The NFL Combine Might’ve Changed the Vikings 1st-Round Draft Choice
Mitchel Massman
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The Vikings have the 12th pick of the NFL Draft this year. They have needs throughout all three levels of the defense and the interior offensive line. Currently, they need multiple cornerbacks, linebackers, and an edge rusher. However, after the combine results, their plan could be changing.
Many mock drafts by experts have the Vikings selecting a cornerback or an edge rusher. This makes sense considering the positional value of these players. Mike Zimmer once said that for a defense to be good, you need to rush the passer and play coverage. Therefore, an edge rusher or a cornerback is the most likely option.
However, there is one player that could be available at 12th overall who could become a game wrecker.
Jordan Davis, a defensive tackle from Georgia, had an outstanding combine performance. He stands at 6’6″ and weighs 341 pounds. He also ran a 4.78 40-yard dash and a broad jump of 10’3″. The physical prowess to move a body of that size that fast is unreal. Therefore, it would not be a surprise to see him climb up the draft boards.
Is Need or Value More Important in the Draft?
When evaluating the roster of an NFL team, you want to look at your biggest needs. Then devise a plan to fill those needs. However, it’s important to look at how a player could impact the roster over the next decade. The draft is one of those times where you want to find the player that can be a game-changer.
Think of the NFL draft as where you select players to build around for years to come. Then think of free agency as where you sign players to build around the guys you have drafted. If you believe that this is how you should view each portion of the offseason, then it makes sense how the NFL schedule is set up.
The Vikings should prioritize signing a couple of cornerbacks and a linebacker in free agency. They might even want to sign a couple of offensive linemen. However, it is unlikely they can get all of that done in free agency. Although, if they addressed a couple of these issues, they can then prioritize “best player available” in the NFL Draft. The best player available may certainly be Jordan Davis.
Why the Vikings Should Target Davis
Jordan Davis has the physical traits of a potential monster. Based solely on his physical ability, he is a combination of Aaron Donald and Akiem Hicks. Meaning, he has the size and power similar to that of Hicks and the speed and agility of Donald. These traits have allowed Donald and Hicks to dominate opposing offensive lines for years.
The Vikings currently have two quality defensive tackles but lack depth in the position. The depth issue has shown up repeatedly over the last two as the run defense has been gashed. If the Vikings drafted Davis, he could become an instant upgrade in the middle of the defense. An upgrade in the middle of the defensive line could open possibilities in how the defense is coordinated.
For example, the Vikings could count on their defensive tackles to bully opposing offenses, allowing the linebackers to roam freely. Having confidence that your defensive line can control the point of attack opens up possibilities. Jordan Davis has the size, strength, and quickness to make this happen.
Oddly enough, a pair of hall of fame and future hall of fame defensive tackles were selected around the 12th overall. Aaron Donald was selected 13th overall by the Rams in 2014, and Warren Sapp was selected 12th overall by the Bucs in 1995. That has turned out quite well for them. Maybe, just maybe, the Vikings could land a stud that will become a game wrecker for years to come.
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