Ranking the Chicago Bears’ draft against each NFC North team

NFC North Draft Rank No. 4 (Last): Minnesota Vikings

After trading back from pick No. 12 to pick No. 32— with an NFC North team, nonetheless— the Minnesota Vikings decided top-end talent in the draft wasn’t as big of a need to them as acquiring picks was.

Minnesota Vikings selections (10 picks):

• Round 1, No. 32 overall: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
• Round 2, No. 42 overall: Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson
• Round 2, No. 59 overall: Ed Ingram, G, LSU
• Round 3, No. 66 overall: Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma
• Round 4, No. 118 overall: Akayleb Evans, CB, Missouri
• Round 5, No. 165 overall: Esezi Otomewo, DE, Minnesota
• Round 5, No. 165 overall: Ty Chandler, RB, North Carolina
• Round 6, No. 184 overall: Vederian Lowe, OT, Illinois
• Round 6, No. 191 overall: Jalen Nailor, WR, Michigan State
• Round 7, No. 227: Nick Muse, TE, South Carolina

In terms of which picks were the best value, and looking at the board, there aren’t that many players that were taken far after or before their value level. A positive for the Vikings is that, for the most part, none of their picks were bad value.

It was just weird for them to trade twice with NFC North teams to hand them a receiver. Sure, they have Justin Jefferson, it’s not like they wouldn’t much be better with a Jamison Williams or Christian Watson-level player. Maybe not a receiver, but just a player at that level.

The value at pick No. 12 itself could’ve netted the Vikings a handful of players that would make them immediately better. To get Lewis Cine with the final pick of the first round just seemed like a much worse choice than attacking their secondary with the 12th pick.

As for need, the Vikings really doubled down on their defensive secondary. And for good reason.

The Vikings struggled defensively, and their secondary was a major reason for that. So, being able to walk away with three defensive backs is something the Vikings can smile about following this draft.

With all those positives, the Vikings are really banking on the fact that neither Za’Darius Smith nor Danielle Hunter has to miss any time in the next couple of years. In this draft, the Vikings only got one edge rusher/defensive end, so if anything happens to either of the two starters now, Minnesota could be in trouble in that area.

Lastly, how they fit the scheme or fit of the Vikings.

And in all honesty, the Vikings sort of missed the mark in this category. None of the names pounce off the page as a perfect fit for the Vikings, but Round 3, No. 66 overall: Brian Asamoah could see himself coming out as one of the better fits for this defense. There’s a need for nickel linebacker, and for a Vikings team that could use one, the lack of size could be overlooked.

One team down, three left.