Derrick Harmon Could Be Perfect for Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings pick 24th overall during the first round of Thursday’s NFL Draft. There’s no guarantee they make a selection with that pick, and it’s maybe even in their best interest to avoid making a selection there.
Derrick Harmon Could Be Perfect for Vikings
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah currently only has four total draft picks to work with. Minnesota stands to benefit by trading back and grabbing additional capital. If they go that route, the expectation should be that they could find themselves factoring into the top of the second round.
That’s where things get interesting. While the draft may not have the same premium and exciting playmaking prospects, it could be one of the deepest collections in recent memory. There is a real opportunity for the Vikings to grab a first-round talent as late as the third round, and their first pick in the second round certainly will fall into that category.
A name they should look to circle is none other than Oregon star Derrick Harmon. The defensive lineman transferred to the Ducks last season after playing his first three in the Big Ten with Michigan State. More of an interior defensive lineman, Harmon racked up a career-best five sacks last season.
The Oregon standout can be a big body in the middle, but he utilizes both quickness and strength to push around opposing offensive linemen. He recorded a whopping 11 tackles for loss last season and flashed well at the NFL combine.
Sure, Harmon plays a position that Adofo-Mensah addressed during free agency. Both Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave should go a long way towards helping Minnesota establish a better presence on the defensive interior. Both players have recent injury concerns, though; each is closer to the end of their careers than the beginning.
In drafting Harmon, the Vikings would land a future fixture for their roster. Harmon could follow a similar developmental path as Dallas Turner did a year ago, and he shouldn’t cost nearly the same amount of draft capital. Brian Flores can put Harmon in situations where he can contribute early, but the future is where he’ll be able to shine.
It may not be fun to see Minnesota opt against making a first-round pick. If they grab someone like Harmon in the second, though, they will have executed a near-perfect plan.
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Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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