Minnesota Vikings 2018 Draft Class Review

With the 2018 NFL Draft behind us, it’s time to begin the review process on how each team stacks up with the selections they’ve made. While the Vikings made waves in the offseason signing the top quarterback on the market (Kirk Cousins), they also continue to add to a roster that on paper looks again to be one of the best in the NFL. When evaluating Minnesota’s 2018 draft class it became clear that these selections should give the Vikings a great advantage in case of injury. Eight total picks came from this class, let’s review… 

Minnesota Vikings 2018 Draft Class Review:

Round 1 – Pick 30 (30)

Mike Hughes (DB)

At the start of the draft process, ADF had Mike Hughes very high on our board amidst all the talent at the defensive back position. Falling to the Vikings at pick 30 should become a monster score for an already uber-talented defensive unit adding one of the better corners from this class. As the NFL targets players at this position, the desired height may not fulfill what clubs are looking for in terms of Hughes. However, what Mike lacks in prototypical size, he makes up for that with great athletic ability, sound speed, and great physical traits. Some scouts see Hughes as a work in progress, but ADF is a firm believer in what he can do. His A+ press coverage ability allows Hughes to challenge any receiver off the line making it difficult for them to excel in their routes while completely derailing the timing with the quarterback.

The concern from the masses continues to be the lack of experience Hughes achieved in his small sample size of active playing time, but talent like this can’t be coached. Mike had a solid year in his junior season at UCF seeing him pickoff 4 balls while breaking up 11 in the form of passes defended. With all the positives that come from Mike’s film, we are somewhat discouraged in his 40 time (4.53) for a man of his size and weight. Coming in under six feet tall and under two hundred pounds, it would’ve been nice to see something around a 4.4 40 time. Either way, Hughes has fantastic upside that should allow him to compete for the nickel role from day one, playing alongside Trae Waynes, and super star Xavier Rhodes. This defensive back unit could be a very dominating group this season.       

ADF Prediction: Great potential, good upside.

Round 2 – Pick 30 (62)

Brian O’Neill (OL)

The Vikings made a clear overhaul to their offensive line last season which proved its skill and talent with much improved pass protection and sound run blocking elevating Minnesota’s play to almost reaching the Super Bowl. Continuing down that path, the Vikings added more depth with former Pittsburgh tackle Brian O’Neill. Brian is a massive individual with good strength and above average athleticism showing a mid-4.5 seconds in the 20 yard shuttle highlighting his agile movements. The initial concern is the amount of mass on his frame (or lack thereof) as he comes in at less than 300 pounds, which is desired for an NFL book-end. His overall speed is very good which should benefit him on outside runs and pull blocking. Some scouts suggest Brian could be a better fit at guard to start his career, but from early sightings from organized team activity, he’s been a mainstay at the left tackle spot running with the second team offense.

Some red flags were exposed in his game as O’Neill went up against tougher competition where he wasn’t necessarily able to answer the bell. To us it’s not a major concern as Brian will have the opportunity to learn and correct his inadequacies behind a stellar group up front.         

ADF Prediction: Moderate potential, requires coaching.

Round 4 – Pick 2 (102)

Jalyn Holmes (DE)

The book on Holmes suggests he won’t be a viable option playing with his hand in the dirt in either a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense. While the Vikings base is typically playing out of the 4-3, the hopes from coach Zimmer shows that he has confidence in Jalyn to up his ability and man the defensive end spot on a rotational basis to begin his career. ADF is very encouraged with the speed and strength that Holmes possesses as he looks the part of a straight line rusher rather than producing much in the department of finesse.

In reviewing last year’s tallies, Holmes won’t wow anyone with his statistics but does have a nose to find his way into the backfield with great penetration. Only generating 5 sacks in his four year career at Ohio State does poise to be a glaring warning sign, his tackles behind the line were an improvement with 15 takedowns in his career with 9 coming from his junior season. Holmes looks to be a project player in need of development and should find his game playing behind some of the best defensive linemen in the game.      

ADF Prediction: Moderate/low potential, has a low floor.

Round 5 – Pick 20 (157)

Tyler Conklin (TE)

With current starting tight end Kyle Rudolph entering the final two years of his contract, with the team holding all leverage in the 2019 season to cut-bait saving over 7 million dollars with no dead cap applied, Tyler Conklin will have to show his worth this season to force the hand of the Vikings management.

