The Vikings have selected offensive lineman Garrett Bradbury with the 18th overall pick in the first-round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
It’s likely with Bradbury, a star center from North Carolina State, will start at center for the Vikings, forcing Pat Elflein to move to left guard on the offensive line.
Following his senior season at NC State, he was awarded the Remington Trophy, which is given to the best center in college football.
“I just want to play offensive line and help the team win.” Bradbury told reporters on a conference call after his selections.
“I feel I’m a pretty experienced offensive lineman,” said Bradbury to Jordan Ried after the Senior Bowl this season, confirming he can also play multiple positions.
“One of the emphasis we put on was guys who were able to play multiple positions,” said general manager Rick Spielman
Head coach Mike Zimmer added that “everybody loves this kid.”
The coach also joked about taking a cornerback.
“We felt this was a unique opportunity to get a very good player to come into our program.” – GM Rick Spielman on @Gbradbury_11
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 26, 2019
NC State play-by-play broadcaster Gary Hahn joined SKOR North (KSTP-AM) in the Twin Cities after the selection and told the station that Bradbury is all about winning.
“He does have some nasty to him and this is a guy who wants to win at any cost,” said Hahn.
CBS Sports calls Bradbury an insane athlete who makes blocking easy.
“Insane athlete who makes combo blocking look easy,” said Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports. “When Bradbury gets his arms on you, it’s over. His ability to get to the second level is unparalleled, as is his quickness, footwork and overall technique. “
ESPN reporter Courtney Cronin reported this week that he’s “the right pick for the Vikings at No. 18”
In other draft notes, Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray went No. 1 overall to the Arizona Cardinals.
The Green Bay Packers took defensive end Rashan Gary out of Michigan with 12th overall pick and they also traded back into the draft to take safety Darnell Savage out of Maryland with the 21st selection.
