5 Unsung Draft Targets for Vikings
The mock draft community and Minnesota Vikings fans spend most of their analytical energy thinking about the team’s first draft pick — which is fair.
5 Unsung Draft Targets for Vikings
But what about the undercover players who will join new teams on Friday, April 25th, and Saturday, April 26th? Those non-1st-Rounders need some love, too.
So, these are five unsung draft targets to remember for the Vikings, listed in alphabetical order.
1. Howard Cross III (DT)
Notre Dame
Projected Draft Round: Round 6
In all likelihood, the Vikings will draft a defensive tackle early to slap some youth in the DL room for the long haul, and that’ll be that.
But what if they select a defensive back early and wait on defensive tackle until later in the draft? Cross III could make sense.
NFL Draft Buzz‘s K.C. Martinez describes Cross III’s skill set: “The most realistic projection sees Cross carving out a focused but valuable role rather than becoming an every-down defender. While his motor and technical prowess will endear him to position coaches, the physical realities of the NFL interior will limit his deployment.”
“What makes Cross intriguing is the combination of high-level production in college and the athletic traits to translate that disruptive ability in specific situations at the pro level. Defensive fronts that utilize multiple alignments and value penetration over anchoring provide his clearest path to consistent playing time.”
That can work as a project behind Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.
2. D.J. Giddens (RB)
Kansas State
Projected Draft Round: Round 4
Turn on some tape from Giddens — only a few minutes is needed — and you’ll see why he belongs on this list.
Giddens passes the eye test as an electric runner and would look good in another hue of purple after playing college ball at Kansas State. His only malfunction? His pass protection will need work, and that may be a dealbreaker for the Vikings’ front office and coaching staff.
3. Luke Lachey (TE)
Iowa
Lachey needs a lot of work to transform into a TE1. He’s not overly fast or athletic, and his route-running will need reform.
But Lachey has the Iowa pedigree and a high football IQ. Give him time to turn into the Johnny Mundt role, and it will happen for Lachey — maybe more.
Projected Draft Round: Round 6
4. Dont’e Thornton (WR)
Tennessee
Projected Draft Round: Round 5
Thornton has Randy Moss specs.
He probably won’t remotely approach Moss’ Hall of Fame career, but 6’5″ with 4.3 speed deserves a Round 5 flyer from some NFL team. Why not Minnesota?
Thornton is not an adept route runner, but he’s a contested-catch savant. Combine that with his height and speed, and he can be a deep-ball threat for J.J. McCarrthy.
5. Nohl Williams (CB)
California
Projected Draft Round: Round 5
NDB summarized Williams’ scouting report: “Williams brings some ball-hawking abilities to the NFL level, where his exceptional production and competitive toughness stand out more than his athletic testing numbers suggest. His experience across multiple coverage schemes reveals a defender who positions himself exceptionally well, particularly when working in zone concepts where his anticipation and quick trigger allow him to pounce on throwing opportunities.”
“There’s genuine playmaking DNA here – not simply luck or circumstance – that shows up repeatedly in critical game situations.”
That sounds like a man who Brian Flores can utilize.
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