Conklin is a very interesting prospect who shows very good speed and supreme ability with glue like hands and a play making aptitude. Coming in a little undersized to how the NFL likes to see its tight ends these days, Tyler surly makes up for that with his very good skillset. Not only is Conklin a good receiver, he also possess above average blocking ability that would be a great benefit to the Minnesota run game. Conklin’s free-fall in this year’s draft was due in part to an injury he suffered last season which completely derailed the opportunity to showcase his growth and progression. Tyler will have to work out some shortfalls in his game which include below average release and route run ability. ADF could envision the scenario where Tyler shows out in redzone opportunities while gaining favor from the coaching staff making Rudolph expendable in the future. His role should increase as the season wears on.

ADF Prediction: Good upside, potential future starting tight end.  

Round 5 – Pick 30 (167)

Daniel Carlson (K)

There’s nothing like pushing players at every position with healthy competition to raise the level of play. Minnesota obviously isn’t 100% sold on their current kicking game in Kai Forbath, so to draft Daniel Carlson to begin the competition. Having a career field goal percentage over 80% topping out at 87.5% in his junior season proves he has accuracy to go along with a rather strong leg. Converting on 50+ yard attempts also validates the interest and reason Minnesota selected Carlson in the fifth round. Get ready for a showdown in camp and in the preseason between the kickers.

Round 6 – Pick 39 (213)

Colby Gossett (OL)

With a roster as sound as the one Minnesota employs, their first pick in the sixth round also is made with depth purposes in mind. Boasting fantastic size and testing fairly well at the combine, the ironman of shorts should be able to garner a spot as a backup on this Vikings roster to start his career. Gossett isn’t the most agile or quick guard we’ve seen, but definitely has the tools which should increase from solid coaching to make him into a steady NFLer. Colby’s strength is something that is a great benefit as he often doesn’t lose the battle of muscle with his opponents. Improvements with his footwork and hand placement should be on the agenda early in camp and the preseason. In game action should improve his understanding of what he needs to improve upon.  

Round 6 – Pick 44 (218)

Ade Aruna (DE)

Prototypical size, speed, strength, and athletic ability makes Ade Aruna a no brainer to take a chance on late in the sixth round. Born in Nigeria much like some of his other brethren currently in the NFL, Ade had a late start in terms of playing football and perfecting his craft. Passing the eye test, Minnesota surly was drooling over the possibility to work with this young man. Aruna by far isn’t a polished prospect as of yet and will require much tutelage to refine his game. Showing good ability in penetrating offensive lineman in college allowed him to create 19 tackles for loss with generating 11 sacks and 3 forced fumbles, not too shabby. The mantra remains the same on players like these in which you can’t coach God given talent that Ade Aruna does possess. His game should improve in the coming years. 

Round 7 – Pick 7 (225)

Devante Downs (LB)

Finishing off their draft in the seventh round, the Vikings add Devante Downs, line backer from California. Downs suffered a draft stock tumble due to his injury last season which lost him games from October and beyond. Devante is an interesting player that could hold value as a backup or becoming a special teams player provided he can stay on the field. Having a nose for making tackles and producing turnovers when he did play is the encouraging aspect of his game. Injuries will be a major hurdle for Downs to overcome to remain on the roster. 

2018 Undrafted Free Agent Signings

Jeff Badet, WR, Oklahoma

Jake Wieneke, WR, South Dakota State

Mike Boone, RB, Cincinnati

Roc Thomas, RB, Jacksonville State

Garret Dooley, LB, Wisconsin

Korey Robertson, WR, Southern Mississippi

Holton Hill, CB, Texas

Kamryn Pettway, RB, Auburn

Tyler Hoppes, TE, Nebraska

Tray Matthews, DB, Auburn

Hercules Mata'afa, DT, Washington State

Trevon Mathis, CB, Toledo

Curtis Cothran, DT, Penn State

Armanti Foreman, WR, Texas

Chris Gonzalez, OL, San Jose State

Peter Pujals, QB, Holy Cross

Jonathan Wynn, DE, Vanderbilt