2016 NFL Draft: Minnesota Vikings’ Way-Too-Early Seven-Round Mock

Vikings' Way-Too-Early Seven-Round Mock Draft

Yes, it may only be September. However, it’s never too early to take a peek at what the Minnesota Vikings could do during the 2016 NFL Draft. With a number of holes in the roster and several positions lacking depth, the Vikings will need to find a way to wisely use their seven picks to improve.

Here’s a way-too-early look at how they could do exactly that.

Yes, it may only be September. However, it’s never too early to take a peek at what the Minnesota Vikings could do during the 2016 NFL Draft. With a number of holes in the roster and several positions lacking depth, the Vikings will need to find a way to wisely use their seven picks to improve.

Here’s a way-too-early look at how they could do exactly that.

Round 1: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

Despite adding Mike Wallace this past offseason, the Vikings still lack a true No. 1 receiver. If they’re going to give Teddy Bridgewater all the weapons he needs to be the franchise quarterback, bringing aboard a top-tier talent like Treadwell would be the right move.

Round 2: Cody Whitehair, OT, Kansas State

Although Matt Kalil has shown some improvement early in 2015, I wouldn’t be surprised if they began putting a contingency plan in place for the former first-round pick. Whitehair has been flying under the radar, but a big 2015 season could propel him into early-round consideration.

Round 3: Briean Boddy-Calhoun, CB, Minnesota

Right now, the Minnesota Golden Gophers have one of the best pass defenses in the nation, and Boddy-Calhoun has played a huge part in that. With three cornerbacks headed for free agency next offseason, adding a promising young prospect like Boddy-Calhoun would be wise.

Round 4: Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech

Power back Matt Asiata is in a contract year, and may not re-sign considering he’s currently third on the Vikings’ depth chart. Especially with Adrian Peterson showing signs of age and Jerick McKinnon not offering much in the power department, bringing in Dixon could be a viable option to replace Asiata.

Round 5: Vi Teofilo, G, Arizona State

The Vikings always look to the draft for depth along the offensive line, and this move would be exactly that. The big, powerful Teofilo would be a welcomed addition to a Minnesota offensive line that has struggled to create consistent running room this season.

Round 7 (via BUF): Kevin Anderson, OLB, Stanford

Every year it seems, the Vikings take a late-round flier on a linebacker. This year will likely be no different, and Stanford’s Anderson would be a great choice in the seventh round. He’s tough against the run and offers some upside as a pass rusher, an area the Vikings can always use more talent in.

Round 7: Tracy Howard, CB, Miami (FL)

Minnesota could take another flier here with Howard, a potential-laden cornerback who hasn’t quite put it all together on the field. The athleticism and talent in coverage are there, but he’s struggled with the mental aspect of the game. For a seventh-round pick, the Vikings couldn’t ask for much more.