In recent years, the Minnesota Vikings have not had the best track record when it comes to the NFL draft. However, despite some notable misses, the Vikings have managed to build a strong and competitive team through shrewd drafting and strategic moves. While they may not be considered draft savants, the Vikings have proven that they are more than capable of building a winning team through the draft.
Over the past five years, the Vikings have had their fair share of hits and misses in the draft. One of the most notable picks during this time was wide receiver Stefon Diggs in the fifth round of the 2015 draft. Diggs quickly became a key playmaker for the Vikings and has made a significant impact on the field. In just four seasons, Diggs has racked up over 4,600 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns, solidifying himself as one of the top wide receivers in the game.
Another successful pick for the Vikings was cornerback Xavier Rhodes, selected in the first round of the 2013 draft. Rhodes has become a lockdown cornerback for the Vikings, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 2016 and 2017. He has consistently shut down some of the league’s top receivers and has been a crucial part of the Vikings’ strong defense.
The Vikings have also found success in drafting key defensive players such as linebacker Anthony Barr and safety Harrison Smith. Both players have been instrumental in the Vikings’ defense, with Barr earning four Pro Bowl selections and Smith earning three. These picks demonstrate the Vikings’ ability to identify and develop top defensive talent through the draft.
However, not all of the Vikings’ draft picks have panned out as expected. In the 2016 draft, the Vikings selected wide receiver Laquon Treadwell in the first round, but he has yet to make a significant impact on the field. Treadwell has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, leading to questions about his draft value. Despite this miss, the Vikings have managed to build a strong receiving corps through other draft picks and free agency moves.
Another notable miss for the Vikings was quarterback Christian Ponder, selected in the first round of the 2011 draft. Ponder failed to live up to expectations and was released by the Vikings after just three seasons. However, the Vikings have since found a franchise quarterback in Kirk Cousins, who they signed as a free agent in 2018. Cousins has proven to be a valuable addition to the team, leading the Vikings to the playoffs in his first season.
It’s important to note that drafting in the NFL is not an exact science. Every team has their fair share of hits and misses, and the Vikings are no exception. What sets them apart is their ability to bounce back from these misses and build a strong team through other means. Whether it’s through free agency, trades, or undrafted free agent signings, the Vikings have shown that they are not solely reliant on the draft to build a winning team.
In addition to their draft picks, the Vikings have also made some strategic moves to strengthen their roster. In 2018, they signed defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, who has quickly become a key player on the Vikings’ defensive line. They also traded for quarterback Sam Bradford in 2016, who helped lead the team to a division title in his first season.
Overall, the Vikings may not be considered draft savants, but they have proven to be a resilient and competitive team. They have built a strong roster through a combination of draft picks, strategic moves, and free agent signings. While they may have had some notable misses in recent years, the Vikings have shown that they are more than capable of building a winning team through a variety of means. As they continue to make moves to improve their roster, the Vikings are poised to remain a top contender in the NFL.
