With the NFL Draft now only a week away it’s time to scan the web for fresh cut of mock drafts.
For the second week in a row, Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes is the heavy favorite in terms of mock drafts slotting him with the Vikings as the 11th pick in the draft.
Of the nine mocks we looked at, six have Waynes landing with the Vikings. The others are Iowa guard Brandon Scherff, Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker and Georgia running back Todd Gurley.
Todd McShay, ESPN – Trae Waynes, CB
“DeVante Parker is an option here, as the Vikings could still afford to upgrade their wide receiver depth chart even after the Mike Wallace trade, and he was QB Teddy Bridgewater’s go-to target at Louisville. But the cornerback position opposite Xavier Rhodes is a bigger need. Coach Mike Zimmer ideally wants two corners who can hold up in press-man coverage, and Waynes is the best CB prospect in this draft and best-suited for press-man, with very good straight-line speed and technique. In Rhodes and Waynes, Minnesota would have a very good pair of corners.”
Doug Farrar, Sports Illustrated – Trae Waynes, CB
“Do the Vikings need a receiver forTeddy Bridgewater? You bet they do, but this is such a deep receiver class, and head coach Mike Zimmer needs a top-flight cornerback to pair with Xavier Rhodes even more. Josh Robinson and Captain Munnerlyn were liabilities in coverage last season, and veteran Terence Newman is a stopgap on a one-year deal. Waynes isn’t a perfect cornerback, but he’s aggressive, plays well against top opponents, and he can establish leverage on deep passes. If he can develop more toughness against the run, Minnesota could have one of the better young cornerback duos in the NFL.”
Lance Zierlen, NFL.com – Brandon Scherff, OG
“Perfect match. The Vikings would likely race this pick to the podium if it works out that Scherff is available.”
Rob Rang, CBS Sports – Trae Waynes, CB
“Given the caliber of receivers Minnesota faces in the NFC North, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see defensive-minded head coach Mike Zimmer push for another long-lanky corner for his scheme, especially should the top talent at the position fall in his lap.”
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports – Trae Waynes, CB
“While the Terrance Newman signing was good for depth, the Vikings still have a need at cornerback and could draft the top defensive back on their board with this pick.”
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports – Trae Waynes, CB
“Waynes looks to be the best corner in the class, and the Vikings could use another good, young corner. He would team with Xavier Rhodes to give them a nice duo for years.”
Will Brinson, CBS Sports – DeVante Parker, WR
“The Vikings grabbed Mike Wallace via trade but let’s be real. They’re not set at the position. Parker could end up being the best wideout in this draft and he spent time playing with Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater already. Get him his guy.”
Walter Football – Trae Waynes, CB
“The Vikings could use an early selection on a cornerback so that they have a long-term starter across from Xavier Rhodes. Trae Waynes was slotted at No. 6 a couple of weeks ago, so taking him with the 11th pick presents solid value. Plus, he’s a perfect fit for Mike Zimmer’s scheme.”
Ryan Riddle, Bleacher Report – Todd Gurley, RB
“The Vikings need to start fresh at the running back position by adding one of the most exciting prospects of this draft class. Todd Gurley should certainly be available here because his position is erroneously undervalued, and he’s coming off an ACL injury.”
