The NFL Draft is 44 days away, which means there will be another billion or so mock draft updates between now and then. But for now, these are the players analysts (with mock drafts updated within the past week) are tying to the Minnesota Vikings with the 11th pick in the spring showcase.
Trae Waynes, DB, Michigan State
Charlie Casserly of NFL.com says: “Mike Zimmer loves corners and gets the best CB is this draft.”
Jamie Newberg of Scout NFL Network says: “I have had Trae Waynes to Minnesota in most of my mock drafts and I am sticking to it. I just wonder if this former Michigan State star drops to No. 11? I have my doubts but if he’s there for the Vikings this would be a terrific landing spot. Waynes is the top cornerback in this class and is coming off an outstanding combine. There are many who feel that the Vikings could go wide receiver with this pick. Minnesota just traded for the speedy and expensive wideout Mike Wallace. Could you imagine pairing him with Kevin White, Devante Parker or another elite receiver in this class? I think the Vikings could big up a good player at this position in rounds two or three.”
Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Rob Rang of CBS Sports says: “Reuniting Teddy Bridgewater with playmaking receiver DeVante Parker is awfully intriguing but so is adding a heat-seeking missile like Collins to pair with Harrison Smith in the secondary. Given the passing attacks in the NFC North and head coach Mike Zimmer’s defensive background, Collins makes a lot of sense.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pl6_FcMQfQ
Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
Dan Kadar of SB Nation says: “The Vikings have made some moves at wide receiver, trading for Mike Wallace and releasing Greg Jennings. They shouldn’t stop there. Even though the Vikings need a cornerback, a player like White is too good to pass up with the No. 11 pick. He’s considered by some as the draft’s top wide receiver thanks to his speed and size.”
Devante Parker, WR, Louisville
Chris Burke of Sports Illustrated says: “Pairing a QB with his favorite collegiate receiver probably is more of a fun idea for fans than it is any legitimate consideration for teams. This time, however, everything lines up to connect Parker with Teddy Bridgewater again. Cooper and White have caused Parker to slide a bit under the radar. That’s a mistake. Parker will be an immediate impact playmaker.”
Dane Brugler of CBS Sports says: “So far the Cordarrelle Patterson experiment in Minnesota has been a disappointment. And while the Vikings shouldn’t (and won’t) give up on him just yet, there is still a need for a potential No. 1 receiver for Bridgewater. And Parker, Bridgewater’s former teammate at Louisville), fills that need.
