The first round of the NFL Draft is quickly approaching and that means more mock drafts are being polished by all of the experts. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr (ESPN Insider required) has the Vikings using the No. 11 overall pick on Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes.
Waynes is considered the top cornerback in the draft.
Kiper’s analysis:
“I’ve said before I also think the Vikings could look at a receiver here, but with the top three off the board in this scenario, Waynes becomes a pretty decent value as the top cornerback in the draft. The Vikings have a need there and, at a position where I feel like the transition from college to pro is as pronounced as it is at any place on the field, Waynes has the range of skills that add up to a guy who can help out early in his career. The Vikings are in decent shape up front, but they lack both depth and size at cornerback, which is no fun in this division. Again, you’re facing Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Jay Cutler on the schedule six times a year, so depth at cornerback is essential, not just nice to have.”
Parker visits Vikings
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reports that Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker visited the Vikings on Wednesday. Pro Football Talk notes that it was Parker’s second visit with the Vikings.
The 6-foot-5 receiver caught 12 touchdown passes from Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater when they were teammates in 2013 at Louisville.
Other mock drafts have the Vikings taking…
NFL.com – Iowa guard Brandon Scherff: “Scherff has some holes in pass protection, but mashes as a run blocker. The Vikings would be able to try him out at OT and OG to see which fit is best for them.”
CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco – Alabama safety Landon Collins: “I just think this makes way too much sense. Pairing him with Harrison Smith would give them a heck of a combination.”
Sporting News – Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes: “In a division with gunslinging quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Jay Cutler, the Vikings need all the secondary help they can get. Waynes has good size at 6-0, 186 and the necessary speed, athleticism, strength and instincts to go with the position.”
