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2015 NFL Draft: Minnesota Vikings’ Way-Too-Early 7-Round Mock

2015 NFL Draft: Vikings’ Early 7-Round Mock

Minnesota Vikings 2015 NFL Draft
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At 5-7 following a Week 13 win, the Minnesota Vikings are all but eliminated from the playoff picture in the cutthroat NFC. It seems unfair given the mediocrity poised to make the postseason from the NFC South, but that’s how things stack up for the Vikes. From off-field turmoil involving Adrian Peterson to on-the-job training for several young pieces, things are looking up for 2015. Here’s an early mock draft for the Vikings.

Round 1 – Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Minnesota Vikings 2015 NFL Draft
Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1 – Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Minnesota Vikings 2015 NFL Draft
Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

If the season ended today, the Vikes would hold the No. 9 overall pick. That seems like the ideal spot to add a true difference maker to their receiving corps and aid the growth of Teddy Bridgewater under center. The big years of base salary are coming up on veteran Greg Jennings’ contract, and his production has been middling at best since coming over from the Packers. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Vikes save some cash if Cooper arrives.

Round 2 – A.J. Cann, OG, South Carolina

Minnesota Vikings 2015 NFL Draft
Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Round 2 – A.J. Cann, OG, South Carolina

Minnesota Vikings 2015 NFL Draft
Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

The interior offensive line for the Vikings has been a weakness since the days of Steve Hutchinson. A guy like A.J. Cann, although somewhat limited in what he can do, would really help the post-Adrian Peterson era of the ground game. Cann is a straight-ahead power blocker with terrific technique and awareness that will translate well to the next level. At 6-foot-3, 311 pounds, it would be hard to design a more prototypical guard for today’s NFL.

Round 3 – Ramik Wilson, LB, Georgia

Minnesota Vikings 2015 NFL Draft
Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Round 3 – Ramik Wilson, LB, Georgia

Minnesota Vikings 2015 NFL Draft
Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

A lack of size could cause some teams to think twice about Ramik Wilson in the 2015 draft, but that would be a mistake. The 6-foot-3, 237-pound is a tackling machine with superior athleticism and fluidity to drop into coverage. He would be an ideal fit at what has been a revolving door position of inside linebacker for the Vikings. If he can learn to disengage from blockers with a bit more consistency, the sky’s the limit for this young man.

Round 4 – Hroniss Grasu, C, Oregon

Minnesota Vikings 2015 NFL Draft
Jim Z. Rider-USA TODAY Sports

Round 4 – Hroniss Grasu, C, Oregon

Minnesota Vikings 2015 NFL Draft
Jim Z. Rider-USA TODAY Sports

He may have suffered an injury that has his current status in doubt, but there is no doubting just how valuable Hroniss Grasu will be to some lucky NFL team. Athleticism is an abundant resource for the Oregon center, as he boasts terrific initial burst and gets to the second level. Just because he’s an athlete doesn’t mean he can’t hold up at the point of attack, however, as Grasu anchors well and shows tremendous strength against the bull rush.

Round 5 – Cam Thomas, CB, Western Kentucky

Minnesota Vikings 2015 NFL Draft
Brian Powers-USA TODAY Sports

Round 5 – Cam Thomas, CB, Western Kentucky

Minnesota Vikings 2015 NFL Draft
Brian Powers-USA TODAY Sports

An under-the-radar prospect sure to rise up draft boards this spring is lanky corner Cam Thomas. At 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, he fits the mold of the modern-day corner that the Seattle Seahawks have made so en vogue. He likely won’t blow anyone away with speed or agility, but coverage is where Thomas will need to excel. His ability to stick with opposing wideouts and mirror should only improve with better coaching given his innate gift of size.

Round 6 – Titus Davis, WR, Central Michigan

Minnesota Vikings 2015 NFL Draft
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Round 6 – Titus Davis, WR, Central Michigan

Minnesota Vikings 2015 NFL Draft
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Titus Davis had a shot to leave school early last year with his prolific numbers, but the wideout chose instead to return and shatter some CMU records. Now his 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame will arrive at the next level fully seasoned and ready to contribute immediately. His route-running savvy and knack for coming up large in big moments would be a real shot in the arm for a Vikings receiving corps lacking much in the way of consistency.

Round 7 – Connor Halliday, QB, Washington State

Minnesota Vikings 2015 NFL Draft
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7 – Connor Halliday, QB, Washington State

Minnesota Vikings 2015 NFL Draft
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With Christian Ponder’s contract coming off the books this offseason and Matt Cassel’s huge base salary a likely cap casualty, the Vikes will be looking for insurance behind the young Bridgewater. A grisly ankle injury in early November will cause Connor Halliday to slide down draft boards and potentially go undrafted, but at 6-foot-4, 198 pounds he has the potential to be a solid backup and not just a product of Mike Leach’s system.

Anthony Blake is a Senior Writer/Copy Editor for Rant Sports. You Can Follow Him on Twitter, on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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