Breaking down the Minnesota Vikings' 2018 draft class.
Round 1, No. 30 overall: Mike Hughes, CB, UCF
My take: Mike Zimmer loves physical, aggressive cornerbacks and places as high a value on guys who play in coverage. Selecting a corner in the first round has become a trend since Rick Spielman took over general manager duties in 2012 between Xavier Rhodes in 2013, Trae Waynes in 2015 and now, Hughes. Zimmer has done excellent work turning project-type players into secondary starters over a two-to-three-year period, as was the case with both Rhodes and Waynes. At just over 5-foot-10, Hughes is slightly smaller than the Vikings' prototype at the position. While he doesn't have the height and length, the corner brings an element of physicality that will fit in with what he's asked to do in zone coverage.
The Vikings could have gone a number of ways with the 30th overall pick. Minnesota chose not to draft an offensive lineman or trade down from the first round to acquire more picks for Day 2 and 3. Given the depth of this year's guard/center class, the Vikings got better value by spending a first-round pick on Hughes than they would have with an interior lineman they can get Friday.
Where Hughes fits: The UCF product will certainly have a major impact in the return game and on kickoff and punt returns, areas where the Vikings weren't as explosive as they wanted to be in 2017. Hughes averaged 31.8 yards per kickoff return (fourth in FBS) and had two kickoff return touchdowns (tied for fifth) in 2017. On defense, Hughes had four interceptions, which was tied for 29th most, and was one of 10 FBS players with a defensive touchdown and a special teams TD.
As far as his role in the secondary, Hughes is a developmental prospect, meaning there's no rush to plug him into the scheme right now. Zimmer made it a point to say drafting Hughes wasn't done to push Mackensie Alexander for the nickel corner spot, though it's likely to create some good competition during training camp. Hughes' versatility could add quality depth outside or in the slot and allow the Vikings to do more with their sub-packages, i.e. using four cornerbacks and one safety.
Off-the-field issues: Hughes was involved in an altercation at a fraternity party during his freshman season at North Carolina, which led to a misdemeanor assault charge and a one-game suspension. The cornerback completed 100 community service hours and the charges were eventually dropped, but he left North Carolina in 2016 and spent a year in junior college before transferring to UCF. Apparently Hughes told NFL teams the reason he left Chapel Hill was over a sexual assault allegation that did not lead to criminal charges. Spielman said the Vikings always do a ton of research on players with character concerns and determined that Hughes was the right fit.
"After our extensive research, no question we felt very confident with him coming in and being a Minnesota Viking," Spielman said.
Round 2, No. 62 overall: Brian O'Neill, OT, Pittsburgh
My take: The run on offensive linemen continued early in the second round and claimed several names Minnesota had high up on its draft board (Austin Corbett, James Daniels, Connor Williams). When the Vikings picked at No. 62, the depth among interior players had diminished considerably, so they chose to draft a developmental prospect in O'Neill.
Given that Minnesota's first-round pick was spent on a cornerback, the Vikings had to dedicate a high selection to their most glaring need -- the protection of Kirk Cousins. O'Neill's tremendous athleticism (he had the fastest time in the 40-yard dash among all linemen at the combine at 4.82 seconds) was a big draw for the Vikings in an offense that relies on movement and being able to get to the second level. In fact, Minnesota considered O'Neill to be the best athlete among all offensive linemen in the draft. The Pittsburgh product started his college career at tight end before moving over to tackle, where he finished his career with 37 consecutive starts, most of which came at right tackle.
How he fits: The Vikings passing over the interior linemen available to draft O'Neill should signify that Mike Remmers will stay at guard in 2018. That means they’ll likely look to finding a guard in a later round and/or among the host of undrafted free agents to plug into competition with the likes of Danny Isidora and Tom Compton. However, if they do decide to play Remmers at right guard out of necessity, that could mean Rashod Hill takes over at right tackle with O’Neill and Aviante Collins gaining experience at the position.
At 6-foot-7, 297 pounds, the Delaware native needs to put on more weight to play tackle at the NFL level and get stronger, which shouldn't be difficult for him given the transition he made from tight end to tackle before the 2015 season. The Vikings feel they got good value for where they were able to land O’Neill and a lot of that has to do with his upside that should benefit him in a few years under the direction of Tony Sparano.
