The 2019 NFL Draft will be here before we know it with fans putting on their teams' respective jerseys, hoping that they select the right players. Many teams have different needs heading into the draft, with the Minnesota Vikings needing to address multiple positions.
The 2018 season didn't go as expected after the Vikings had signed Kirk Cousins to take over at the quarterback position. Minnesota ended the season with an 8-7-1 record after going 13-3 in 2017.
Case Keenum was under center that season, leading the Vikings to the NFC Championship game. They fell short to the Philadelphia Eagles, who was the team that hoisted the Lombardi Trophy when it was all said and done.
After 2017, the Vikings decided to move on from Keenum and their offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur left to take the head coaching gig for the New York Giants.
Heading into 2018, the expectations were high after giving Cousins a lucrative contract and the weapons that surrounded him. That proved to be naught, but they have a chance to improve drastically in 2019.
After a quiet free agency for the Vikings, the draft will be vital for the team in purple. Here are three of the biggest needs for the Vikings in this year's NFL Draft.
3. Cornerback
There have been rumors swirling around that the Vikings could look to deal Trae Waynes this offseason. That alone shows that Minnesota isn't exactly confident in Waynes starting on the opposite side of Xavier Rhodes.
There are a few names in free agency who could fill the need at cornerback, but this year's draft has plenty of talent at the cornerback spot.
Minnesota boasted the third best passing defense in 2018 and will look to improve upon that in 2019. Drafting a guy to develop could be a wise decision for the Vikings.
If the Vikings do choose to go after a cornerback in the first round, they could look into drafting Byron Murphy, Trayvon Mullen, or Rock Ya-Sin.
2. Defensive Tackle
The Vikings need to address their defensive tackle position this offseason. Consequently, Minnesota lost Sheldon Richardson to the Cleveland Browns in free agency, making the need of a replacement a priority.
Richardson started in all 16 games at defensive tackle for the Vikings. He was solid for them with the team ranking 15th against the run.
Adding a talented player in this year's draft to go alongside Linval Joseph would be beneficial for Minnesota. Currently, Shamar Stephen would be starting next to Joseph on the defense.
Stephen has started in 34 games over his five-year career. Vikings faithful could see their franchise pounce on the opportunity to select a defensive tackle during the NFL Draft.
If Minnesota decides to go with a defensive tackle in the first round, they could be interested in Jeffery Simmons, Christian Wilkins, Ed Oliver, or Dexter Lawrence.
1. Offensive Tackle
One of the glaring issues for the Vikings in 2018 was their offensive line. They allowed 40 sacks on the season and they ranked 30th in rushing offense.
The 40 sacks allowed weren't too bad, as they were 17th in the NFL in that category, but Cousins seemed to be under pressure too often.
Protecting their prized possession in Cousins should be the priority this offseason in Minnesota. The Vikings have already brought in Josh Kline from the Tennessee Titans to slot in at one of their guard positions.
As a result, Minnesota will need to improve their offensive tackle position as well. Riley Reiff will likely start at one of the tackle spots, but they will need to add someone else.
A few guys that the Vikings could select if they look at offensive tackle in the first round are Jonah Williams, Cody Ford, Andre Dillard, and Greg Little. There's no doubt that the Vikings will attack the tackle position in this year's draft.
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