Minnesota Vikings 2014 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Free Agency Edition

By Bryce Welker

2014 Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft: Post-Free Agency Edition

Minnesota Vikings — The 2013 Minnesota Vikings were, ultimately, a team with some very nice pieces that just couldn't put them together. New head coach Mike Zimmer has a lot of work to do to fill the holes on the Vikings' roster. Here is a look at what Minnesota could do to improve themselves via the draft in May.

Round 1 (No. 8 Overall): Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

Johnny Manziel

Round 1 (No. 8 Overall): Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

Johnny Manziel — Johnny Football is the most polarizing player in the draft. The talent is there, but so is his flashy personality and his alarming lack of size at the quarterback position. Minnesota should be willing to overlook this, though. Manziel could be the franchise's answer at QB for years to come if he pans out.

Round 2 (No. 40 Overall): Trent Murphy, DE, Stanford

Trent Murphy

Round 2 (No. 40 Overall): Trent Murphy, DE, Stanford

Trent Murphy — It looks like there is a good chance that Jared Allen leaves via free agency. Murphy is a kid who could step up and fill his shoes next season. This hard-nosed kid could play at defensive end or standing up at outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.

Round 3 (No. 72 Overall): Kelcy Quarles, DT, South Carolina

Kelcy Quarles

Round 3 (No. 72 Overall): Kelcy Quarles, DT, South Carolina

Kelcy Quarles — Quarles isn't a complete package by any means, but at the very least he should be some good depth for the defensive line. He had 9.5 sacks last year for the Gamecocks, so his pass rushing skills are clearly there. Run defense is his biggest issue, but he is still worth the third round pick for the Vikings.

Round 4 (No. 104 Overall): Bruce Ellington, WR, South Carolina

Bruce Ellington

Round 4 (No. 104 Overall): Bruce Ellington, WR, South Carolina

Bruce Ellington — Quarles' teammate also had a nice season last year for USC. Ellington is a small and relatively slow wide receiver, but he can make up for it with surprising strength. He would make a nice addition to the Vikings' receiving corps.

Round 5 (No. 136 Overall): Terrance Mitchell, CB, Oregon

Terrance Mitchell

Round 5 (No. 136 Overall): Terrance Mitchell, CB, Oregon

Terrance Mitchell — Mitchell was a fine corner during his time in Eugene. He possesses some very nice instincts, and because he played in the Pac-12, he has experience against the high-powered spread offenses that the conference seems to favor.

Round 6 (No. 168 Overall): Brandon Linder, G, Miami

Brandon Linder

Round 6 (No. 168 Overall): Brandon Linder, G, Miami

Brandon Linder — Linder is an experienced college guard. During his time with the Hurricanes, he had 42 career starts. He was voted Miami's offensive MVP this year and also earned Second-team All-ACC honors. He would provide some good depth for the Vikings' offensive line.

Round 7 Pick No. 200 Overall: Hakeem Smith, S, Louisville

Hakeem Smith

Round 7 Pick No. 200 Overall: Hakeem Smith, S, Louisville

Hakeem Smith — Smith was a key player for the Cardinals' defense last season. He has good explosiveness and has good height for a NFL safety. Look for the Vikings to take a flyer on him for secondary depth.

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Minnesota Vikings

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