospect. The Vikings locking him in at pick No. 58 is fantastic value. He will probably not start right away. He will find himself as the backup left tackle behind Riley Reiff. The Vikings tackles actually performed well last season, but Cleveland gives them the use of a swing tackle and a player for the future. The player here is fantastic but might be the only questionable addition for Minnesota (and that is pushing it).
Pick No. 89 – Cameron Dantzler, CB – Missippi State
The Vikings clearly needed help at the cornerback position. Cameron Dantzler is another guy who could push to start. Maybe they see him as their nickel cornerback to start, but I am not sure he fits that mold. Dantzler is tall and lengthy. He is 6’2″, but lean. Not sure he has room to put on much mass, but he did not seem to have trouble defending the wide receivers in the SEC. He is aggressive and versatile. Bears fans should get used to hearing his name.
Overall Grade: A+
All of this said, I still believe the teams stayed about the same for 2020. Only time will tell in the future. The Packers are the leaders in the division with the Bears behind them despite the quarterback concerns. If Nick Foles or Trubisky locks in this year, watch out. The Vikings are a close third as the top three in this division are very close to one another. Although the Lions improved, they will find themselves on the bottom looking up once again.