8 Predictions for Vikings’ SECOND Pick of Draft
VikingsTerritory writers were asked to provide one draft prediction apiece for the Minnesota Vikings — for the draft choice after their first pick of the event, which many believe will be a quarterback.
8 Predictions for Vikings’ SECOND Pick of Draft
They were instructed to envision a trade-up, a trade-back, or the team remaining at the Nos. 11 and 23 spots. Each writer somehow came up with a different selection — a totally random outcome.
The NFL draft occurs on April 25th in Detroit, so 12 days away. The players are listed alphabetically. To reiterate: this is not the pick used on Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy, for example — these predictions are for the guy after Maye or McCarthy, whoever that may be.
1. Cooper Beebe (OG)
Kansas State
Prediction Maker = Cole Smith
Assuming that the Vikings trade the 11th and 23rd overall picks to move up for a QB, my prediction is that the Vikings’ second pick won’t come until Day 3, right around the 108th pick (Round 4). I think a guard like Cooper Beebe from Kansas State makes sense at 108. Neither guard spot is 100% locked down in Minnesota, and Beebe amassed over 2,600 snaps on the offensive line over the past three seasons.
2. Khristian Boyd (DT)
Northern Iowa
Prediction Maker = Josh Frey
The Vikings have done a pre-draft visit with Boyd, and they need more of a pass-rushing presence at DT. Boyd can fill that role.
3. Jowon Briggs (DT)
Cincinnati
Prediction Maker = Ali Siddiqui
From Round 4, the Vikings need a DT, and this would be the perfect pick.
4. DeWayne Carter (DT)
Duke
Prediction Maker = Adam New
The Vikings’ second pick will come in Round 4 after trading up for a quarterback. A small trade-up might be required to land DeWayne Carter, who will be selected to bolster Minnesota’s defensive line.
5. Bucky Irving (RB)
Oregon
Prediction Maker = Ted Schwerzler
The Vikings shored up the running back position with Aaron Jones, but only if he stays healthy. Depth will quickly thin if he doesn’t. Irving fits along with Ty Chandler and is familiar with the state.
6. T’Vondre Sweat (DT)
Texas
Prediction Maker = Wes Johnson
Recent legal troubles from Sweat could cause him to fall come draft night, and if he does, I’d look for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to remain aggressive and trade up to get him. Sweat fills one of the remaining team needs and sets us up on the interior line for the next few years.
7. Leonard Taylor III (DT)
Miami
Prediction Maker = Dustin Baker
Taylor III had a quiet-ish 2023 season, but before that, the man was a fashionable 1st-Round pick. Perhaps someone named Brian Flores could unlock his fullest upside.
Adofo-Mensah enjoys prospects from big-name schools, and Taylor III will probably will be on the board when Minnesota picks in Round 4. Amid an underwhelming group of DTs on the current depth chart, Taylor III can stand out this summer, though defensive tackles usually take longer than usual to blossom.
8. Zak Zinter (OG)
Michigan
Prediction Maker = Janik Eckardt
After the departure of starting guard Dalton Risner, the Vikings need someone else to keep the passers clean and to open holes in the running game. Michigan’s unanimous All-American offers immediate starting potential once he returns from a broken leg suffered in November. Because of his injury, he will fall into Minnesota’s laps in the fourth round.
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,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
You must be logged in to post a comment.