Round 4, No. 102 overall: Jalyn Holmes, DE, Ohio State
My take: Right after Sheldon Richardson signed with the Vikings in free agency, Rick Spielman discussed Minnesota’s next priority on defense: building depth along the D-line. The Vikings general manager pointed to the eight-man rotation Philadelphia used last season to help win a Super Bowl as something they hope to achieve. Drafting a player like Holmes, who is expected to make the transition to defensive tackle and learn behind Richardson, is an important part of that equation. At Ohio State, Holmes saw first-hand the importance of additional bodies rotating through the defensive line. “We did it at Ohio State the last two years, actually, and it helped us,” Holmes said. “It helped us a lot. Being able to rotate seven, eight guys that can really play in the game. I feel like that helps the starters for the fourth quarter. It really helps the defense. You get new fresh legs to rush the quarterback. You constantly got to keep rushing the quarterback. We can do that in Minnesota and that (will) really help us.” The Vikings' pass rush was non-existent in the final five games of last year, and in order for that to improve, Minnesota needs to get more out of its rotational players.
How he fits: Holmes immediately becomes part of a group of defensive linemen that will vie for playing time in sub packages. Minnesota has a host of young talent it’s hoping will take on a bigger role this season between Jaleel Johnson, Tashawn Bower, Stephen Weatherly, Dylan Bradley and Ifeadi Odenigbo. Time to learn under Richardson will help Holmes increase his explosiveness and learn how to provide the push needed to pressure the quarterback from the interior. Given Richardson’s one-year contract and the potential that the Vikings' star defensive tackle may not be in Minnesota long if he racks up a bunch of sacks and garners a pretty penny in free agency, someone like Holmes could eventually develop into his replacement.
Round 5, No. 157 overall: Tyler Conklin, TE, Central Michigan
Take a look at Central Michigan TE Tyler Conklin's college highlights.
My take: The world champion Philadelphia Eagles utilized their tight ends in the passing game better than anyone in the NFL. With John DeFilippo as Minnesota’s offensive coordinator, you can expect the Vikings to mimic what made Zach Ertz and Trey Burton such vital threats by utilizing multiple tight end sets. The Vikings entered the draft hoping to find a complement to Kyle Rudolph – an “F” or “move” tight end who is an athletic playmaker with dynamic pass-catching abilities. Conklin wasn’t the highest-rated TE the Vikings had on their board, but as players like Jordan Akins, Ian Thomas and Chris Herndon disappeared quickly beginning at the end of the third round, the Central Michigan product was the best fit for Minnesota in the fifth round. His blocking abilities are solid and he’s shown an ability to make tough catches over his college career, but it’ll take some time to see whether Conklin can develop into a true pass-catching tight end.
How he fits: Gary Barnidge was a huge part of DeFilippo’s offense the last time he was a coordinator in Cleveland, leading the Browns in catches and touchdowns in 2015. Conklin is a long way from being a polished product, but can help the Vikings in short-yardage situations and inside the red zone. New quarterback Kirk Cousins was better in Washington when he had two tight ends in the game at a time versus one or zero tight ends. That concept is going to help him in Minnesota with play-action, and the fact that he’ll benefit from these looks with Dalvin Cook in the picture. This is nothing new for the Vikings, either. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Minnesota used multiple tight ends on the sixth-most plays last season, but Rudolph still accounted for 82 percent of team’s tight end yardage. Over the course of his career, Conklin had 83 receptions for 1,159 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Round 5, No. 167 overall: Daniel Carlson, K, Auburn
My take: The Vikings engaged in a bit of a chess match with the Jets for this pick, trading back to get pick No. 167, which they spent on Carlson, and No. 225, which they had given up the first time they dealt with New York on Saturday. This pick causes some initial confusion given Kai Forbath just re-signed on a one-year deal in free agency. Here’s the caveat: None of Forbath’s $775,000 contract has any guaranteed money, which could mean the 30-year-old kicker isn’t on the roster Week 1. Forbath missed six field goals and five extra points in 2017. He made 87 percent of his extra point tries last season, which ranked 31st in the NFL. Forbath’s accuracy issues were a glaring issue at points, despite booting a career-high 32 field goals.
