The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for an exciting and pivotal night on Thursday, April 24th as they enter the 2019 NFL Draft. With a strong free agency period behind them, the Vikings have the opportunity to forge several paths early on in the draft and set themselves up for a successful season.
After a disappointing 2018 season, the Vikings wasted no time in making moves during free agency to strengthen their roster. They made a splash by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a record-breaking contract, solidifying their offense and giving them a strong leader on the field. They also added key pieces on defense, such as defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson and linebacker Anthony Barr, to bolster their already formidable defense.
With these key additions, the Vikings have set themselves up for success in the draft. They have the flexibility to address their needs and add depth to their roster, while also having the luxury of taking the best player available.
One path the Vikings could take is to focus on their offensive line. Despite having a talented quarterback in Cousins and a dynamic running back in Dalvin Cook, the Vikings struggled in the trenches last season. They allowed the fourth-most sacks in the league and were unable to establish a consistent running game. With a deep draft class for offensive linemen, the Vikings could use their first-round pick to select a top-tier tackle or guard to protect Cousins and open up holes for Cook.
Another option for the Vikings is to address their need for a playmaking wide receiver. After trading away star receiver Stefon Diggs, the Vikings are in need of a reliable target for Cousins. With a deep class of wide receivers in this year’s draft, the Vikings could use their first-round pick to select a top prospect like Jerry Jeudy or CeeDee Lamb. This would give Cousins another weapon in the passing game and help take some pressure off of star receiver Adam Thielen.
The Vikings could also use their first-round pick to add depth to their defense. Despite having a strong unit, the Vikings could benefit from adding a young, talented player to their already impressive group. With the 25th overall pick, the Vikings could target a defensive end or cornerback to add to their rotation and keep their defense fresh and dominant.
No matter which path the Vikings choose to take in the draft, one thing is for sure: they have set themselves up for success with a strong free agency period. With a solid foundation in place, the Vikings have the flexibility to make the best decision for their team and continue to build a competitive roster.
In addition to their first-round pick, the Vikings also have eight other picks in the draft, giving them plenty of opportunities to add depth and talent to their team. With a strong draft class and a motivated front office, the Vikings are in a prime position to make a statement on Thursday night and set themselves up for a successful season.
As fans eagerly await the start of the draft, one thing is certain: the Minnesota Vikings are ready to make moves and continue their pursuit of a Super Bowl title. With a robust free agency period and a talented roster, the Vikings have the potential to make a splash on Thursday night and set themselves up for a successful season. So, let’s all tune in and see what path the Vikings will forge on April 24th. Skol Vikings!
