There’s no doubt that the NFL has become a passing league and the Vikings acknowledged the fact by drafting a wide receiver – Laquon Treadwell – in the first round and a cornerback – Mackenzie Alexander – in the second round.
The rest of the picks were:
- Kentrell Brothers, linebacker
- Willie Beavers, tackle/guard
- Moritz Boehringer, wide reciver
- David Morgan, tight end
- Stephen Weatherly, defensive end/linebacker
- Jayron Kearse, safety
We’ve compiled the draft grades given to the Vikings by seven respectable writers/outlets and here they are.
Sports Illustrated’s Doug Farrar: B
“The addition of Laquon Treadwell in the first round gives Teddy Briddgewater the kind of big, aggressive receiver he hasn’t yet had with his NFL team. Size issues with Treadwell are overblown, and he should succeed. And second-round cornerback Mackensie Alexander is a great value with the ability to play outside and in the slot. Of course, the big story of the Vikings’ class is the fifth-round selection of Moritz Boehringer, who previously played with the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns of the German Football League. Boehringer , who’s the first draft pick to come from straight out of Europe, got into football a few years back after watching new teammate Adrian Peterson on YouTube. He has the base athleticism to make it in the NFL, and now comes the task of learning advanced routes and dealing with NFL competition. Western Michigan tackle Willie Beavers could also be a standout in this class in time. Like T.J. Clemmings, last year’s developmental offensive lineman, Beavers has a lot of talent, and a lot of learning to do. Also, keep an eye on Vanderbilt end Stephen Weatherly. —DF”
Sports Illustrated went further, saying Treadwell was one of the two best steals in the first round.
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FOX Sports’ Peter Schrager: C
“I’m not nearly as high on Laquon Treadwell as others and actually think the Vikings were probably a little frustrated to see the run on receivers right before them in the draft. Treadwell could work well alongside Stefon Diggs, but I’m not sure he was worthy of the 23rd overall pick when there may have been some value had the team looked to trade back a few slots. I’m also not as high on Mackensie Alexander, the second-round cornerback who didn’t record a single interception during his college career. Moritz Boehringer, the German project, was a cute story. But is he helping you get over the hump next year? Then again, if any coach can get the most of his players, it’s Mike Zimmer.”
NFL.com’s Chad Reuter: A
“General manager Rick Spielman got the most physical receiver in the draft in Treadwell. There’s no reason he won’t be a to-go guy for Teddy Bridgewater. Alexander is an excellent defender, even without the turnover production. Then Spielman picked up two 2017 mid-round selections from Miami. That’s building draft capital.
Spielman found quality players in Beavers, Brothers, Weatherly, and Morgan. Kearse was worth a shot in the seventh round. Boehringer’s upside is highly intriguing.”
Sporting News: A
“Rick Spielman, Mike Zimmer and Norv Turner have an amazing mindmeld going on right now with a playoff team that’s ready to win big now. Let’s start with offense. Treadwell is the perfect all-around receiver to pair with last year’s speedy steal, Stephon Diggs. Boehringer, the Randy Moss of Germany, has stud potential, and Morgan has great receiving upside, too. Beavers is a swingman who can start in 2017. Defensively, Zimmer got another scrappy corner in stealing Alexander. Brothers and Weatherly pile on their linebacker domination with Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks. It’s the kind of draft that helps them turn the corner toward real NFC title contention.”
CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco: B-
“The Vikings hit it right by getting Treadwell, and Alexander is a talent. Willie Beavers in the fourth round adds line depth and Brothers is a player who could make an immediate impact.”
Bleacher Report: A
“Laquon Treadwell is the next Dez Bryant. Mackensie Alexander is a huge steal at No. 54, and the Vikings made an interesting choice in Round 6 with German receiver Moritz Boehringer. It’ll be a storyline worth following.”
USA Today’s Lindsay Jones: A
“It’s hard to find fault with any of the early draft picks. Mississippi WR Laquon Treadwell fills a need on offense and should be a nice complement to Stefon Diggs, while Clemson CB Mackensie Alexander could contribute immediately in nickel packages. The most surprising pick came Saturday afternoon in German WR Moritz Boehringer, who is the first European player drafted into the NFL without playing in the NCAA.”