How he fits: ESPN draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay love this pick, and for good reason. Carlson is money when the game is on the line and made 12 field goals from 50 yards or longer during his three years at Auburn. That should give Minnesota a sense of relief knowing that they have a kicker who’s made a ton of pressure kicks in loud, raucous environments inside SEC stadiums. Over the course of his collegiate career, Carlson has converted all 141 extra point attempts and sent 156 of 222 kickoffs for touchbacks.
Round 6, No. 213 overall: Colby Gossett, OG, Appalachian State
My take: The Vikings finally got a guard in the draft, albeit one who won’t be ready to compete for a starting role for some time. Gossett showed consistency in the run and pass game throughout his time at Appalachian State. He started all 13 games last season at right guard, which could be the spot he ends up taking over in a season or two if he makes the team. The 6-foot-6, 310-pound guard has good size -- right around where Joe Berger played last season at 6-foot-5, 315 pounds -- but he’ll need to hit the weight room and gain the strength needed to sustain blocks against elite NFL defensive linemen. Protecting Kirk Cousins is still an issue Minnesota will need to solve in training camp, but Gossett serves as an addition to the offensive line depth that could be called on should injuries arise, just like we saw with former rookies Danny Isidora and Aviante Collins in limited capacity last season.
How he fits: Gossett plays at a very physical level as evidenced with his team-high 76 knockdown blocks last season, which included 21 pancakes. His power and aggressive edge is an important asset, but the guard also prides himself on being a technician, having allowed no sacks and committing only three penalties in 2017. The right guard spot is still a giant question mark because it’s still unknown whether Mike Remmers will stay on the interior or move back to right tackle. Minnesota doesn’t have a fifth starter on the OL, which is a big issue, but depth is improved with the addition of Gossett. He played 13 games at right guard his senior year, played left guard at the Senior Bowl and had a couple of workouts at center. He’ll get a chance to showcase that versatility during training camp.
Round 6, No. 218 overall: Ade Aruna, DE, Tulane
My take: Ade Aruna is a sixth-round diamond-in-the-rough selection for his height (6-foot-5), weight (262 pounds), length (34 inch arms) and athleticism (4.6-second 40-yard dash) alone. The Tulane edge defender notched 11 sacks over the past three seasons and impressed scouts with a great performance at the combine. Like the other late-round defensive ends/outside linebackers that came before him (i.e. Stephen Weatherly), Aruna has the potential to contribute to the Vikings' D-line rotation and find a role as a backup.
How he fits: Aruna left his native Nigeria and didn’t start playing football until his senior year of high school. He caught on pretty quickly and ended up playing in 44 games with 34 starts at defensive end at Tulane, totaling 107 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and 11 sacks over his last three seasons. In his words, Aruna is “a pass rush guy.” He wants to be a 4-3 defensive end who gets to rush from the edge and pressure the quarterback. There’s no better place for him to develop into that type of player than under the mentorship of Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter. He’s a developmental prospect right now, but in a year or two, Aruna could be an important piece of this defensive line rotation.
Round 7, No. 225 overall: Devante Downs, LB, California
My take: The Vikings love their seventh-round linebackers. Minnesota could have gone a number of directions with its last pick in the draft but chose to add depth at linebacker over drafting a running back, defensive tackle or wide receiver. Downs needs some time to develop, and what better place to do that than in a unit that features one of the top middle linebackers in the NFL? Downs probably should have gone higher in the draft but missed a bulk of his senior season because of a knee injury. Still, he finished second on the team in tackles with 65 while adding a career-high 5.5 tackles for losses and three sacks.
How he fits: Downs excelled with his pass-rushing duties at Cal, notching eight sacks in four seasons. An early bet would be Downs earns his way onto special-teams duties, just like Eric Wilson did last year after going undrafted, and impressing the Vikings during training camp. Downs was in the middle of putting together a Pac-12 defensive player of the year campaign when he got hurt, so there’s no doubt he’s capable of playing at a high level. Downs wouldn’t provide too many details on the extent of his knee injury, but said he’s in the midst of the rehabilitation process and going to lean on the Vikings staff as he works his way back onto the field, which might be in a limited capacity this spring.