Sep 8, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A Minnesota Vikings fan looks on prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports
VikingsTerritory writers were asked to provide one single bold draft prediction apiece for the Minnesota Vikings this week. These are those.
Each writer somehow came up with a different selection — a totally random outcome.
The NFL draft occurs on April 27th in Kansas City, so two days away. Remember — bold means to think outside the box, disregarding the safety of making a vanilla prophecy.
Here are the VikingsTerritory writers’ musings on bold predictions for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Prediction Maker = Adam New
The Vikings have more confidence in Andrew Booth and Akayleb Evans than people on the outside. They’ll add depth to the CB room, but it won’t come until Day 3.
Prediction Maker = Ali Siddiqui
Plain and simple — Minnesota will take a QB in the third round.
Prediction Maker = Cole Smith
The Vikings do trade up into the Top 5 for a quarterback, but they also end up with an additional 3rd round pick on top of Pick 87.
Prediction Maker = Dustin Baker
Minnesota used to employ Trader Rick, but then they switched to Trader Kwesi, who trades more than Spielman. It’s wild.
This draft’s supposed “sweet spot” is between picks 20-100, so Adofo-Mensah will load up in the range. But while doing so, the Vikings trade back twice before selecting their first prospect.
This will enrage some fans, but that’s the cost of doing business. Two trade-backs — then the first Vikings pick of the event, perhaps on Friday night.
Prediction Maker = Kyle Joudry
Going into the event with five selections, the Vikings finish off having made eight picks. Need more? Put me down for two corners and five defenders overall. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah makes a concerted effort to give Brian Flores all he needs to succeed in Year 1 as the team’s defensive coordinator.
Prediction Maker = Janik Eckardt
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will trade down in the draft to acquire a couple of Day 2 draft picks. He did it last year and will do it again this year. More lottery tickets increase the likelihood of winning.
Prediction Maker = Josh Frey
Pretty much everyone from 15-on in the 1st Round should be looking to trade down in this year’s draft. That doesn’t bode well for the Vikings chances of actually pulling a trade to acquire more draft capital, especially Day 2 capital. Minnesota will stick-and-pick at No. 23.
Tennessee
Prediction Maker = Ted Schwerzler
This is straightforward, folks — whatever it takes, the Vikings move to get either Anthony Richardson or Hendon Hooker.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.